Pi

ecesont
hegr
ound
Season1
Ithinkthegr eatestmi stakeIev ermadewas
l
et t
inghim gett ome.Il ethi m undermyski n.I
l
etmy sel
fgounderhi m.Il ethi mi nsideofme.I
dontknowr eall
yIdon' t
.Whydi dIev enl ookhis
way ?Howcccoul dIletmy selffallforhim?I .
..
.I
l
ethi m havemet hewayhewant ed.Andnowhe
hasn'tcall
edme.Nohehasn' ttextedme.He
tookmynumber s.Het ookmyf lippinnumber s
and4day slatert hereisabsol utelynot hi
ng
from him.Whydon' tIev erlearn?Whydi dIlet
Tshegodr agmet ot hatst upidrest aurantor
puborl oungewhat evert hehel li
tis.Why ?Why
am Isonaï ve.Thi sbi t
chi ness!Wher edi dIgetit
from?Iam pr obabl ythedumbestper sonIknow
Andnow. .
.al
l If
eel hi
st ouch, hislipsonmy
skin..
hiswar mthbr eathagai nstmyneckand
theimageofhi sf acei nmymi nd. .
.
[
06/
14,
13:
30]W:
POTG
#1

Iwokeupt ot hesoundofr unningwater,Iwas

naked,myheel s, j
eans,body sui
t,l
acebraand
pantyonthef loor.Myhandbagonacouchr i
ght
atthecorner.Ther ewasnoonenextt ome.I
hadabangi ngheadache.Ir eachedforthe
bottl
eofwat eront hepedest alanddrankup.
Aftert
hatIputmycl othesonandmi nuteslater,
asIwasst rugglingtoputmyshoeon, t
hewat er
stoppedrunningandt hedooropen.Hehadj ust
thetowelwr appedar oundhi m.

"
Youneedhel
pwi
tht
hat
?"
Me:
NoI
..
..

Hewasalreadyonhi
sknee,
hel
pingmeputmy
shoeon.
Me:
that
'st
oot
ight
.

Heunf
ast
enedt
hest
ri
ngs.

"
Ist
hatbet
terMsKel
l
y?"
Me:
Iti
s.
"
Youhav
eanot
hernamebesi
desKel
l
y?"
Me:
Reabi
l
we.
"
That
'sabeaut
if
ulname"
Me:
Ipr
eferKel
l
y.
"
Youdon'
twantsomet
hingt
oeat
?"
Me:No.Ij
ustwantt
owashmyf
aceandgo
home.
"
Youst
il
lremembermyname?
"

Ipaused.Iwast
oodrunk.Iknowi
tst
art
edwi
th
a"M"thoughora"L"
Me:
Leon?

Hegi
ggl
ed.

"
Qui
tdr
inki
ng"
Me:
Iknowr
ight
.

Isai
dthatembar
rassed.

"
Musawenkosi
Leor
nadoMabasa"
Me:
Leor
nado?
Musa:
yes.
Me:
That
'sani
cename.
Musa:
soi
syour
smsRea.
Me:
Kel
l
y.
Musa:
Par
donme.Br
eakf
ast
?
Me:
Ireal
l
yneedt
ogohome.

Il
ookedatmywat ch.I
twas9:00.Chur
chhad
j
uststar
ted.Ohdamny ouTshego!

Musa:
I'
ll
takey
ouhome.
Me:
I'
ll
just
..
.
Musa:
I'
ll
takey
ouhome.

Hiswordwasf
inal
.Iwenttowashmyface,
ri
nsedMymouthandreachedformi
ntsassoon
asweleft
.

Musa:
youwor
k?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Wher
e?
Me:
Atacal
lcent
re.
Musa:
Whi
chcal
lcent
re?Underwhi
chcompany
?
Me:
J&Rmar
ket
ing.
Musa:
Youl
ooky
oung
Me:
I'
m 23
Musa:
youl
ook21
Me:
Wel
lI'
m 23
Musa:y
ouwanttowor
katacal
lcent
ref
ort
he
r
estofyourl
i
fe?

Hedr
ovear
eal
l
yni
cemer
c.2door
.

Me:
No.I
'
m st
udy
ingHR.Par
tti
me.
Musa:
How'
sthatgoi
ng?
Me:
Wel
l
.Doi
ngmysecondy
ear
.
Musa:
That
'sni
ce.I
'
llhi
rey
ou.
Me:
Whatdoy
oudo?

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
Youar
eacr
imi
nal
?

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
It'
sal
ongl
i
st.
Me:
We45mi
nut
esawayf
rom myhouse.
Musa: Iownaaudi tingcompany .Have3
restaurant
s..Thatchesanyamay ouwer eatlast
nightismine..Ihave3gy ms, asupermarket
withabaker y,2otherlounges,t
axis,
sharesin..
.
Me:
Okayst
op.
Musa:
Isi
ttool
ong?
Me:
Yesi
tis.I
t'
smaki
ngmyheadachewor
se.
Musa:
Iapol
ogi
ze.
Me:
SoIt
akei
tyouhav
eabcom degr
ee?
Musa:
Andanengi
neer
ingdegr
ee.
Me:
wow.Bespeci
fi
c.
Musa:
Mechani
cal
.
Me:
okayni
ce.
Musa:
thanky
ouMsKel
l
y.
Me:
justKel
l
ywi
l
lbef
ine.
Musa:
Younothungr
y?
Me:
Ijustr
eal
l
ywantt
ogohome.
Musa:
Pleasegi
vemey
ournumber
.

It
ookhi
sphoneandpunchedi
nmynumber
.

Me:
Howshoul
dIsav
eit
?ONS?
Musa:
ONS?
Me:
Oneni
ghtst
and.
Musa:
no.Reabi
l
wewi
l
lbef
ine

Isav
edt
hem.

Musa:i
tsreal
l
ynotembar
rassi
ngst
opst
ari
ng
outt
hewindow
Me:No.i
tsembarassi
ngthatIsl
eptwi
th
someoneIhar
dlyknow.
Musa:
Youknowmenow.
Me:
right
.
Musa:
Youhav
esomeone?
Me:
No.
Musa:
good.
Me:
good?
Musa:
Yes.Good.
Ikeptqui
et.

Me:
Cany
oudr
ivef
ast
er?
Musa:
Your
eal
l
ydon'
twant
..
.
Me:
Yes.Ihav
etogethomepl
ease!

Hedr
ovef
ast
erandIdi
rect
edhi
m.

Musa:
Youl
i
veher
e?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
ina4r
oomedhouse?
Me;It
senoughf
ormy
sel
f,mymum andmy
si
ster
.
Musa:
LookReabi
l
we.
..
Me:
No.Thanksf
ort
her
ide.
Itookmybagandbangedt hedoor .Ihear dhi m
say" ouch"butIdi dn'tev enlookback.Iwas
angr y.Iwasr eallyangr y
.Sowhati fIlivedi na4
room house?I twasni ce.Mymum hadmade
suret hatitwasr enov ated.Alumi num wi ndows,
fancydoor ,nicegat e,itwaspav ed, agr eatl awn
andgar denandwewer ehappy .Tshegoand
mum wer eatchur ch.ThatIknew.Thei rBi bles
wer en'tthere.AndTshegohadl ef tourbedr oom
i
namess, Iknewshehadmydr esson.My
sisterthough!Il ov edher !Lov edl ov edher !She
wasl ikemyt winsi sterjust2y ear sol dert han
me.Nochi ld!Ver ybubbl ybutal sost rict.I
cleanedt hehousei nlesst han30mi nut esand
wentt otakeabat hi nthebat hr oom out side.
Mum wasj ustl i
ket hat.Shehadbui lttwo
roomsandabat hroom out sidebutwoul dn't
hav eusl ivei nthem i nstead, shehadt urnedone
i
nt oast orer oom andt heot heri ntoal ounge.I t
hadcouches, aflatscr een,cof feet abl eand
musi csy stem i ni t
.Af terItookmybat h, I
cookedupsomet
hingr
eal
l
yfastf
orherand
wenttosl
eep.

"
Out
!Out
!"

If
eltwat
eronmybackandonmyf
eet
.

"
Outi
nthenameofJesus"

Hol
ywat
er!Yes.I
twasbei
ngspr
inkl
edal
lov
er
me.

"
Outdemon"

Me:
Mama!

Shest
opped.
Mum:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Me:
We.
.wewentout
.Wi
thTshegoma.

Shewasst
andi
ngnextt
oher
.

Mum:
Andshecameback.Wher
ewer
eyou?
Me:
Isl
eptov
eratBonga'
spl
ace.
Mum:
Bongawasatchur
chpl
ayi
ngt
hepi
ano.

OhCr
ap!

Me:
Okayma, Iwaswit
hacol
l
eaguewemetat
t
heplacewewentto.
Mum:
Kannet
e?
Me:
yesma.
Mum:
Sowhydi
dnty
oucomebackhome?
Me:Wegotcar
ri
edaway
,Itol
dTshegothatI
'
d
f
oll
owandweendedupinOtherpl
aces.
Mum:Youbet t
erpr
ayandaskt
heLor
dfor
f
orgi
veness.Youj
ustl
i
edtome.

Ikeptqui
et.

Mum:
I'
ll
prayf
ory
out
oo.

Shel
eftt
her
oom.

Me:
Mydr
ess?
Tshego:
itsni
ce.
.
Me:
Right
.
Tshego:
sowher
edi
dyougo?Iwasl
ooki
ngf
or
you.
Me:
Iwaswi
tht
heowneroft
hatpl
ace.

Shecl
osedt
hedoor
.

Tshego:
yousl
eptwi
thhi
m?

Mymout
hdr
opped

Tshego:
Reabi
l
weMmapasekaKel
l
yMol
efe!

Shesoundedpi
ssed

Me:
no
Tshego:
good
Me:
yesma'
am
Tshego:
Good.Youl
i
kehi
m?
Me:
he'
sar
rogant
..
Tshego:
Ishecut
e?
Me:
He'
sver
yhandsome.
Tshego:
youneedanoi
nti
ngoi
l
.

Welaughed.Wewentonforhour
sandhour
s
andLeornadodi
dn'
tcal
l
.Evenaft
er4day
s.

Tshego:
you'
vebeenst
ari
ngatt
hatphonesi
nce
youcamebackfr
om work.
Me:
Oh!I
'
mjust
..
.
Tshego:
wai
ti
ngf
orMusat
ocal
l
?

Inodded.

Tshego:
Ithi
nky
oui
ntoodeep.
Me:
sis?
Tshego:
Yeahwhat
'
swr
ong?
Me:
Promi
sey
ouwon'
tbemad?
Tshego:
Okay
..
..
Me:
I..
.Igav
eitupt
ohi
m.
Tshego:Yougav
ewha. .
.whatyougav
eupy
our
vi
rgi
nit
ytoaguyy oudon'tev
enknow?

Imov
edmyey
esf
rom herf
ace.

Tshego:
Wow!JustwowMapaseka.Youar
e
ver
ysmar t
!
[
06/
14,
13:
30]W:
POTG
#2

Shecoul
dbesoj
udgement
alatt
imes!

Tshego:
Didy
oupr
otect
?
Me:Yes.AndIt
ookthemorni
ngaf
terpi
l
ls
Pr
ett
ygav emethel
astt
ime.
Tshego:
thel
astt
ime?
Me:
Yeah.Justi
ncase.
Tshego:
Wer
enty
ousupposet
owai
t?
Me:
No.
Tshego:
Youwer
e.
Me:Look,Youcanwai
t.Real
l
yyoucan.Tshego
wai
tfortheri
ghtmant
ocome.
Tshego:
Reabi
l
wewhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Igott
empt
ed.Weal
ldo
Tshego:
Youwer
en'
tsupposet
o.
Me:Tshego,
ifyoucomfor
tablewit
hbeinga
vi
rgi
nattheageof25thenthat'
sokaygoodfor
you
Tshego:Wepr
omi
sedmum we'
dwai
tti
l
laf
ter
marri
age.
Me:
promi
sesbr
eak.
Tshego:
Re.
..

Itookmyphoneandst or
medout.Iwasangr y
atmy sel
fto.nonotforlosi
ngmyv ir
gini
ty
befor
emar ri
agebutsleepi
ngwithsomeoneI
di
dn'tevenknow.Ist
oodatt hegateforabout3
minsandat extcamein.

"
Comet
othekot
acaf
é,canseey
oust
ressed"

ItwasBonga.Mybest fr
iend.Guyfri
end.We
werequit
eclose.Ihadt wof ri
ends.El
la,the
chil
dhoodbestf
riendandBonga, t
hechildhood
bestf
ri
endaswel l.HeandEl laonlygotalong
formysake.Hewasv erysmart,v
eryint
el l
igent
.
Studyi
ngElect
ri
cal engineeri
ngandapl ay er.He
wassuchaf uckboy !Luckil
y,hehadnochi l
d.I
walkedtothekotacaf é
Bonga:
Youwantsomet
hing?
Me:
not
hank.
..
Bonga:
leSt
eakRol
lMmeFr
anci
na.
Me:
Wow.
Bonga:
youl
ookhungr
y.
Me:
Ial
way
slookhungr
ytoy
ou.
Bonga:
Yout
oot
hin.

Il
aughed.

Me:
NoI
'
m not
.
Bonga:
yesy
ouar
e.
Me:
:
I'
m a32
Bonga:
Mypoi
ntexact
ly.
Me:
Youcr
azy
.
Bonga:
Right
?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
How'
sschool
?

Hewasdoinghisfi
nal
year
.Hest
art
edat
uni
ver
sit
yattheageof20.

Bonga:
It'
sokayy
ou?Wor
k?
Me:
All
good.
Bonga:
copi
ng?
Me:
Iam.
Bonga:
sti
l
lWantt
ochangey
ourcour
se?
Me:
Nah.I
'
m enj
oyi
ngi
t.
Bonga:
You'
l
lber
oll
i
ngi
nit
.
Me:
Yout
hink?

Henodded.

Me:
Iguess.
Bonga:
what
'swr
ongAbi
l
we?

Hel
i
kedcal
l
ingmet
hat
.

Me:
Not
hing.
Bonga:
Dontl
i
etome.
Me:
Not
hing.
Bonga:
Hey
!

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:
let
sgetourgoodf
ir
st
Bonga:
Mustbeser
ious.
Me:
Iti
s.
Bonga:
yougotpr
ayedf
oronSunday
?

Il
aughed.

Me:
andanoi
nted
Bonga:
hol
ywat
er?
Me:
Yep!

Webot
hlaughed.

Bonga:
MrsMol
efeNe?
Me:
Onl
ydadcoul
dhandl
eher
.
Bonga:
Youmi
sshi
m don'
tyou?
Me;
Alot
.

Myf ather !Wow...

av eryst
rongman!Hel oved
mymot herdearl
y.Andusbutobv i
ouslyloved
mum mor e.Theywer ebestfr
iends.Howmum
survi
v edsol ongwi t
houthim shocksme.Dad
passedonwhenIwas16.I nacaracci dent.A
speedi ngcarlostcont r
olandmyf atherdied
ri
ghtt hereandt hen.Hewasani ncredibleman!
Andsi ncet hen..
.Mum gotmor edev otedto
Church.She' soneoft hepreacher sbyt heway
soIt hinky ouknowunder standwhyIwas
anointed.Andwhyshewascast ingoutdemons.

Bonga;
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
itsokay
.
Bonga;
So.
..

Wegotourf
oodAndwentt
ochi
l
linhi
sroom.
Hi
smot
herador
edme
MrsMthombeni.Bonga'
sfamilywaswel
lof
f
andt
heywer
ev erynicepeopl
e.

Me:
Wher
e'sy
ourmum?
Bonga:
Shoppi
ng.
.
Me:
sol
i
keher
.
Bonga:
sowhat
'sup?

It
ookanot
herdeepbr
eat
h..

Me:
Ilosti
t.
Bonga:
Yourphone?
Me:
Don'
tbest
upi
d
Bonga:
younotbei
ngspeci
fi
c.
Me:
Myv
irgi
nit
y.
Hi
smout
hhungopenandhi
sey
espoppedout
.

Bonga:
Whatt
he.
..
youdead
Me:
No!
Bonga:
towho?
Me:
Idon'
tknowhi
m.
Bonga:
Yousl
eptwi
thast
ranger
?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
Why
?
Me:
ItJusthappened!
Bonga:
don'
tshout
.

Il
ower
edmyv
oice.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Bonga:
didy
ouguy
spr
otect
?
Me:
yes
Bonga:
Anyot
herpr
ec.
..
Me:
Yes!

Hel
ookedatme.Conf
used.

Bonga:
Sowhyy
oust
ressed?
Me:
Hehasn'
tcal
l
ed.
Bonga:
That
'sal
lyouwor
ri
edabout
?
Me:
Yes!
.
Bonga:
I'
dbewor
ri
edaboutmum i
fIwer
eyou.
Me:
Icanhandl
eher
.
Bonga:
Ihopeso.
Me:
Yessi
r.
Bonga:
he'
l
lcal
l
Me:
Ihopeso.
Bonga:
Youf
ell
forhi
mri
ght
?

It
ri
edt
omov
emyey
esf
rom hi
m.

Bonga:
Rea!
Me:
Iknow!
Bonga:
Youdo?
Me:
yes.
Bonga:
Itscr
azy
.

Igav
ehi
m asar
cast
icl
ook.

Me:
let
'sj
usteat
.
Bonga:
Okay
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Bonga:
Wher
e'sEl
l
a?
Me:
Wit
hMoses.
Bonga:
sher
eal
l
ylov
est
hati
diothey
?
Me:
he'
sNotani
diot
.
Bonga:
hei
s.
Me:Shutup!At
leasthel
ovesher
.Andat
least
he'
sadecentguy.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Bonga:
Ouch!
Me:
eina!

Wef
ini
shedeat
ingandhewal
kedmehome.

Bonga:
lat
er?
Me:
yep.
Bonga:
sweet
.

Ihuggedhi
m andwenti
nsi
de.Tshegowas
cooki
ng.

Me:
Heysi
s.
Tshego:
Hel
l
o.

If
eltbad.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Tshego:
Youwer
ever
yrude.
Me:
AndIapol
ogi
ze.
Tshego:
Don'
tyouev
ert
alkt
omel
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.I
'
mjustsost
ressed.
Tshego:yeahandIgetthatbutpl
ease.
..We
di
dn'tt
ell
y out
odoallthat.
Me:
Iknow.
Tshego:
I'
mjustdi
sappoi
nted.
.
Me:
It'
sli
fe.
Tshego:
He'
l
lcal
l
.Cl
ear
lyy
oul
ovehi
m.
Me:
Ihav
eagoodf
eel
i
ngabouthi
m.
Tshego:
ohoh.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
needhel
p?
Tshego:
Nahsi
tdown.

"
Tshego.
.Reabi
l
we"
I
twasmum.Iranoutt
ohel
pherwi
tht
he
gr
ocer
ybags.

Mum:
howwaswor
k?
Me:
itwasFi
ne.
.
Mum: y
oudon'
thav
etoworkther
e.Yourdad
l
efty
ouenoughmoneyf
orschool
..
Me:
Ilov
ewor
kingt
her
ema.
Mum:
clear
ly.Hel
l
oFat
so.
Tshego:
hel
l
oma.
Mum:
hel
pmepackt
hese.
Me:
Yesma'
am.

Idi
d.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we?
Me:
ma?
Mum:
Tel
lme.
..
Me:
Yesma'
am?
Mum: af
teryourdi
sappeari
ngactonSat
urday
andSunday.Areyousti
llavi
rgi
n?

Il
ookedatTshegoandshebl
inkedt
wice.That
wasourwayofcommunicati
ng.

Me:
Yes.YesIam ma.
Mum:
Good.CozIbumpedi
ntoMav
is
Me:
Thenur
se?
Mum:
Yes.
Me:
okay
.
Mum: Iwanty
oukidst
ol i
veaccor
dingtothe
greatbooksoIaskedtosetupav ir
gini
tyt
est
appointmentfory
ouatthathospi
tal
.
[
06/
14,
13:
30]W:
POTG
#3

Iswal
l
owedhar
dsoshecoul
dn'
tsee.

Mum:
okay
?
Me:
Okaybutt
her
e'snoneedt
o..
.
Mum: nextweekWednesdayorThur
sday
.
That
'swheny ouof
f.

Mymum f r
eakedmeout
.Real
l
y.Shewasso
st
ri
ct!Sosostri
ct.

Mum:
fini
shup.I
'
m goi
ngt
otakeabat
h.
Me:
yesma'
am.

Shewentt
oputherhandbagi
nthebedr
oom
andwentt
othebathr
oom..
Me:
Sheknows
Tshego:
Noshedoesn'
t.
Me:
Shedoes.
Tshego:
rel
ax.
Me:
I'
m gont
ell
herI
'
m wor
kingont
hatday
.
Tshego:
hav
eyoumety
ourmot
her
?
Me:
OhmyGod!I
'
m 23f
orheav
en'
ssake.

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
AndI
'
m 25buty
ouknowhowshe
tr
eatsme.
Me:
Mum wasn'
tl
iket
his!Whatchangedher
?
Tshego:
Don'
tactst
upi
d.Youknow.Deat
h.
Icl
enchedmyt
eet
h.

Tshego:
Itwon'
tgett
her
e.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknow?
Tshego:
I'
vegoty
ourback.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Tshego:
forr
eal
.
Me:
ThanksSi
s.
Tshego:
Pleasur
e.

"
Hel
l
other
e!"

Me:
HeyEl
l
a.
El
l
a:Heyheyf
ri
end.HeyTshego.
.
Tshego:
Heybabe.
El
l
a:wantt
otakeawal
ktot
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
onf
or
somebi
l
tong?
Me:
Yeahsur
e.Letmej
ust
.
Tshego:
Nol
eav
eit
.I'
l
lpackev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:
Thankssi
s
El
l
a:t
hanksTshego.

Iwentoutagai
n.

El
l
a:Di
dIdosomet
hing?
Me:
No.
El
l
a:Youl
ook.
..
Me:
RememberwhatIt
oldy
ou
El
l
a:About
?
Me:
theguyIsl
eptwi
th.
El
l
a:Ni
ceguy
?
Me:
Yes.
El
l
a:hashecal
l
ed?
Me:
Nope.
El
l
a:Bast
ard.
Me:
Nev
ermi
ndt
hat
.
El
l
a:what
'swr
ong?
Me:
mum.
El
l
a:Mum?
Me:
Yep.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.Sheknewi
twas
comi
ng.

Me:ShespoketoMmeMav
is.Shewant
smet
o
hav
ev i
rgi
nit
ytest
.
El
l
a:What
?
Me:
Imagi
ne.
El
l
a:y
ou23.
Me:
Yout
hinkshecar
es?

Shet
ookanot
herdeepbr
eat
h.

El
l
a:whatnow?
Me:
Idontknow.
El
l
a:Ohdearf
ri
end.
Me:
Tshegowi
l
lhav
etocomeupwi
thapl
an.
.
El
l
a:Butl
ewenaReat
hough.
Me:
Don'
tj
udge.
El
l
a:I
m not

Ell
a?Ellawast heupti
ghtone.Didn'
tdrink,di
dn'
t
part
y,shej ustdi
dn'
t.Shewast hest
rictfri
end.I
thi
nkthat'swhyBongadi dn'
tli
kehermuch.But
Iunderstoodher.Andsodi dherboyf
r i
end
Moses.Shewasy ourtypi
cal"IdowhatIknow"
chick.Notadventur
ouswhileBongaandIwoul
d
disappearfr
om ThursdaytoSatur
day.Makeup
stori
esandwoul dn'
tgetcaught
.Welltomy
mum especiall
y.

Me:
then?
El
l
a:It
houghty
ouwant
edt
owai
t
Me:
no.
El
l
a:Wow.
Me:
Youmar
ri
edy
ouwoul
dn'
tunder
stand
El
l
a:No.Hej
ustpai
dlobol
aforme.
Me:
That
'st
hef
ir
stst
ep.

Tol
dyou!Shedi
dn'
tcomei
ntot
hiswor
ldt
opl
ay.

Me:
yout
wor
eal
l
ywantt
ogetmar
ri
ednow?
El
l
a:wel
oveeachot
her
.
Me:
Youar
e23El
l
a.
El
l
a:Soar
eyou!I
tst
heper
fectage.
Me:
Okay

Idi
dn'
twantt
oar
guewi
thher
.Real
l
y.

El
la:Wegoi
ngt
othemagi
str
atecour
tin2
weeks.
Me:
Oh?
El
l
a:Cany
oubemywi
tness?
Me:
depends.
El
l
a:On?
Me:
WhatdayI
'
m notwor
king
El
l
a:Oht
rustmey
ouwon'
tbewor
king.
Me:
Okaynopr
obl
em t
hen
El
l
a:ThanksFr
iend.
Me:
weddi
ng?
El
l
a:nah.
Me:
"nah?
"
El
l
a:Wast
eofmoney
.
Me:
wast
eofmoney
?
Ell
a:We'l
lj
usthav
etheexchangeofgi
ft
s
ceremony.
Me:
Okay
El
l
a:Andl
unch.

Il
aughed.
Me:
Youj
usthadt
o.
El
l
a:Iknowy
oul
ovef
ood
Me:
AndI
'
llbet
her
e.
El
l
a:Iknowt
hatt
oo.
Wegotourbi
l
tong.

"
Rea"

It
urned.I
twasmycousi
nTshepo.

Me:
Saywhat
!

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Youwor
kher
enow?
Tshepo:
Hol
dup.

Hef
ini
shedwi
pingt
hecust
omer
'swi
ndscr
een.

El
l
a:That
'soneper
sonIdon'
tunder
stand.
Me:
he'
scr
azy
.
El
l
a:Ri
ght
!Letmel
oveandl
eav
eyou.
Me:
Comeon.
El
l
a:I
'
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
.
Me:
Okay
.

SheandTshepohadabitofhi
stor
y.Shewalked
offandIwai
tedf
orthecr
azyonetofini
sh.

Tshepo:
CuzCuz.
Me:
HeyCuz.
Tshepo:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.Youwor
kher
enow?
Tshepo:
Yes.Iqui
tatt
hatpl
ace
Me:
Why
?
Tshepo:Icannowwalkt
owork.Yousee?Thi
s
fi
l
li
ngstationi
s15minut
esaway.
Igi
ggl
ed.

Me: Tshepo, youhaveabusi

ness
admi nist
rat
iondegree,y
ouhavewor
k
experience,andnowy ouher
e?
Tshepo:
Iwantt
ost
udyI
T.
Me:
Iknow.
Tshepo:
AndIqui
tatt
hatcompanycozIwas
earni
ngalot
.

Il
ookedathi
m conf
used.

Me:Iknowthat.That
'showy
ouboughty
ourcar
andyourhouse.
Tshepo:
Yes.Andt
hat
'sal
lpai
dof
f.
Me:
sowhydi
dyouqui
t?
Tshepo:
thosebabymamaswant
edal
otof
money.

Il
aughed.Yes.Meetmycousi
n!Smar
tyet
dumb!

Me:
Soy
oudeci
dedt
oqui
t.
Tshepo:
theycan'
tdemandalotnow.R350f
or
eachchi
ldpl
usgrantmoney
.
Me:
Theyhav
etogot
ocr
eche.
Tshepo:
That
'swhatt
heR350i
sfor
.
Me:
Food?Cl
othes?
Tshepo:Rea,
Im smartandy
ouknowImake
thi
ngshappen.Yousee,mewor
kingher
ewi
ll
makethosebabymamaswanttowork.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Tshepo:
Ihav
emyway
s.
Me:
Okayt
hen?
Tshepo:
thenIgobackt
otheof
fi
cesaf
tert
hey
work.
Me:
Andi
ftheyqui
t?
Tshepo:
Iqui
ttoo.

Il
aughed.

Tshepo:
Theyneedt
olear
ntonotdependona
man.
Me:
wow!How'
smyuncl
edoi
ng?
Tshepo:
He'
sokay
.
Me:
Bri
ngt
heki
dsov
ersomet
ime.
Tshepo:
Younev
eronni
ghtdut
y?
Me:no.Nev
er!Iwor
kforamar
ket
ingcompany
nott
he911.
Tshepo:
okayf
ine!Tel
lKgadi
I'
ll
Comeseeher
.
Me:
Okay
.By
eCuz
.
Tshepo:
Take.

Hegav
emeR200.

Me:
Shoul
dn'
tthi
scont
ri
but
e..
..
Tshepo:
buyl
unch.Orai
rt
ime.What
ever
!

Il
aughed.

Me:
thanksCuz.
Tshepo:
Goonhomenow.
Me:
Yessi
r.

Idi
djustt
hat
.Wehaddi
nner,Iwashedt
he
di
shesandwentt
obat
hafterTshegodi
d.
Me:
And?
Tshego;
AndI
'
m wor
kingoni
t.
Me:
Eng?
Tshego:
I'
vegoty
ou.
Me:
Okay
.
Tshego:
Dontwor
ry
Me:Okaysi
s.Whatpuzzl
esmeisthefactt
hat
shehadnoprobl
em wi
thmedisappear
ing
bef
ore.
Tshego:
Becauseyoudi
sappear
edwi
thBonga
andshetrust
shi
m.
Me:
IGuessso.

Wechangedt het opi

c..Tshegowasv er
y
dramati
c.Il
istenedtoallhercrazyst
ori
esand
wesleptataround23:00.Atar ound2am,my
phonevibr
atedundermypi l
low.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
"
Im out
side"
Me:
who'
sthi
s?
"
Musa.
..
stepout
sidepl
ease"
[
06/
14,
13:
31]W:
POTG
#4

Me:
Arey
oucr
azy
?
Musa:
Justst
epout
.
Me:
Fine

Ihungup.Tshegowasf astasleep,
shehadher
setsonandsomegospel t
rackwaspl aying.I
knewshewoul dn'
thearme.Isl owl
ygotoutof
bed.Wor emygown,tookmysl i
ponsand
unlockedthedoorsl
owlyandthebur glargate.I
woremyshoesonceIwasout sideandreached
forThemintIhadsli
ppedi
ntomygown' s
pocket
.Hewaspar kedout
side.Yep!Ina
dif
fer
entcar.SomeSUV.Heunl ockedthedoors
assoonashesawmeandIqui cklywenti
n.

Me:
Arey
oucr
azy
?

Hel
aughed.

Me:
Itsnotaj
oke.
Musa:
MsKel
l
y.
Me:
Kel
l
y!
Musa:
Howdoy
oudoma'
am?
Me:
Ser
iousl
y?
Musa:
Thosear
ever
ysexyPJs.
Me:
whyar
eyouher
e?
Icl
osedmyr
obe.

Musa:
toseey
ou.
Me:
at2am?
Musa:
Yes
Me:
Gobackhome.
Musa:
I'
m al
readyher
e.

Iwashappyt
oseehi
m.Att
hesamet
imeIwas
angr
yathim.

Me:
Yougotwhaty
ouwant
eddi
dn'
tyou?
Musa:
GotwhatIwant
ed?
Me:
Tohav
esexwi
thme.
Musa:
Idi
dnthav
esexwi
thy
ou.Imadel
ovet
o
you
Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Sot
ell
me.
..Why
?
Me:
Why
?Whywhat
?
Musa:
Okay
..
.whydi
dyouwai
tsol
ong?
Me:
CozIhadt
o.
Musa:
Hadt
o?
Me:
Mymum i
sa.
..
Musa:
dev
otedChr
ist
ian?

Inodded

Musa:
Youbr
okey
ourpr
omi
se.
Me:
Right
.Tel
lmesomet
hingIdontknow.
Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Itsdone.CanIgobackt
obednow?
Musa:
I'
m her
etoseey
ou.
Me: No.Youcal
lmeafter5day
sandy
ou
expectthi
ngstobeokay?
Musa:
LookBi
l
weI
'
m sor
ry.

Nohedi
dn'
t.Onl
ymydadcal
l
edme"
Bil
we"he
wassocal
m.

Me:
What
'sy
ourexcuse?
Musa:
Iwasoutoft
hecount
ry.
Me:
Lies.
Musa:
Iswear
.

Het
ookouthi
spasspor
t

Musa:
Ther
e
Me:
Youl
eftaf
tery
oudr
oppedmeof
f?
Musa:
Yes
Me:
Butst
il
l.
..
Musa:
Butst
il
l?
Me:
Youwer
einDubai
.Ibel
i
evet
hey
..
.
Musa:
Okay
.I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Youf
orgi
veme?
Me:
Musapl
easej
ustl
eav
e.

Ireachedf
ort
hehandl
eandhel
ockedt
he
doors.

Me:
comeon.
Musa:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
no.
Musa:
please.Justaf
ewmor
emi
nut
es.
Me:
no.
.
Musa:
Rea.
..

Hi
stonewascommandi
ng

Me:
fine!
Musa:
Yougoi
ngt
owor
k?
Me:
Yes.
Musa: Howcomey
ouonl
ydoi
ngy
oursecond
yearnow?
Me: Let'
ssee..
.Ist
udi
edfi
nanci
al management
for2y ear
s,droppedouti
nmyl astaf
terI
reali
zedIdidn'
twanttostudyt
hatandnowI '
m
doingHR.
Musa:
Yougoi
ngt
odr
opout
?
Me:
no.
Musa:
Good.
Me:
Right
.
Musa:
CanIt
akey
ououtf
ordi
nner
?

Il
ookedathi
m.Thi
sguy
!

Me:
I'
ll
bebusy
.
Musa:
Okayt
omor
row?
Me:
No.
Musa:
Why?It
sFridayt
omor
row.Youdonthav
e
t
oworkonSatur
day.
Me:I
'
m worki
ngt
il
l13:
00onSat
urday
.AndI
'
ll
bet
ir
edtogoout
Musa:
Real
l
y?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
What
'swr
ongkant
i?
Me:
fine!I
'
llgooutwi
thy
out
oni
ght
.Justopen
t
hedamndoor
!

Headj
ust
edmyseatandIwassuddenl
yfaci
ng
up.
It
ri
edt
ogetupbuthewasal
readyont
ome.
.

Me:
Musagetof
fme.

Heki
ssedmyneck.

Musa:
Why
?
Me:
CozIsai
dso.
Musa:
doy
ou.
..

Heki
ssedmyneckagai
n.
Musa:
Wantmet
o?

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Lor
dfor
giv
eme!

Isai
dthatundermybr
eat
h.Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
Iguesst
hat
'sano?
Me:
Goon.

Hedi d.Hewassogent leyetIcouldhardly

breathe.Hishandsweresosof tandheknew
exactlyhowt ohandleme.Myhandpr intswere
onhi swindowsandmybr eathingrat
ewasv er
y
fast.Thegrindi
nginandoutwentonf orwhat
seemedt obe25mi nut
esandhest opped.
Musa:
CanIt
akey
out
omyhouse?
Me:
No.Cany
ougetof
fofme?

If
inal
l
ysai
daf
terIcaughtmybr
eat
h.Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
Youont
hepi
l
l?
Me:
That
'sast
upi
dquest
ion.
Musa:
Okay
.Her
e.

Hegav
emeR200

Me:
Andt
his?
Musa:
Mor
ningaf
ter
.
Me:
Icanaf
for
dthose.
Musa:
CanIpl
easet
akey
out
othedoct
or?
Me:
Forwhat
?Cont
racept
ion?
Musa:
Yes
Me:
I'
ll
got
omyown!
Musa:
Letmeat
leastpayf
ori
t?

Iputmyshor
tson.

Me:
Whyy
ousoeagert
ohav
emeont
hat
?
Musa:CozIdontthi
nkwer eadyforachi
ld.
Especi
all
yyou.AndI
'm st
il
lgett
ingtoknowy ou.
Me:
Youwentabouti
tthewr
ongway
.
Musa:
Iknow.AndI
'
mfi
xi
ngt
hat
.
Me:
Byt
aki
ngmeout
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Youbet
terkeepy
ourhandst
oyour
sel
flat
er.
Musa:
Iwi
l
l.
Me:
unl
ockt
hedoor
.
Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
Musa.unl
ockt
hedoor
Musa:
Okay
.

Hedi
d.

Me:
Bye
Musa:
Okayby
e.
Me:
Don'
tyouev
erdot
hisagai
n!
Musa:
makel
ovet
oyoui
nthecar
?
Me:
Idon'
tmi
ndt
hat
.Thatwasni
ce.
Musa:
Iknow
Me:
Justst
opcomi
ngher
eat2am.

Hechuckl
ed.
Musa:
I'
ll
try
.
Me:
Bye.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Right
.

Iclosedthedoorandsnucki nagai
n.Icoul
dn'
t
sl
eepaf terthat
.Whenmyal arm wentof
fat
5:30,Iwentt obathandImadelunchfor
everyone.Somet hi
ngTshegodoes.Iwas
hummi ng" whodoy outel
l
".

Mum:
Youi
nagoodmood.
Me:
Mor
ningma.Yourl
unchboxi
sready
.
Mum:
Thanky
ou.
Tshego:
What
'swi
thy
ou?
Me:
Itsabeaut
if
ulday
.Ineedt
ogonow.Bonga
i
sgi
vi
ngmeal
i
ft.I
'
llbebackabi
tlat
etoni
ght
.
Mum:
Why
?
Me:
I'
mfi
l
li
ngi
nforPr
ett
y
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:
Lov
eyou.

IgotmyhandbagandBongahoot edaf ew
minut
eslat
er.
.Hedr ov
emet owor k,
Igotthe
pi
ll
swhenIwentf ormylunchbreakandafter
17:
00,Iwenttofr
eshenupinthebathroom,
Musacamet ofet
chme30mi nutesl
ater.

Musa:
Youl
ookt
hisni
cewheny
ougot
owor
k.
Me:
Younev
erknowwhoy
oumi
ghtmeet
.

Hel
aughed.
Musa:
Hel
l
oBeaut
if
ul.
Me:
HiMusa.
Musa:
No"Handsome?"
Me:
No.YouhadagooddayMusa?

Hesmi
l
ed.Hehadabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.

Musa:
YesIdi
dMsKel
l
y.
Me:
Good.
Musa:
I'
m gonhav
eagr
eatev
eni
ng.
Me:
Yes.Keepi
ngy
ourhandst
oyour
sel
f.
Musa:
yes.Ienj
oyy
ourcompany
.
Me:
Iknow.
.I
'
m gr
eatcompany
.
Musa:
Wenotmodestar
ewe?
Me:Ilear
ntt
hatf
rom someguyImeton
Sat
urday
Wehadaveryni
ceev
eni
ngandatar
ound20:
30,
hedr
oppedmeoff

Musa:
I'
ll
cal
lyouev
enIgethome.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Bye.
Me:
Bye.

Weki
ssedandIwenti
nsi
de.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we!Reabi
l
we!
Me:
ma?
Mum:
Whathasgot
teni
ntoy
ou?
Me:
Ma,
Itol
dyouI
'
dbel
ate.
Mum:
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hat
!
Shewasspi
tt
ingf
ir
e!

Mum:Heywena!MaMohajanesawyougett
ing
i
ntoacart
hismorni
ngat2am whenthei
rst
aff
busdr
oppedheroff
.
Tshego:
Isshesur
eaboutt
his?
Mum:Ofcour
seshei
s!Myf
ri
endwoul
dn'
tl
iet
o
me!

Thi
sMaMohaj
anewasapreachert
oo.
.l
ike
mum.HowIhat
edhergut
s!

Mum:
Whosecarwasi
t?Anddon'
tyoudar
eli
e
t
ome!Who'
sthi
smanmakingyousi
nli
kethi
s?
[
06/
14,
13:
31]W:
POTG
#5
Me:
Nna?Me?
Mum:
Yesy
ou
Me:
Shesawt
hewr
ongper
son.
Mum:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
letmegoconf
ronther
!
Mum:
Youwi
l
ldonosuch
Me:
tel
lhert
ost
opl
yi
ngt
henma!
Mum:
Whywoul
dshel
i
e?
Me:askher
!Sheliedaboutmegoi
ngoutwi
th
t
hatguytothatpart
yremember
?
Tshego:shehasapointma.AndwhenReawas
atTshepo's.Ev
enuncl
eJomoconfi
rmedit
.
Me:
ThanksSi
s.
Mum:
may
beshesawt
hewr
ongper
son.
Me:Maybeshe'
slosi
ngherey
esi
ght
.Shei
s
get
ti
ngold
Shel
ookedatme.

Mum:
fine.Idi
dn'
tmaket
hatappoi
ntment
Me:
whatappoi
ntment
?
Mum:
yourv
irgi
nit
ytestappoi
ntment
Me:
Cozy
oudi
dn'
thav
etoma.
Mum:
youbet
ternotdot
hingst
hatar
en'
tri
ght
.

Inodded.Iwasr
eli
eved!

Mum:
Youbr
oughtussupper
?
Me;
Yes.

Igav
ethem t
hebag.
Mum:
Thi
slooksni
ce
Tshego:
ver
y.
Mum:
andexpensi
ve
Me:
Ma,
itsnot
hingIcan'
taf
for
d.

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
Excuseme.

Iwentout
.

Me:
youhome?
Musa:
Yesma'
am.
Me:
Thatwasqui
ck.
Musa:
Iknow.
Me:
Youwer
espeedi
ng?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Then?
Musa:
Ili
vei
nWat
erf
all
.
Me:
ohnowonder
.
Musa:
ohy
eswonder
.Youokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Musa:
Ireal
l
yenj
oyedy
ourcompany
.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngnextweekend?
Me:
goi
ngt
owal
k.
Musa:
Youcan'
tcal
li
nsi
ck?
Me:
no.
Musa:
Youcan'
tswapwi
thsomeone?
Me:
No.
Musa:
please.
Me:
Why
?
Musa:
Weekendaway
.
Me;
youwer
eawayf
orf
ourday
s.
Musa:
Iwasn'
twi
thy
ou.
Me:
Look,
I'
ll
askSat
urdayof
f.
Musa:
Thi
sSat
urday
?
Me:
Yes.Asi
ndayaf
tert
omor
row!

"
Abi
l
we!
"

Me:
Hey
!Justt
womi
nut
es.

I
twasBonga.

Musa:
who'
sthatguy
?
Me:
Myf
ri
end.LookI
'
llcal
lyouback.
Musa:
Reabi
l
wewest
il
ltal
ki
ng.
Me;
I'
ll
cal
lyouback.

Ihungupandwentt
oBonga.

Me:
hey
!
Bonga:
heyhey
.
Me:
Youokay
?
Bonga:
I'
mfi
ne.Justwor
ri
edabouty
ou.
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Bonga:
Yousur
e?
Me:
yep.
Bonga:
hasBr
eakercal
l
ed?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Hisnamei
sMusa.
Bonga:
Sor
ry.
Me:
yeshecal
l
ed.
Bonga:
youev
engl
owi
ng.
Me:
NoI
'
m not
.

Myphoner
angagai
n.Ir
eject
edt
hecal
l
.

Bonga:
Andt
hen?
Me:
I'
m st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Bonga:
wel
lat
leastI
'
m st
il
li
mpor
tant
..
Me:
Rideordi
e.
Bonga:
ofcour
se.

Fi
stbump!

Bonga:
seey
out
omor
rowmor
ning?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
lov
eyoungwana.
Me:
lov
eyout
oont
wana.

Hewal
kedof
fandIcal
l
edMusa

Musa:
hi.
Me:
youwer
esay
ing?
Musa:
whowast
hat
?
Me:
myguyf
ri
end.
Musa:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thguyf
ri
ends?
Me:
Thesamet
hingy
oudoi
ngwi
thy
our
s.

Hepaused.

Musa:
you.
..
youhav
eal
ltheanswer
sto
ev
ery
thi
ngdon'
tyou?
Me:
wel
lyoudi
daskaquest
ion.
Musa:
wher
edoy
ouwantt
ogo?
Me:
Youcameupwi
tht
hisi
dea.
Musa:
Hav
eyourpasspor
t?
Me:
Yes
Musa:
Zanzi
bar
?
Me:
what
?
Musa;
I'
ll
bookusanear
lyf
li
ght
.
Me:
yousur
eyou'
l
lgetone?
Musa:
Imaket
hingshappen.
.cal
li
nsi
ck
t
omorrowmor
ning.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
pleasest
artpacki
ng.
Me:
okay
!
Musa:
lat
er.
Me:
Bye.

Ihungupandwentbacki
ntot
hehouse

Mum:
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngout
side?
Me:
rememberPr
ett
yma?
Mum:
Yesy
ourni
cef
ri
end?
Me:Yes.She'
sgoingtoNort
hWestforher
uncl
e'
sfuneral
.Shecouldr
eall
yusemysuppor
t.
Theywerequir
eclose.
Mum:
Whyi
ssheonl
yleav
ingnow?
Me:
Theyr
efusedt
ogi
veherday
sof
fatwor
k.
Mum:
youcango.She'
syourf
ri
end.
Me:
Thanksma.

Wel
lIwasn'
tenti
rel
yly
ing.Pr
ett
ywasi
ndeedin
Nor
thWest.Heruncl
ehadpassedonf
rom a
sever
eheadachebutshehadl
eftonTuesday
.
That'
stheonl
yli
eItol
d!OhandthatI
'
m going
wit
hher.

Mum:
packwar
m cl
othes.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Mum:
Okaybaby
.

Iwentt
othebedr
oom andstar
tedpacki
ng.I
qui
ckl
ypackedmypasspor
t.

Tshego:
wer
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
onor
thwest
?

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
Tshego.
Tshego:
Thet
rut
h.
Me:no.I'
m not.Thanksforconv
inci
ngmum t
o
notgothroughwiththattest
.
Tshego:
Itol
dyounott
ost
ress.
Me:
Thankssi
s
Tshego:
wher
eto?
Me:
keepi
ttoy
our
sel
fpl
ease.
Tshego:
Okay
.
Me:
Zanzi
bar
.
Tshego:
what
?
Me:
yes.
Tshego:
Wit
hwho?
Me:
Obv
ious.
Tshego:
Mapaseka!
Me:
ItsJustsomeal
onet
ime.
Tshego:
Reay
ouget
ti
ngaddi
ctedt
ohi
m.
Me:no.Ij
ustl
ovehiscompany
.I'
l
lbebackon
MondayorTuesday
.
Tshego:
wor
k?
Me:
I'
ll
getadoct
or'
snot
e.

Atextcamethrough."
Ourf
li
ghtl
eav
esat11:
30,
I
'
llpi
cky ouupat9:00sowecanhavebr
eakf
ast
f
ir
st.Loveyou"

Tshego:
Ihopey
ouknowwhaty
oudoi
ng.
Me:
Ido.

Ipackedal
lthatIhadto.Tookabat handslept
.
Theywenttowor kbefor
emeandat8: 00,
Iwent
toourfamil
ydoctorforcont
racepti
on.Iwas
l
uckythatIwasfirsti
nli
ne.At9:00,Musacame
tofet
chme.

Musa:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Iti
sjustshor
tsandashi
rt
.
Musa:
Youl
ookr
eal
l
yni
ce.
Me:
Okayt
hanks.
Musa:
that
'sal
li
ttakes.

Webeatthetr
aff
icandhadbreakfast
.Wewere
l
aughingmostoftheti
me.Hewasi nshor
tst
oo.
Andav er
yni
cegolfteeandshoes.Hehadabig
watchonandhehadt r
immedhisbeard.

Musa:
let
sgo.

Hepai
dupandwewentt
ocat
chourf
li
ght
.

Me:
howdi
dyougett
hesesoqui
ck?
Musa:
Connect
ion.
Me:
mm
Musa:
I'
m not
hug.
Me;
right
.

Af
teraf
ewbutseemedv
eeeer
ylongwear
ri
ved.

Me:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul!
Musa:
li
key
ou.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
okayy
oucanst
opbei
ngcheesy
.
Musa:
Comeher
e.

Idi
dn'
t.

Musa:
Please
Iwentupt
ohi
m,het
ookmyhand

Musa:
YoumakeMyadr
enal
i
ner
ush.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Stopi
t!
Musa:
I'
m notbei
ngcheesy.I'
m bei
nghonest
.
Youar
enowmyaddi cti
on,youchall
engeme,
youmakemelaugh.Youjustever
ythi
ngIwant.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:
Fuckany
bodyel
se.Justbemi
ne!

[
06/
14,
13:
31]W:
POTG
#6
Me:
I'
ll
hav
etot
hinkaboutt
hat
.

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
I'
ll
giv
eyouaf
ewseconds
Me:
No.Af
ewday
sormont
hs.
Musa:
Comeon.
Me:I'
m al
readyy
our
s.Youf
orcef
ull
ymademe
your
s
Musa:
No
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
OkaybutIj
ustasked.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
t
Musa:
Idi
d.
Me:
Didy
ousay"
please?
"
Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Cany
oupl
easebemi
ne.
Me:
Asky
oushal
lrecei
ve.
Musa:
Idi
d
Me:
Andy
ou'
ver
ecei
ved.

Hesmi
l
edagai
n.

Me:
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.
Musa:
Andy
ouhav
ebeaut
if
uley
es.
Me:
AndI
'
m hungr
y.
Musa:
room ser
vice?
Me:
No.Ther
est
aur
antdownst
air
slooksni
ce.
Musa:
Okay
.Let
'sgo.
Me:
Qui
ckshower
?
Musa:
sur
e.

Wetookaqui
ckshower
.Andaqui
cki
ewas
t
hrownin.

Me:
yesj
ustt
hat
.
Musa:
okayt
hanksman.
Wai
ter
:pl
easur
e
Musa:
Rightgoon.
Me:
sobasi
cal
l
ythat
'st
hat
Musa:
Heseemsl
i
keacr
azyguy
.
Me:
Hei
s.Buthe'
samazi
ng.

Wewer
etal
ki
ngaboutTshepo.

Musa:
Thr
eeki
dsf
rom 3di
ff
erentgi
rl
s?
Me:
Yes.Bor
naf
ewmont
hsapar
t.

Hechuckl
ed.

Musa:
He'
sasmar
tguy
.
Me:
yout
hinkt
hat
'ssmar
t?
Musa:
Iti
s.They
'l
lbef
orcedt
olookf
orj
obs.
Me:
Ornewmen.

Hel
aughed

Musa:
Idoubt
.
Me:
Mmm
Musa:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
we'
l
lseeaboutt
hat
Musa:
He'
stheonl
yamazi
ngsoul
iny
ourf
ami
l
y?
Me:No.Mysi
sterTshegoi
sal
soaWonder
ful
soul
Musa:
Justt
hoset
wo?
Me:Yes.Idon'
tgetal
ongwi
thTshepo'
ssi
ster
Nkel
e.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.wej
ustdon'
tl
ikeeachot
her
.
Musa:
Yout
wof
oughtov
ersomet
hing?
Me:
yes.Iwasf
li
rt
ingwi
tht
heboy
fri
end.
Musa:
Thenshehasev
eryr
ightt
ohat
e

Il
aughed.

Me:
Wow!Thanks
Musa:
Nof
orr
eal
babe.
Me:
She'
l
lbest
rong.
Musa:
CanIask?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Abouty
ourguyf
ri
end.
Me:
Iknewi
twascomi
ng.
Musa:
yout
wo?
Me:
Nohi
stor
y.He'
sapl
ayer
.
Musa:
Sur
e?
Me:
Don'
twor
ryAbouthi
m.
Musa:
sur
e?
Me:
sur
e.
Musa:
okay
.
Me:
Ist
hatal
lSi
r?
Musa:
Yesma'
am.
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch.
.Wher
e'st
hef
ood?
Musa:
we'
vej
ustpl
acedouror
der
.
Me:
Iknow.
Musa:
awomanwhoeat
s.
Me:
Youdon'
tl
ike?
Musa:
Idontl
i
ke.Il
ove.
Me:
Wel
lwel
l
.
Musa:
Howdi
dyourexesl
ety
ougo?
Me:
Youwantt
hei
rnumber
s?

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
yespl
ease.
Me:
remi
ndmet
ogi
vet
hem t
oyou.

Ourdr
inkscame.

Me:
Thanky
ou.

Thewai
ternodded.
Musa:
Youhav
emanner
sDonty
ou?
Me:
Idon'
thav
eachoi
ce.
Musa:
Wantt
otel
lmeabouty
ourmum?
Me:
wet
alki
ngaboutmet
oday
?
Musa:Wedidn'
ttal
kmuchonThur
sday
.Itwas
j
ustj
okes.
Me:
Okayy
es.Tr
ue.
Musa:
Goon.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
handhel
aughed.

Musa:
Thatr
ough?
Me;
Yep.
Musa:
goon.
Me:mum hasloosescr
ews.Shewant
edmet
o
hav
eavir
gini
tytest
Hel
aughed.

Musa:
what
?
Me:
Thi
swasaf
terSunday
.
Musa:
babyar
en'
tyou23?
Me:
Yout
hinkshecar
es?
Musa:
That
'sbad.
Me:
Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknow.
Musa:
Sot
hisi
sgoi
ngt
ogoonunt
il
?
Me:
til
lshedi
es.
Musa:
Youser
ious?
Me:
Yep.
Musa:whyisshesoupt
ight
?Somet
hing
changedherdi
dn'
ti
t?
Me:
Yes.Dad'
sdeat
h.
Musa:
Soshewant
stopr
otecty
ouguy
sfr
om
t
heworld?
Me:
Yes.
.
Musa:
under
standabl
e.
Me:
Yout
hink?

Henodded.
.

Musa:
Itmakesper
fectsense.
Me:
Okaysowedonet
alki
ngaboutmum.
Musa:
Wher
edoesshet
hinky
ouar
enow?
Me:
Nor
thwest
.Suppor
ti
ngaf
ri
endataf
uner
al.
Musa:
MsKel
l
y!
Me:
Youmaki
ngmesi
n
Musa:
Am I
?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
J.Col
edi
dsayt
hough.
Me:
Thatwebor
nsi
nner
s?
Musa:
Exact
ly.
Me:
Mmm.
Musa:
youdi
dntt
hinkIl
i
stent
oCol
e?
Me:
nope.KennyG.Bar
rywhi
te.Si
mpl
yRed

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Im 27.I
'
m nott
hatol
d..
Me:
aft
er25y
ouol
d.
Musa:
Youcr
azy
.
Me:
Inmywor
ld.

Thef
oodf
inal
l
ycame!
Musa:
Heyhol
dup!Letmepr
ay.
Me:
You?
Musa:
Younott
heonl
yonewi
thapr
eacherI
n
t
hefamil
y.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:
Mygr
andf
atheri
sapast
or.
Me:
Ohy
out
hepast
or'
ski
d.Sor
tof
..
Musa:
yes.
.I
'
mtheki
doft
hepast
or'
ski
d.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
canwe?

Wej
oinedhandsandhepr
ayed.
Me:
Amen.

Theweekendwasamazi ng,Alotofsexyes!A
l
otofinter
estingconver
sati
ons..AndIwasa
bett
erswimmert hanhewas!Ohbuthehadan
amazingsingingvoi
ce!Isuckedatthat.Ireal
l
y
l
ikedhim.Idid..Wegottohishouseatar ound
11onMonday .

Musa:
Dower
eal
l
yhav
eto?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
why
?
Me:
Cozt
heweekendi
sov
er.
Musa:
let
'
sfi
ndanot
herpl
acet
ovi
sit
Me:
Umm Hel
lno!
Musa:
Whynot
?
Me:
Becausewej
ustgotback.
.Ni
ceapar
tment
.
Musa:
Thanky
ou
Me:
isi
tnott
oobi
gfory
ou?
Musa:
no.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Youdontl
i
kei
t?
Me:It
snotminetoli
ker
eal
l
y.Idontknowwhat
youdoingwi
thsuchabi
gapart
ment.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
it'
sJust3bedr
ooms
Me:2bathrooms.Akitchenandaloungeor
what
ever.Bigopenspace.YouDontwantto
buyahouse?
Musa:
nope.
Me:
Why
?
Musa:
Notnow.Ihav
enochi
l
d.Hav
eno
not
hing.
Me:
Nonot
hing?
Musa:
OkayIhav
eagi
rl
fr
iendnow.
Me:
hao.
Musa:
Her
eyougo.
Me:
key
s?
Musa:
Itsy
our
stoonow.
Me:
Ican'
t.
Musa:
Youcan.
Me:
Musa.
.
Musa:
Justacceptt
hem pl
ease.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
hungr
y?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
it'
swr
it
tenal
lov
ery
ourf
ace.
Me:
what
ever
.
Hecookedsomet
hingandatar
ound17:00he
t
ookmehome.Didn'tdr
opmeof fatt
hegat
e
t
hough.

Me:
Bye.

Igav
ehi
m aqui
ckki
ss.

Musa:
Lov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Itookmybagsandwenti
n.Mum wasalr
eady
athome.Wit
hTshegoandNkel
e.TheoneI
di
dn'tl
i
ke.Mycousi
n!

Me:
Dumel
ang.
Tshego;
Lit
tl
esi
s.
Nkel
e:Hey
.
Mum:
Reabi
l
weDumel
a.
Me:
Howar
eyouma?
Mum: I
'mfi
ne.Yourphonewasof
ftheent
ir
e
weekend.
Me:Ohy
es.Ther
ecept
ionwasbadkoNor
th
west
.
Mum:
Howwast
hef
uner
al?
Me:
Ver
ysad.
Mum:
How'
sPr
ett
ydoi
ng?
Me:
She'
sokay
.
Mum:
Andt
hef
ami
l
y?
Me:
Theyar
eal
sof
ine.
Mum:
okay
.Youmustbet
ir
edmybaby
.
Me:
Iam ma.I
'
mjustgoi
ngt
oli
edown.
Mum:
Butt
heyof
fer
edy
ousomer
elaxat
ion
ser
vicesatt
hef
uner
aldi
dn'
tthey
?
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
EyaReabi
l
we.

Il
ookedatherconf
used

Mum: Thesereport
ersshoul
dgetf
ir
ed.They
notdoi
ngt hei
rjobri
ght
.
Me:
Whatr
epor
ter
s?
Mum:Newsrepor
ter
s.Theyf
orgott
omention
t
hatNor
thwesthasbeenmovedtoZanzi
bar.
[
06/
14,
13:
31]W:
POTG
#7

Mum: Youbett
ernott
ryt
odenyit
.Nkel
e
showedmet hepi
ctur
esyoupost
edon
pist
agram.
Nkel
e:I
nst
agr
am Rakgadi
Mum:
yonaeo.Youwer
ehal
fnaked.
Tshego:
shewasi
nabi
ki
nima.
Mum: Andwhosewat chwasthat?Youpost
eda
man'shandholdingadri
nkinhi
shandand
showingthei
slandorbeachwateri
twas.

Ikeptqui
et.
.Iwasbusted.Real
lyIwas.HowI
hatedNkel
e!Iwasgoingtoblockher
every
where.

Me:
Wel
comet
othebl
ockl
i
stwena!
Nkel
e:Idi
dn'
tdoAny
thi
ng.

Iwant
edtotakesomet
hingandhi
therwi
thi
t.I
j
ustdi
dn'
tknowwhat
Mum:
Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion.
Me:
Itsj
ustapi
ctur
ema.

ThankGodIhadn'
tpost
edt
heonesIt
ookwi
th
Musa.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
Mamapl
ease.
Mum:
youl
i
edt
ome!

Ikeptqui
et.

Mum:
Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Tshego:
mama.
..
Mum:
Tshegokeepqui
et.
Shedi
d.

Mum: Youmisschur
ch,peopl
ecometomy
houseat2am t
ocheckony ouandnowyou
wenttoZanzi
bar?I
sthi
swhaty our
eal
lywant
?

Idi
dn'
tknowwhet
hert
oanswert
hatornot
.

Mum:
I'
mtal
ki
ng!

Herv
oicewasshar
p.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Answerme!
Me:I
twasj
ustaweekendaway
.It
snobi
gdeal
mama.
Mum:
nobi
gdeal
?Youwer
einaf
orei
gnpl
ace.
Me:Ma,
peopledoi
tal
lthet
ime.Ibel
i
evei
ts
cal
l
edTrav
ell
i
ng.

Shesl
appedme!

Mum:
Don'
tyouev
ert
alkt
omel
i
ket
hat
!

Ipi
ckedupmybagsf
rom t
hef
loor
.

Mum:
Gopr
ayf
ory
oursi
ns.

Il
eftt
her
oom.If
eltTshegof
oll
owi
ngme.

Tshego:
Youokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Tshego:
Real
l
y?

Inodded

Tshego:
Justl
i
edownandsl
eepokay
?
Me:
okay
.
Tshego:
I'
vegoty
ou.
Me:
Ithi
nkIshoul
djustt
ell
her
.
Tshego:
she'
l
lki
cky
ouout
.
Me:
I'
ll
got
oTshepo'
s.
Tshego:
Readon'
t.Justr
est
.
Me:
fine!

Shel
eftt
heroom andI
..
.wel
lIwast
ext
ingMusa.
Smil
i
ngfrom eart
oear
.
"
Yo,
Cuz"

I
twasTshepo.Iwentt
othel
ounge.

Mum:
Didy
oupr
ay?
Tshepo:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Mum: Sheli
ed.Saidshe'
sgoi
ngt
oNor
thwest
butwenttoZanzibar
.
Tshepo:HambaIslandgir
l!Yougocuz!Sohow
wasit?Let
'sseethepics.
Mum:
Tshepo!
Tshepo:
Kgadi
za?
Mum:
didy
ouhearwhatIsai
d?
Tshepo:
Yes.Shewentt
oZanzi
bar
.
Mum:
thel
yi
ngpar
t.
Tshepo:
Ha!WhyCuz
?
Me:
you.
..
Tshepo:
I'
dli
eto.
Mum:
yousi
nful
chi
l
d
Tshepo:Younoteasytodealwit
hKgadiza.
You'
daskat housandquest
ionsfi
rstt
hentell
hertonotgo.She'
s23Rakgadi.Shecandate.
Mum:
Andhav
e3ki
dsf
rom di
ff
erentmen?

Hel
aughed.

Tshepo:that'
snotabadidea.Youknowi tsnice
tohavethat.Karekevari
etyyaice-cr
eam.One
chi
ldkest r
awberry,
theothervanil
la,
theother
chocol
ate.Hav i
ngkidswholookt hesamei s
bori
ng.

Thi
sonehadnosenseIswear
.

Mum:
Tshepo!
Hekeptqui
et.

Mum:
doy
ouknowt
heguy
?
Tshepo:
Doeshehav
eacar
?
Mum:
Yes.
Tshepo:
whatki
nd?
Mum:
Tshepoanswert
hequest
ion.
Tshepo:
noIdon'
t.
Mum:
simpl
e.
Tshepo:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
.I'
mtaki
nghert
omy
house.
Mum:
Good
Tshepo:
gogety
ourt
hings.

Igotmyclothesf
orthenextdayandmy
toi
let
ri
es.Isai
dgoodbyetothem andwel
eft
.
Tshepo:
her
e.Youst
il
lknowhowt
orol
lri
ght
?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:
Rol
ltwo.Ihav
eabot
tl
eofv
odkaat
home!
Me:
Saywhat
?
Tshepo:
That
'smyl
i
nedon'
tst
eal
it!

Il
aughed.

Tshepo:
Meat
?
Me:
yeah.
Tshepo:
Cool
.

West
oppedatt
hel
ocal
buyandbr
aai
formeat
.
Tshepo:
Who'
sthi
sguy
?
Me:
idon'
tknow.
Tshepo:
yourboy
fri
endwenaman!
Me:
OhMusa.
Tshepo:
Musawho?
Me:
Youwon'
tknowhi
m..
Tshepo:
Wher
e'shef
rom?
Me:
wemetonSat
urday
Tshepo;
Ohwher
eyouwer
epar
tyi
ng?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:
Yousl
eptwi
thhi
m?

Inodded.

Tshepo;
Thegat
esf
inal
l
yopen!
Il
aughed.

Me:
Tshepo!
Tshepo:
Howwasi
t?
Me:
I'
m notdi
scussi
ngt
hiswi
thy
ou.
Tshepo:Youcanhaveababynowandstop
makingpeopl
ethinkt
hatmydaught
eri
sy our
s
j
ustcauseshelooksl
ikey
ou.

Il
aughed.

Me;
no.Letmecompl
etemyst
udi
es
Tshepo:
youLookhappy
Me:
Iam.
Tshepo:
Good.YouknowwhatIalwayssay.
..
Fol
lowyourhear
t.Thi
smeati
stakingfor
ever
.
"
Tshepo!Tshepo!
"

Me;
okay
.
Tshepo:
don'
tscr
eam Annapl
ease.
Anna:Whatdoy
ouexpecty
oursont
oeat
?
Petr
ol?
Tshepo:
ifi
twi
l
lhel
phi
m gr
owt
hent
hat
'
sokay
.

Il
ookedatTshepo.Hewassochi
l
led.

Tshepo:
Igav
eyoumoneydi
dntI
?
Anna:
R350?
Tshepo:
That
'sal
lIcanaf
for
d.
Anna:
Tshepoy
oubet
ternot
..
.
Tshepo:Look,t
hisi
sourchil
d.Notj
ustmine.
Theyarehir
ingkoThatsupermar
ketdownthe
st
reet
Anna:
DoIl ookl
i
ket
hesuper
mar
kett
ype?DoI
MrPetrol
man?
Tshepo:noactual
ly.YouLookli
kethebrot
hel
ty
pe.Andbrothelsalwayshavevacanci
essogo
tr
ythere!

Shekeptqui
et.Shewasembar
rassed.Her
scr
eamingandshouti
ngonl
ybackfi
red,If
elt
sor
ryforher
.

Tshepo:Gogetaj
ob.At
leastI
mtr
ying!St
op
i
rri
tat
ingme!

Sheturnedandst
art
edwal
ki
ngof
f.Il
ookedat
Tshepo.

Me;
Didy
ouhav
eto?
Tshepo:
ja,
Iwant
edt
ogoaskt
hatl
adyi
nBl
ue
outforl
unchbutnowIcan'
tcozshecaused
dramasoIhadtohaveacomebackforher.
Me:
Har
sh.
Tshepo:
Ohshutup!

Wegott hemeatandwentt ohisplace.Smoked

alotofweedanddr ankal otofv odka.Thenext
daywhenIwentbackt owor k,Iwast oldtogo
backhomecozmyt eam leaderthoughtIst i
l
l
l
ooksi ck.WellIwashungov er.Iwashappy .I
slepttheenti
reday,Spoket oTshegof orjustan
hourwhenshegotbackandIsl eptagain.I
hardlyevenspoketoMusa.Iwassl eepi
ngcozI
wasr eall
ytry
ingtoignoremum.ThenextdayI
reall
ycouldn'
t.Shewasof fandsowasI .Iwoke
before7soIcoul dquickl
yclean.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we.
Me:
Ma?
Mum:Weneedtobuyaf
ewt
hingst
oday
.Just
ber
eadyat12okay
?
Me:
Okay
.
Mum:AndIhopey
ouaskedf
orf
orgi
veness.Ar
e
youst
il
lpur
e?

Ikeptqui
et.

Mum:
I'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.

Shel
ookeddisappoi
nted.If
eltmyhear
tsi
nk.I
wassuddenl
ysad.

Mum:
Fini
shupsowecango.

Idi
d.Shehar
dlyev
enspoket
omeonourway
tot
own.Wewenttogetmeatandaf
ewmore
thingsInt
ownandwentbackhomeatar ound
15:00.Thetaxidroppedusoffatt
hbusstop
whi chwasobviouslythenear
estf
orus.Andwe
startedwal
kinghome.Si l
ence.

Me:
Mama.
..
Mum:
Reabi
l
weIhav
eaheadache.

At
extcamet
hrough

"
I'
m comi
ng"

JustasIwasstruggl
i
ngtorepl
ycozofthe
shoppingbagsIwascar
ryi
ng,acarst
opped
nexttomum.

Musa:
Dumel
amama.
Mum:
Hel
l
oBoy
.
Musa:
Needanyhel
p?

Hewasal
readyget
ti
ngoutoft
hecar
.

Mum:
Ohy
espl
ease

Ilookedathi
m.Iwaspissed.Real
ly
.Hegott
he
thingsfr
om mum andputthem i
nthecar
.

Musa:
mayIMs?

IgavehimtheshoppingbagsIwascar ryi
ng.I
didn'
twanttomakeey eContactwit
hhi m.He
openedthefrontdoorformum togetin.And
thebackforme.Iclosedthedoorbeforehe
couldandhewentt othedri
ver'
sseat.
Mum: Thanky oumyboy .Notal otofyoung
menwoul ddot his.
.Yousee,Reabil
we, y
ou
shouldhavesuchpeopleiny ourli
fenotthat
manwho' smaki ngyousinl
ikey oudothese
days.Godblessy oumyson.
[
06/
14,
13:
31]W:
POTG
#8

Helookedatmeusi
nghi
smi
rr
or.Ii
gnor
edany
ey
econtact

Mum:
What
'sy
ourname?
Musa:
Musawenkosi
ma.
Mum:
from?
Musa:
Swazi
l
andandMpumal
anga.
Mum:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouwer
erai
sedwel
l
.
Musa:
Thanky
ouma.Mypar
ent
sdi
dagoodj
ob.
Mum:chi
ldrenwhoappr
eci
atet
hei
rpar
ent
s.Ar
e
t
heyst
il
lali
ve?

Iremember
edIhadn'
taskedhi
m abouthi
s
famil
y.

Musa:
YesIam
Musa:
doIt
urnher
ema?
Mum:
Noson.Cont
inuest
rai
ght
.
Musa:
Okayma.

Hedi
d.

Mum:
tur
nlef
t.

Hedi
d.
Mum:
thathousewi
tht
hel
awnout
side

Hest
oppedatourhouse.

Musa:
Shoul
d..
.
Me:
nowe'
l
lmanage.
Mum:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
we'
l
lmanagema.
Mum:
For
giv
eherson.
.
Musa:
Itsokayma.
Mum:
Comei
nforsomebi
scui
tsandadr
ink.
.

Il
ookedatMusa.

Musa:
I'
minabi
tofahur
ryma.
Mum:
Okay
.Youshoul
dcomesomet
ime.
Musa:
Yesma.
Mum:
Good

Itooktheshoppi
ngbagsandleftmum t
here
withher"son"
.Iwassoangry
.Mi nut
esl
atershe
cameI nandIgotatextf
rom Musa.

"att
hecor
nershop"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Me:
MamaI
'
llbeback.
Mum:okay
.IDontl
i
kehowy ouspoket
othat
ni
cey
oungman.He'saChr
isti
an.
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Ja.Isawhi
skeyhol
der
.Ithasascr
ipt
ure
oni
tDeuter
onomy11:1"LovetheLORDyour
Godandkeephi
srequi
rements,hi
sdecr
ees,hi
s
l
awsandhiscommandsal ways"

Ikeptqui
et

Me:
I'
ll
bebackma.
Mum:
Youcanl
ear
nal
otf
rom hi
m.

Busi
nessandmaki
ngl
ovey
es!

Me:
okayma.
Mum:
Go.

Il
eft
.If
oundhi
m eat
ingmar
shmal
l
ows.

Musa:
Youwantsome?
Me:
No.
Musa:
Heybeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Hel
l
oMusa.
Musa:
Howar
eyou?

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Musa:
ifonl
ymum knew.
Me:
thaty
out
heonemaki
ngmesi
n!
Musa:
She'
sabeaut
if
ulper
son.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tsayshei
sn'
t.
Musa:
andshel
ovesy
ou.
Me:
ThatIknow.
Musa:
Okayy
our
eal
l
ymadatme?
Me:
Mum knows.
Musa:
Mum knows?
Me:
Yeah.
Musa:
Knowswhat
?
Me:
ThatIwentt
oZanzi
bar
.
Musa:
Butnotwi
thwhor
ight
?
Me:obvi
ousl
ybutshesawapi
ctur
eofy
our
hand.
Musa:
Wit
hmywat
chon?
Me:
Yeah.Andy
ourhandonmyt
high
Musa:
thi
sisgood.
Me:
No!
Musa:
Sheal
readyl
i
kesme!
Me:
She'
l
lhat
eyousoon.
Musa:
Noshewon'
t.
Me:
Musa.
Musa.Baby
?
Me:
Canwesl
owdownabi
t?
Musa:
Wenotmov
ingf
ast
Me:
You'
vegivenmeyourhousekey
s,t
ookme
t
oZanzi
bar
,nowyou'
vemetmymot her
?
Musa:
Notr
eal
l
y
Me:
Let
'st
hiseasy
Musa:Wenotmov ingfast
.Ionl
ytooky out
o
Zanzi
barcozIknewy ouafr
aidofyourmother
andyoulookedl
ikeyoucoulduseabr eakf
rom
i
tall
.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Musa:
okayI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Fine.
Musa:
Ice-
cream?
Me:
No
Musa:
Okay

Hel
ockedt
hedoor
sandst
art
edhi
sengi
ne.
Me:
Andnow?
Musa:
Wegoi
ngoutf
ori
ce-
cream.
Me:
Isai
dIdon'
twanti
ce-
cream.
Musa:
real
l
y?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Youcan'
tgetmeaddi
ctedt
oice-
cream
t
hendit
chme.

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Fine.Let
'sgeti
ce-
cream.
Musa:
wear
e.

Wewentt
omi
l
kyl
ane.
Musa:
youenj
oyedshoppi
ng?
Me:
nope.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
sheknowsI
'
m not"
pur
e"any
mor
e.

Heputhi
sspoondown.

Musa:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?
Me:
LookMusa.
..
li
fehappens.
Musa:
younotsad?
Me:
nope.
Musa:
Reabi
l
we.
..
Me:Musa,I'
myoungandI
'
m oughtt
omake
mi
stakes.
Musa:
Youmadeami
stake?
Me:
Nope.
Hel
ookedatme.

Me:Look,Iwasn'
tpl
anningonl
osi
ngmy
vi
rgi
nit
yaftermar
ri
age.Iwaspl
anni
ngonl
osi
ng
i
ttotheri
ghtguy
Musa:
Andam It
heRi
ghtguy
?
Me:
Yout
ry

Hesmi
l
ed

Me:
Stopsmi
l
ing.
Musa:
Youdon'
tl
ike?
Me:
Itmakesmyhear
tmel
t
Musa:
That
'sagoodt
hingRi
ght
?
Me:
Yout
hinkso?
Musa:
Yes
Me:
May be.So.
..Pl
easet
ell
meabouty
our
f
amil
y.
Musa:
Youf
orgott
oask?
Me:
wedi
dnt
.
Musa:
Okay
..
.I
'
mthef
ir
stchi
l
d.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
I'
vegotasi
ster
.Who'
syourage.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
dadi
sat
radi
ti
onal
i
st.Soi
smum.
Me:
Okay
..
.but
..
.
Musa:Iknow.
..
whywhenhewasr
aisedbya
past
or?
Me:
Yeah.
Musa:
nahhehadhi
sownway
s
Me:
Andy
ou?
Musa:
I'
m abi
tofbot
h.
Me:
Okay
.Makessense.
Musa:
Yesanyt
hingel
se?
Me:
Wher
edot
heyl
i
ve?
Musa:
mpumalanga.Dadhasaf
armt
her
eand
af
ewmorebusinesses.
Me:
okayt
hat
'sni
ce
Musa:
He'
sasmar
tguy
.
Me:
Taughty
oual
lthaty
ouknow?
Musa:
some.School
did.
Me:
Begr
atef
ul.I
fitwasn'
tforhi
mthen.
..
Musa: Nah.Daddidn'tpayanyt
hing.Ir
ecei
veda
bursaryf
orallthat
.AndIpaidformy
engineer
ingfees.Doesn'tmakemel ovehi
m
anyless.
Me:
Nice.
Musa:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
CanIhav
emor
eice-
cream?
Musa:
Youwantmet
obuyy
out
hepl
ace?
Me:
No!

Hel
aughed.
.

Musa:
ItmakesGoodmoney
Me:
Im notr
eadyf
oral
lthat
.
Musa:
I'
m pr
ett
ysur
eIcant
eachy
ouat
hingor
t
wo.
Me:Yesyoucan.You'
veal
readygi
venone
l
esson.
Musa:
Whi
chi
s?
Me:
maki
ngl
ove.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
andnowbusi
ness.
Il
aughed.

Musa:
I'
m ser
ious.
Me:Iknow.Mum sai
d"youcanlear
nal
otf
rom
hi
m"beforeIcametothatshop.
Musa:
Yousee?Ev
enmum knows
Me:
right
!

Wespentanhourt hereandhetookmehome.I
foundTshegocooking.Sheact
uall
ylov
ed
cooki
ngso...
shewasi nchar
ge.

Tshego:mum tell
smeshemetaMusaMabasa.
Saysyouwerev er
yrudeto"t
heyoungman"
.I
fi
guredt
hey"coinci
dent
all
y"met
.
Me:
That
sri
ght
.
It
oldhert
hest
ory
.

Tshego:
Ifonl
ysheknew.
Me:
IknowRi
ght
?

Iwatchedhercookcozshedidn'twantmyhel p.
IwaswokenupbyMusa' scal
l at21:00.
Tshegowassleepingt
oo.Allthelightswer
eof f
soitmeantmum wassl eepi
ngaswel l
.Iwent
outsi
de.

Me:
hey
.
Musa:
Yousl
eepi
ng?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Soear
ly?
Me:
Yes.I
mti
red.
Musa:
That
'swhyy
oudi
dn'
tseemyt
ext
s.
Me:probabl
y.
.Yesbabe.I
'
m sorr
y.Isl
eptaf
ter
di
nnerandafterIt
ookmybath.
Musa:
Okaymybaby
.Letmel
ety
ousl
eep.
Me:
Wil
lIseeYout
omor
row?
Musa:
Younotwor
kingr
ight
?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Lunchatmypl
ace?
Me:
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.Youar
eagr
eatcook.
Musa:
Thanky
ouMsKel
l
y
Me:
Pleasur
eMrLeor
nado
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Musa:AndIcan'
twai
ttonotkeepmyhandst
o
mysel
f.
Me:
whatdoy
oupl
anondoi
ngt
ome?
Musa:
Ali
tt
lepat
ienceMsKel
l
y..
Me:
Okayf
ine.I
'
llseey
out
omor
row.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Ihungupandwentbacki
nsi
de,mum was
si
tti
ngdownwit
hthebibl
eopen.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Mum: Mar k10:

19Youknowt he
commandment s:'Donotmurder ,
donot
commitadulter
y,donotsteal
, donotgi
vefalse
test
imony,donotdefraud,
honory ourf
ather
andmot her"
.Readit
.You'veonlyhonor
ed2out
of6.
[
06/
14,
13:
31]W:
POTG
#9

Ipaused.
Mum:
shoul
dIl
ookf
ormor
e?
Me:
no.
Mum:
Gor
eady
ourbi
ble.

IKeptqui
et.

Mum:I
nthemiddleoft
heni
ght
?Int
hemi
ddl
e
oft
heni
ghtRea?
Me:
Itsonl
y21:
25ma.
Mum;
Hey
!

Ikeptqui
etagai
n.

Mum:
Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?

Shetooktheappl
ethatwasonthet
abl
eand
thr
ewitatmebutithitt
hest
ove.
Tshego:
Mama!

Shecl
osedherbi
ble.

Tshego:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Mum:
askher
!

Shegotupf
rom t
hechai
randl
eftt
her
oom.

Tshego:
Lockt
hedoor
s

Idi
d.ThenIf
oll
owedhert
oourbedr
oom

Tshego:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Tshego:
Rea?
Me:
Mum waseav
esdr
oppi
ng.
Tshego:
Ony
ouand?
Me:
Musa.
Tshego:
Youwentout
sidet
otal
ktohi
m?
Me:
Yes
Tshego:
Then?
Me:
shequot
edv
ersesf
rom t
heBi
ble.
Tshego:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
Iknow!
Tshego:
Whati
shedoi
ngt
oyou?
Me:
Ilov
ehi
m.
Tshego:
Youwhat
?
Me:
Ilov
ehi
m
Tshego:
Youj
ustmethi
m..
Me:
wel
lIl
ovehi
m.
Tshego:
inf
atuat
ion
Me:
no.
Tshego:
Rea
Me;
Tshego.Iwantt
obewi
thhi
m.
Tshego:
Itsaf
fect
ingy
ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
mum.
Me:
That
'sokay
.
Tshego:
goodni
ght
.
Me:
yout
oo.

Shegotintobedandfacedthewal l
.It
ookmy
booksandwenttothelounget ostudy
.Istudi
ed
ti
l
l 2am t
henwenttobed.Icleanedinthe
mor ni
ng,t
ookabathandwentt oseeTshepoat
around10.
Tshepo:
msZanzi
bar
.
Me:
arey
our
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
ocal
lmet
hat
?
Tshepo:
Yes.
Me:
Imadey
ouf
ood!
Tshepo:
heywena,
youcantcook.
Me:
okayi
tst
hef
oodTshegocookedy
est
erday
Tshepo:
NowIknowI
m saf
e.whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Not
hing.
Tshepo;
ThanksCuz
.
Me:
Weed.

Hel
aughed.

Tshepo;
what
?
Me:
Please.
Tshepo:
Iknewi
t!Ther
e.

Hegav
emeabag.

Me:
Seey
oul
ater
.
Tshepo:
Wher
eto?
Me:
tomyman.
Tshepo:
Hav
efun.
Me:
Thanks.
Tshepo:
Hey
!
Me:
Hi.
Tshepo:GoaskDoreenthereatt
het
il
ltogi
ve
youcondoms.Tel
lherI'
l
l pay.
Me:
Idon'
tneed.
..
Tshepo:y
ouwantmet
omakey
oudr
inkt
his
petr
ol?
Me:
Fine!
Tshepo:
Go!

Iwentt
otheDoreenbutpaidfort
hem.At
ar
ound12:00,
hecamet ofetchme.

Musa:
Yousmel
lgood.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:
younotgonsayt
hesame?
Me:
yousmel
lokay

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Imi
ssedy
ourcompany
.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
Idi
d..
Me:Wel
lthanky
ouf
ormi
ssi
ngme.I
'
m her
e
now.
Musa:
ThankGodf
ort
hat
.
Me:
mmm
Musa:
How'
syourmum doi
ng?
Me:
She'
s.
..

Isi
ghed.

Me:
I'
m hur
ti
ngher
.Iam.AndIhat
ethat
.

YesIhat
edt
hat
!Idi
dbutIwasonl
yfol
l
owi
ng
myheart

Musa:
Sowhyar
eyouher
e?

Hewasn'tbei
ngcol
d.Hewasaski
nganhonest
quest
ion.
Me:
CozI
'
mfol
l
owi
ngmyhear
t
Musa:
Youar
e?
Me:
Ilov
eyou.

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
Thatsoundsgenui
ne.
Me:
Cozi
tis.
Musa:
andIl
ovey
out
oo.
Me:
Sot
hat
swhyI
'
m her
e.
Musa:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
osnackoni
nthe
meant
ime?
Me:
Somechi
ps.
Musa:Washopi
ngy
ou'
dsay"
youMusa"buti
ts
okay
.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
CanIhav
esomewi
ne?
Musa:
Arey
ousupposet
odr
inkt
hat
?
Me:
Am Ipr
egnant
?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Exact
ly!canIpl
easehav
esomewi
ne?
Musa:
Feel
freet
ochooseabot
tl
e.
Me;
YouandTshego!Samecat
egor
y.
Musa:
Ijustdon'
tbel
i
evei
nphuzaThur
sday
.
Me:
that
'sal
lony
oubaby
.Thi
sleadst
othe
r
oof
top?
Musa:Justopenthesl
idi
ngdoorAndy
ouon
t
herooftopbasi
call
y.
Me;
ohni
ce!
Musa;
Youl
i
ker
oof
tops?
Me;
Yep
Iwentt
ochooseabot
tl
eofwi
ne.

Me:
Youwantsome?
Musa;
Not
hanky
ou.
Me:
I'
ll
beatt
her
oof
top.
Musa:
Goonma'
am.

It
ookthebot
tl
eandglass.Icoul
dseehimfrom
wher
eIwassitt
ingandIwasabletohearhi
m.

Musa;
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me;
Rol
i
ngone.
Musa;
Joi
nt?
Me;
Yep.
Musa:
Yousmokeweed?
Me:
Yes.Somet
imes.I
sthatapr
obl
em?
Heshookhi
shead.

Musa:
Arey
ouy
ourmot
her
'schi
l
d?
Me:
YesIam Baby
.
Musa:
I'
ll
comej
oiny
ou.
Me:
Youont
hist
oo?
Musa:
Yes.Occasi
onal
l
y.
Me:
Wel
lthen.Hel
l
opar
tner
.
Musa:
Hel
l
ohal
f
Me:
I'
ll
wai
tfory
ou.
Musa:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
Whot
aughty
ouhowt
ocook?
Musa:Ihav
eanauntwho'
sachefsowhenev
er
I
m wit
hherIwat
chandlear
n.
Me:
Youcl
ose?
Musa:
Ver
y.
Me:
Dad'
ssi
de?
Musa:
Mum'
s.
Me:
Okay
Musa:
Cany
oucook?

Il
aughed.

Me:That'
soneofthethingsy oucanteachme.I
al
waysburnthepots.Iclean!Alot
!AndI '
m
pr
obablyamasteratthat.OhandatBaki ng.
Musa:
that
sbet
ter
.Ican'
tbake
Me:
I'
ll
teachy
ou.
.
Musa:
I'
dlov
ethat
.

Hefini
shedcooki
ngandwehadourlunch,
st
ruggl
edtokeepourhandst
ooursel
vesand
af
tert
hatwer
oll
edmay beabout3andsmoked
i
nbed.Wehadalotofnonsenset
otalkabout
.

Musa:
Cany
ounotl
eav
e?
Me:
Iwasn'
tpl
anni
ngondoi
ngt
hat
..

I
twas16:
00.

Musa:
Oh?
Me:
Yes!I
'
mver
yhungr
ythough.
Musa:
Smoki
ngmakesYouhungr
y?
Me:
Notj
ustt
hat
..
Musa:
ONal
edi
ewor
mswena.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Iknow.Bongaoncet
ookmet
othedoct
or.
Musa:
and?
Me:Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thmeandmy4
mealsaday.
Musa:
ther
eis.Youdon'
tev
engai
nwei
ght
Me:i
tsagoodthi
ng.Iknowwhatt
oeatAnd
whatnott
oeatbaby.
Musa:
Iguesst
hatmakessense.
Me:
Itdoes.
Musa:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Me:
Meat
.
Musa:
Getdressedthenwe'l
lbuyy
ou
t
omorrow'
soutfi
tandtoi
let
ri
es.

IdidJustthatandwewentt othemall.Bought
takeawaysandwentbackt ohisapart
ment .
.We
sleptver
ylateJustl
isteni
ngt omusicand
talki
ngabouteveryt
hing.Myphonewasof f.I
didn'
twanttobedisturbed.Thenextday ,he
droppedmeof fatwork,wentHomeaf t
ermy
l
ongdayandTshegoj ustsaid"hi"tome.Mum
j
ustlookedatmewhenIgr eetedt hem.Iwent
toputmybagsdowni nmybedr oom, changed
i
nt ocomfor
tableshoes,notthenewheel sIwas
wearingandwentbackt othekitchent ogetmy
bottl
eofwater.

Mum:Soy
ou'
vedeci
dedt
oli
vel
i
fet
hedev
il
's
way
?

It
urned.

Tshego:
wewer
ewor
ri
edsi
ckabouty
ou!
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Mum: Youwer ewit
hhi
mr ight
?Youwerewit
h
thatdev i
lthatwear
swatchesanddr
inkshot
stuffRight?
Iwascal
m cosIwasv er
yti
redandmymood
hadbeenmadesourbyacustomerthatdi
dn'
t
knowwhatshewanted.

Me;Yes.YesIwasma.AndI '
l
lbr
inghi
m over
tomorr
owsoy oucanseehim.Maybepeacewil
l
berest
oredInthi
shouse.
[
06/
14,
13:
32]W:
POTG
#10

Mum:
Good.Youbet
ter
.

It
ookmybot
tl
eandwentout
.

Tshego:
Rea!
Ist
opped

Tshego:
Wher
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
ToseeBonga
Tshego:
Younotchi
l
li
ngwi
thmet
oday
?
Me:Canwepl
easechi
l
llat
ersi
s?I
nthel
ounge
out
side
Tshego:
Okay
.
Me:
Ihav
enewmusi
conmyot
herphone.
Tshego;
Ohni
ce.
Me:
Youcanl
i
stent
oitwhi
l
eyoucook.
Tshego:
whohookedy
ouup?
Me:
Musa.
Tshego:
Okay
.I'
l
lchecki
tout
.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
.
Tshego:
okaybaby
sis.
Iheadedoutt
oBonga'
s.

Bonga:
Soy
ouwentt
oZanzi
barandy
oudi
dnt
tel
lme?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Bonga:
Hai
bo!
Me:
Yini
?
Bonga:
Youl
i
vingl
i
fe.
Me:
Likei
tsgol
deny
es.
Bonga:
Youdon'
tLookokay
.
Me:
somum knows.
Bonga:
Knows?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
Huh?
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Bonga:
Ohshi
t!
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
Whatnow?

It
oldhimt
he"
hel
pingusoutwi
thgr
ocer
ies"
st
ory.

Bonga:
ohcr
ap!
Me:
Iknow.
Bonga:
Sowhatdoy
out
hinkwi
l
lhappen?
Me:
IDontknow.
Bonga:
Andy
oudontcar
e?
Me:
Nope.
Bonga:
he'
sreal
l
ygoty
ouhey
.
Me:
I'
venev
erf
eltt
hiswayaboutany
one.
Bonga:
youheadov
erheel
s.
Me:
Iam.Il
ovehi
m.
Bonga:
Butdon'
tl
etthi
srel
ati
onshi
prui
nthe
oneyouhav
ewithYourmother
Me:
mum'
sdi
ff
icul
ttodeal
wit
h.
Bonga:
ButShe'
l
lcomear
ound.Ev
ent
ual
l
y.
Me:
No.
Bonga:
Abi
toff
ait
h?
Me:
Youknowher
.
Bonga:
Ifeel
fory
ou.
Me:
I'
ll
Justf
oll
owmyhear
t.
Bonga:
That
'st
heonl
ysol
uti
ont
oit
Me:
Yep
Bonga:
Sot
ell
me.
..
Me:
OhGod!
Wegi
ggl
ed.

Bonga:
HowwasZanzi
bar
?
Me:
itwasamazi
ng.
Bonga:
Hadf
un?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
Haddr
inks?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
Hadf
ood?
Me:
yes.
Bonga:
Hadsex
?

Il
aughed.

Me:
Iknewi
t!Yes.
Bonga:
Youknewi
twascomi
ng
Me:
Aker
eoof
fsi
dey
amot
ho.

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
ooB.
Bonga:
Youhungr
y?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Yes.Ver
y.
Bonga:
Food'
sony
out
oday
.St
eer
s
Me:
okaycool
.I'
m dr
ivi
ng!

Igr
abbedhi
scarkey
s.
Bonga:
Ishoul
dhav
enev
ert
aughty
ouhowt
o
dr
ive
Me:
That
'swhatf
ri
endsdo.
Bonga:
Wenawaphaphasi
nceoNal
eli
cense.

Il
aughed.

Me:
let
'sgo.
Bonga:
Youdon'
tev
enl
ookl
i
key
ouhav
emoney
onyou.

ItookouttheR300Ihadi
nmypocketandhe
quickl
ysnatchedi
tfr
om me

Me:
Wow!
Bonga:
nowwecango.
Hel
ockedhi
sroom andoutwewent
.

Bonga:
Thanky
ou!
.
Me:
crav
ings?
Bonga:
yes.
Me:
Thent
heysayIl
ovef
ood.
Bonga:
Youdo.Ist
il
lwantt
otakey
out
o
anot
herdoct
or

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
Youhav
emoneyt
owast
eri
ghtf
ri
end?
Bonga:
ony
ouy
es!It
hinky
ouhav
ewor
ms
Me:
Ihav
eanappet
it
e.
Bonga:
YeahRi
ght
..
soy
out
ryt
ohi
dewhenYou
wit
hMusa?
Me:
ThatIeatt
oomuch?
Bonga:
Yep.
Me:
Hel
lNo.
Bonga:
Poorguy
..
Me:
Hel
ovesawomant
hateat
s
Bonga:
yenaNa!
Me:
Yes!

Wehadourfoodandwentbackhome.Tshego
wascooki
ng.

Me:
Bur
gerf
ory
ou.Iat
ethef
ri
es.Sor
ry.

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
Youal
way
sdot
hat
.
Me:
theywer
egonagetcol
d.
Tshego:
OhwowThanksSi
s.
Me:
Itsapl
easur
e.

Iputherdr
inki
nthef
ri
dge.
.

Tshego:
Youokay
?
Me:
Yep.Wher
e'smum?
Tshego:
KoMaMohaj
ane
Me:
Nice.
Tshego:
Yousur
eyouwantt
obr
ingMusaher
e?
Me:
150%sur
e.
Tshego:
Okayt
hen.
Me:
Sot
hemusi
c?
Tshego:
itsv
eryni
ce.
Me:
Iknowhey
.Hehasni
cemusi
c.
Tshego:
Dif
fer
enty
etv
eryNi
ce.
Me:
Liv
etol
ear
n.
Tshego:
True.SohowsBongadoi
ng?
Me:he'sokay
..
nev
ermi
ndBonga.
..Wher
e's
Ri
chard?

Ithi
nkIf orgottoMent i
onthef actt
hatTshego
i
si nar el
ationship.
.Yeswithadev oted
Christ
ianaswel l
.Theyunderstandeachot her
andhe' swilli
ngtowaitforher.Butthat'
sthem!
He'stoobor i
ng!Ican'
tdealreall
y.

Tshego:
He'
sOkay
.
Me:
Youguy
sar
est
il
lokay
?
Tshego;
Wev
eryhappy
.
Me:Youreadi
ngy
ourbi
blet
oget
herandpr
ayi
ng
t
ogether
?
Tshego:
Yes.
Me:
That
'sgood.
Tshego:
You'
vecomeoutofy
ourshel
lhav
en'
t
you?
Me:Yes.Youknowt hisisme.I
'mthewild
Chri
sti
anchild.Youandmum arecutfr
om the
samecloth.Theonlydif
fer
encei
s,younotas
upt
ightasshei s.
Tshego:
Wowt
hankssi
s.Whatacompar
ison.
Me:
Buti
tst
het
rut
h.

Wegi
ggl
ed.

Me:Youonlydr
ankj
uiceont
hatSat
urdaywe
wentouty
etyousai
dweshouldgother
e.
Tshego:
Ifel
tli
kegoi
ngout
.
Me:
Forj
uice?
Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
Ohshutup!

Wesl eptv
eryearl
ythatdayandbef
oreI
knockedoffIgotacallf
rom Musa.

Me:
Wher
eto?
Musa:
Themal
ltogetl
i
ghtbul
bs.
Me:Bei
ngabachelori
shar
dwor
khey
.Ev
er
hear
dofa"gr
oceryli
st?
"

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Nosmar
typant
s.Ihav
ent
.
Me:itsbasi
call
yali
stofev
ery
thi
ngt
haty
ou
need.Evenl
ightbul
bs.
Musa:
Thanky
ouf
oreducat
ingmeMsKel
l
y.
Me:
Pleasur
eMsLeonar
do.
Musa:
Iwasj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou
Me:I
'
m okay
..
I'
m wai
ti
ngforBongatocome
pi
ckmeup.Hesaidhe'
s3minutesaway.
Musa:
Okay
.Besaf
e.
Me:
Yout oo.Dontlookf
oranot
hermeatt
he
mal
l.Youwontfindone.

Hel
aughed.

Musa: YesMsKelly
..
I'
l
lkeepmyey
esont
he
basketandtheshel
ves.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Bongaf i
nall
yarriv
edandwewenthome.Ther e
weretwocompanypar kedout side.Oneout si
de
mygat e.Andt heot heroutsidemynei ghbor's
gate.Theonepar kedout sidemygat ewas
Richard's.Iwalkedr i
ghtinpressedandr ant o
thebat hroom.Icoul dhearRi chardandTshego
tal
kingi nthatoutsideroom wehadaschi ll
as
l
ounge.Mum di dn'tknowt her ewasany thi
ng
goingonbet weent hem.Theywer etheyouth
l
eaderssoobv iouslytheirmeet i
ngsseemed
i
nnocent .Mum li
kedhi m.Ideci dedt ogointo
thehouseandchangef i
rstbef oreIcoul
dgo
greetthem cozIknewI '
dhav et oli
stento
Richard'sstori
es.Isteppedi nsidet heandI
heardmum' svoicei ntheTVl ounge.Shewas
backbef or
eme

Mum:Ohthat'
sver
ygood.Youshoul
dkeep
doi
ngwhatyoudoi
ng.
I
Iwentt
her
e.

Me:
Dumel
ama.
Mum:
Hel
l
oRea.
Me:
hey
.
Musa:
Hi.
Me:
Youokay
?
Musa:
Iam.
.howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Mum: Shegothermanner
sbacktodayMusa.
ThanktheAl
might y
..
.Webumpedint
oeach
otheratt
hemall.
.hewasl
ooki
ngforbul
bs.
Me:Ohnice.I
'
m goingtochangei
nto
somet
hingmor ecomfort
abl
ema.

It
urnedt
oleav
e.
Mum:
Tel
lmeRea

It
urnedagai
n.

Mum:Where'
syournewobsessi
on?Theboy
t
hat
'sl
eadi
ngyouastray
?

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Me:
yousi
tt
ingwi
thhi
mri
ghtnowma.
[
06/
14,
16:
45]W:
POTG
#11

Shel
ookedatMusat
henatme.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we.
Me:
Ma?
Mum:Exodus20:
16"
youshal
lnotgi
vef
alse
t
est
imony"
Me:
I'
m not
.
Mum:
Whydoy
ouhat
ethi
spoorboysomuch?
Me:Mama,
Ihav
enor
easont
ohat
ehi
m.Ask
hi
m.

Shel
ookedatMusa.

Mum:
MusawaModi
mo.

Shehadt
ransl
atedhi
sname.I
tmeantshel
i
ked
hi
m.BongawasLebogatoher
.

Musa:
Ma?
Mum:
Ist
hist
rue?
Musacl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Musa:
Yesi
tis
Mum:
Howsomyson?

NotwhatIexpect
ed.
.

Musa:
WemetonSat
urdayma.Atanev
ent
.
Mum:
Then?

Iwentt
osi
tnextt
oMusa.

Musa:
undertheinf
luenceofal
cohol
.
...
we
commit
tedadul
tery
.
Musa!Hewassopol
i
te.

Mum: "
Letusbehavedecently,
asi nthedayt
ime,
noti
norgiesanddrunkenness,notinsexual
i
mmor al
it
yanddebaucher y
,notindissensi
on
andj
ealousy"youknowthatverse?
Musa:
Romans13:
13.
Mum:
Anddi
dyout
wobehav
edecent
ly?
Musa:Noma'am.Wegott
empt
edandwe
coul
dn'
tresi
st.
Mum:
wel
lobv
iousl
y.
Musa:
Ma,
Isi
ncer
elyapol
ogi
zef
or.
..

Mum shookherhead.

Mum:
Itsnoty
ourf
aul
t.
What?Wait
!What?Mum?WhatMut
idi
dthi
s
guyuseonmother?

Mum: I
t'
sherfault
.Shehadt oCarryher
self
.
Shehadtotel
lyout hatshe'
swaiti
ngforthe
Ri
ghtti
me.Didy oudot hatReabi
l
we?
Me:
Noma.
.
Mum:theny
ougot
oFor
eignpl
acesaf
tert
hat
Ri
ght
?
Musa:
Thatwasmyi
deama.
Mum:
Didy
out
ell
hert
oli
eMusawaModi
mo?

Hekeptqui
et.If
eltl
i
keIwasi
nthepr
inci
pal
'
s
of
fi
ce.

Mum:
Didhet
ell
yout
oli
e?
Me:
Noma.
Mum: Thenwhy?Insteadofbei
nghonesty
ou
l
ied.Youli
edReabil
we.
Me:
Ma,
younotunder
standi
ng.
Mum:
Musa,
cany
oul
eav
eus?
Musa;
Yesma'
am.I
'
mver
ysor
ryma.
Mum:
You'
ref
orgi
venmyson.
.Godbewi
thy
ou.
Me:
CanIwal
khi
m out
?
Musa:
No.
.I
'
llbeFi
ne.

Helef
tther
oom.For
giv
en?Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Real
ly
?Seri
ousl
y?

Mum:
Andt
hen?
Me:
Ma,
Ilov
ehi
m.
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:Yes.Andt
her
e!Hopef
ull
ywe'
l
lst
opf
ight
ing
now.
Shegotupandwentt
othebedr
oom.Wel
lthat
wasn'
tsobad!
Iwentt
ochangeandj
oinedRi
char
dandTshego.

Tshego:
whowaswi
thmum?
Me:
Musa
Tshego:
Huh?
Me:
Theybumpedi
ntoeachot
heratt
hemal
l
.
Tshego:
and?
Me:
Sheknowsnow.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Tshego:
And?
Me:
didntgosobad.
Tshego:
Namet
ransl
ati
on?
Me:
Done.
Tshego:
That
'swhy
.Itmeansshel
i
keshi
m.
Me:shebl
amesmeact
ual
l
y.Shehasf
orgi
ven
hi
m.Notme!
Tshego:It
hinki
t'
sbecausesheexpect
edmor
e
fr
om you.
Me:
she'
l
lgetov
eri
t!
.
Tshego:
Aft
eral
otofpr
ayi
ng

Ri
char
dlookedatme.

Ri
char
d:Rea?
Me:
Rich?
Richard:Mark14:38Watchandpraysothatyou
willnotfal
li
ntotemptat
ion.Thespi
ri
tiswil
l
ing,
butt hebodyi
sweak."
Iwasget
tingt
ir
ednow!Really!Fi
rstmum!Now
thesoni
nlaw?IlookedatTshego.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oBonga.
Tshego:
Okay
.
Me:
I'
ll
buyussomemeat
.Pl
easemakechi
ps.
Tshego:
Buyr
oll
saswel
l
.
Me:
Cool
.
Ri
char
d:Godbl
essy
ouRea.
Me:
thanky
ou.

Iwentt
ogetmypur
seandwentout
.

"
Rea!
"
I
twasEl
l
a.

Me:
OhheyEl
l
a.
El
l
a:heyy
ougood?
Me:
Iam.
El
l
a:Dontf
orget
.
Me:
for
get
?
El
l
a:Get
ti
ngmar
ri
ednextweek.
.
Me:
Oh.Beengoi
ngt
hroughal
otsor
ry.
El
l
a;Al
ot?Wer
eyounoti
nZanzi
bar
?.
Me:
Iwas.Idontwantt
odi
vei
ntoi
t.
El
l
a:Wher
eto?
Me:
Bonga'
s
El
l
a:Ah.I
'
llseey
out
omor
row.
Me:
Itscool
.
Shewentoff
.AsIwaswor
king,
Tshepo
st
oppednexttome.

Me:
Hai
wenaman!
Tshepo:
let
'sgot
othemal
l
.
Me:
Kokae?
Tshepo:
Thi
stuckshopt
heycal
lamal
l
.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Okay
.

IgotI
n.

Tshepo:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
yourauntknowsnow.
Tshepo:
aboutt
heguy
?
Me:
Methi
mtoday
.
Tshepo:Good!Good!Rakgadi
needstochil
l
.
Bonaleyourpimpl
esaregone.Aker
ey ou
gett
ingsome.

Imanagedt
olaugh.

Me:
how'
sYourl
i
ttl
eonedoi
ng?
Tshepo:
he'
sfine.If
oundhi
m cryi
ng.Mama
tengwasbusyshaki
nghim Kar
ekesgubhusa
sqho.

Tshepot
hough!

Me:
youcr
azy
!
Tshepo:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
.shecan'
tcal
m herown
ki
ddown.I
'
m st
art
ingt
odoubt
.Myt
woki
ds
di
dn'
tcr
ysomuch.
Me:That'
sYourki d.St
optryi
ngt
orunaway
f
rom yourresponsibi
li
ti
es.
Tshepo:
Hai
suka!

Myphoner
ang.

Tshepo:
Don'
tanswer
.

Idi
d.

Me:
Heybaby
Musa:
Youokay
?
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
How'
smum?
Me:
She'
sOkay
.
Musa:
yousur
e?
Me:
She'
snott
alki
ngt
ome.
Musa:
baby
..
..
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.Don'
tst
ress.
Musa:
okay
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Musa:
Ilov
eyout
oobaby
.

Ihungup.

Tshepo:
Hebet
tert
reaty
our
ight
.
Me:
Hewi
l
l.

Wewenttogetfoodandhetookmehomeaf
ter
wesmokedabout3.Mum wasstil
li
nher
bedr
oom.
.readi
ngherBi
bleappar
entl
y
Tshego:
Youhi
gh?
Me:nope.Notr
eal
l
y.I
'
m goi
ngt
otakeabat
h.
Ther
e'st
hemeat.
Tshego:
Okay
.

Iwenttotakeabathandwentst
rai
ghtt
obed.
Ataround23:40Iwaswokenupbymum.

Mum:
let
'sgopr
ay.Taket
his.

It
ookt
heanoi
nti
ngoi
l
.

Mum: Mark6:
13"Theydroveoutmanydemons
andanoi
ntedmanysickpeoplewi
thoi
land
heal
edthem".
Me;
Mum canIpl
easesl
eep?
Tshegowokeup.

Tshego:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Mum:
weprayi
ngf
ory
oursi
stersoshecan'
tbe
t
empt
edagai
n.
Tshego:
Nowma?
Mum:
yesnow.
Tshego:
butshe'
sti
red.
Mum:
Tshego,
getup.Let
'sgoReabi
l
we.
Welookedateachot
herandfol
l
owedhertot
he
l
ounge.Westoppedandl
ookedateachot
her
whenwesawMusa.

Mum: gosi
tnextt
ohim.I'
m goi
ngtofetchmy
bi
ble.West
arti
ngthemidni
ghtpr
ayersoon
[
06/
14,
16:
45]W:
POTG
#12

Shel
eftt
her
oom

Me:
Shecal
l
edy
ou?
Musa:yes.Isortofgavehermybusinesscar
d
earl
i
eronatt hemallcozofthechar
itythi
ngI
run.
Me:
Andnow?
Musa:
shecal
ledmeatar
ound21:
00andt
old
metobeher
ef ort
hemi
dni
ghtpr
ayer
.
Me:
What
?Thi
sisi
nsane.
Musa:
any
thi
ngt
ocal
m herdown.
Tshego:
I'
m sor
ryMusa.
Musa:
Itsokay
.
Me:
Ohmyapol
ogi
es.Thi
sismysi
sterTshego.
Si
s,meetMusa.
Musa;
nicet
omeety
ousi
s.
Tshego:
Likewi
se.

Mum cameback.

Mum:
Let
'sbegi
n.

Shestartedpreachi
ngforabout10minut
esAnd
prayedforav er
ylongt
ime.Askingt
heLordfor
forgi
veness.ShewentonAndon!

Us:
amen.

Wesatont
hecouch.

Mum:
I'
m done.I
'
m goi
ngt
obednow.
Il
ookedather
.Nobl
essi
ng!

Mum:
Isi
tsaf
efory
out
otr
avel
homenow?
Musa:
iti
sma.
Mum:
Godbewi
thMusawaModi
mo.
Musa:
danki
ema.

Shel
eftt
her
oom.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Musa:
Ther
e'snot
hingt
obesor
ryf
or.
Me:
Yousur
e?
Musa:
yes.Il
i
key
ourmum

Tshegol
aughed.
Tshego:
What
'snott
oli
ke?
Musa:
Exact
ly.
Tshego:
Trav
elsaf
ely
.
Musa:
hav
eagoodr
est
.

Shel
eftt
ooandIwal
kedhi
m out
.

Me:
whatnow?
Musa:
Idon'
tknowbaby
.
Me:
I'
mjustgl
adsheknowsnow.
Musa:
Im gl
adt
oo.
Me:
Ifeel
li
kegoi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Musa:
No!Notaf
tert
hatpr
ayer
.
Me:
makesmesad
Musa:
:
howaboutwesl
eepher
e?
Me:
int
hecar
?
Musa:
yes.
Me:
soy
oucan.
..
Musa:
nodi
rt
ythought
s.Iwon'
tev
ent
ouchy
ou.
Me:
Okay
.Letmegogr
abmybl
anki
es.
Musa:Andcof
feepl
ease.Youmakegood
cof
fee
Me:
Okay
.

Iwentbackandmadet hecof fee,

pourediti
nto
averybigf
laskandchangedi ntomyt r
ackpant
s.
WoreTshego'swarm shoesandt ookthe
bl
ankieseventhoughIknewhehadt heheater
oncozIgotreall
ycoldAtnight.

Mum:
Rea!
Iopenedherdoorsl
owl
y.

Mum:
Wher
etowi
thBl
anket
s?
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Wher
eto?
Me:
MusaandIar
esl
eepi
ngi
nhi
scar
.
Mum:
won'
tyout
wogetsi
ck?
Me:
Wehav
etheheat
eron.
Mum:
didn'
tIj
ustpr
ayf
or.
..
Me:
Mum,
wej
ustgoi
ngt
obet
alki
ng.
Mum:
OkayReabi
l
we.
Me:
Doest
hatmean.
..
Mum:
No.Cl
oset
hedoor
.Iwantt
osl
eep.

Icl
osedthedoor
.Tookt
hemugsandwent
backtot
hecar.
Musa:
Suchabi
gfl
ask.
Me:
Youl
ovey
ourcof
feeI
'
venot
iced.
Musa:
Ido
Me:
Ther
e.
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Musa:Andnowthatyoutheonl
yonet hat
'
sgot
myheart
.I'
venev
erfeltt
hiswayaboutanyone.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
Real
l
y.
Me:Ir
eall
ylov
eyoutoo.Ev
ent
houghI
'
veonl
y
knownfort
woweeks.

Hel
aughed.
Musa:
Thanksf
oremphasi
zi
ngt
hatSmar
ty.
Me:
pleasur
e.
Musa:
Wecoul
dn'
tgetawayt
hisweekend.
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Canwenextweekend?
Me:
Sot
heycansaywesi
nni
ng.
Musa:
Thati
snott
rue.
I'
l
ltal
ktoher

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
No.
Musa:
afr
iendofmi
nei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
.
Me:
Nice.
Musa:
inGhana.
Me:
Oh!
Musa:
soIwashopi
ngI
'
dtagy
oual
ong.
Me:
Mm
Musa:
mm?
Me:
I'
ll
behonestt
hist
ime

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Ineedapl
usone.
Me:
Oh!
Musa:
sopl
ease.
Me:
Okay
.I'
m Gonhav
etot
ell
Yourmot
her
.
Musa:
That
sokay
.We'
l
laskhert
oget
her
.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Musa:
DidIsayany
thi
ngwr
ong?
Me:
No.Your
espectherdon'
tyou?

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:Shegavebirt
htoy
ou.MyAngel
.Of
cour
seIrespecther
.
Me:
Isee.
Musa:
andshe'
sav
eryni
ceper
son.
.
Me:Shei
samazi
ng.Ev
ent
houghshe.
..
hai
mama!

Hel
aughedatme.

Musa:you'l
lmissheroncey
oumarr
iedtome
andourkidsdon'tgi
veyout
imet
oyoursel
f.

If
akedasmi
l
e.Ihadntgi
veni
tthatmuch
t
hought.I
'
venev
ersatdownandpi
ctur
ed
mysel
fwitht
hat
.Honestl
y.

Me:
Howmanyki
dsdoy
ouwant
?
Musa:
25.

Il
aughed.

Me;
Youcr
azy
.
Musa:
Just3.
Me:
Thoughty
ou'
dsayt
wo.
Musa:
Nah.Thr
ee.
.
Me:
That
'sokay
.
Musa:
you?

Ipaused.
Musa:
Hadn'
tgi
veni
tmucht
hought
?
Me:
That
'sr
ight
.
Musa:
Itsokay
.Wei
nnor
ushr
ight
?
Me;
That
'st
rue.
Musa:
Youmakeameancupofcof
fee.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
?
Musa:
"thanky
oubaby
"
Me:
No.
Musa:
Fine!
Me:
Sol
et'
ssaywegot
othi
sweddi
ng.
Musa:
Yes?
Me:
Idon'
thav
eanout
fi
t.
Musa:
I'
ll
sor
tyouout
.

Ikeptqui
et.
Musa:
letmepr
ovi
de.
.
Me:
Idon'
t.
..
Musa:
please.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:cozIl
ovet
o.Justf
ocusony
ourst
udi
es
baby
.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Youdon'
twantt
oqui
t?
Me:
No.
.
Musa:
li
stent
owhatI
'
m say
ing.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Youdoi
ngy
ourf
inal
yearnexty
earr
ight
?
Me:
Yeah.
Musa:getyourdegr
eet henyoucanwork.Ij
ust
wanty
out ofocusplease.I
'v
egotyou.
Me:
okayI
'
llt
hinkabouti
t.
Musa:
Pleasedon'
t.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Musa:
thanky
ou.
Me: Butf
rom nextyear
.Im wr
iti
ngmyexams
nextmonththenI'l
lqui
taft
ertheyearend
functi
on.
.
Musa:
Ngy
abonga.

Wespoketi
ll
wef el
lasl
eep.Wewer
ewokenup
byaknockonthewindow.

Mum:
Come.

Wef
oldedt
hebl
anket
sandl
ockedt
hedoor
.

Me:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Musa:
Mor
ningbaby
.
Me;
Goodmor
ning.
Musa:
8:05.
Me:
Oh.

Wewenti
nsi
de.

Mum:
Musaher
eyougo.

I
twasabr
andnewt
oot
hbr
ushandf
acecl
oth.

Mum:
Yoursoap.I
spr
otexf
ine?
Musa:
yesi
tisma.Thanky
ou.
Mum:Justneedy outwotobr
ushyourt
eet
h
andcl
eanyourfaces.I
'v
emadefood.
Musa:
:
okayma.
Mum:
She'
l
lshowy
out
hebat
hroom.
Shewasv eryseri
ous.Musafoll
owedmet ot
he
bathroom andIgrabbedmytoothbrushtoo.
Wewer el
aughingatsomethi
ngwhilebrushi
ng
ourteethandmum cl ear
edhert
hroat.

Mum:beenwai
ti
ngher
elongenough.Pl
ease
f
ini
shup.

Wedid.Thenwentt
ojointhem i
nthekit
chen.
Wej
oinedhandstoprayandbeforeIcoul
dgrab
t
heyoghurtmum st
oppedme.

Mum:IDontknowwhat'
sgoingonbetweeny
ou
t
wobutther
eisclear
lyal
otofel
ect
rici
ty.
Tshego:
Chemi
str
yma.
Mum:
Yeseo.
Mum t
hough.Wedi
dn'
tl
augh.

Mum: MusawaModi mo,Idon'tevenlikey ou,I

l
ov ey
ouboy .Youar erespectf
ulandt hought f
ul.
Reaisrebell
iousthatI'
venoti
cedagesagobut
tr
iedtokeepheront rack.She'sveryluckyt o
haveyou.Yout wolooklikeyouhappyt ogether
andIwillnotstandinyourway .AllIcandoi s
hopeandpr aythatyoudot hi
ngst her i
ght.
What'
sdonei sdone.Youtwohav emybl essing.
[
06/
14,
16:
46]W:
POTG
#13

Musa:
Thanky
ouma.
Me:
Thanky
oumama.
Mum: I
tisapleasur
eandnextt
imewhenyou
twodecidet
ogoawaypleasetel
lmethet
rut
h
Reabi
lwe.
Il
ookedatMusaandhesl
owl
yshookhi
shead.

Me:
I'
m gongoaheadandt
ell
her
.
Musa:
OkayFi
ne.
Me:
Mama?
Mum:
Rea?
Me:Musa'
sfr
iendisget
ti
ngmarri
edthi
s
comi
ngweekendinGhana.Sohewantstot
ake
mether
eashisplusone.
Mum:
Okay
.Itwasn'
tthatdi
ff
icul
tri
ght
?

Il
ookedatHer
.

Mum:
Mybabyam Ir
eal
l
ythatbad?Tshego?
Tshego:
yes.
Mum:
She'
sar
ebel
ley
enaman.
Welaughed.Mum wasback.Shecoul
dswi
tch
any
timethough.
Weateup.Thefrui
tsaladwasnice.Ihar
dlyate
i
tsowhatever
!.
..
mum wasmaki ngmor efood
af
tert
hat
.Apparentl
ythatj
ustwasast ar
ter.
Mum!Yes.

Tshego:
youdoi
ngt
hegar
dent
oday
.
Me:
That
'snotf
air
.
Tshego:
Hai
Rea!
Me:
okayf
ine.You'
l
lhel
p?
Musa:
Yes.I
t'
sther
apeut
ic.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Buthowdoy
ou.
..
Musa:
Gar
densathomeandIt
oldy
ouabout
dad.

Thef
arms!

Me:
Ohy
es.
Musa:
sodon'
tst
ress.
Mum:
Yousl
eepi
ngathomet
oday
?
Me:
ma?
Mum:
yououtev
erySat
urday
.
Me;Ipr
omisedEll
athatI
'
dcomeseeher
.
Sl
eepovermaybe
Mum:
yousee?Youal
l
ergi
ctous?
Me:
noma.
Mum:
then?
Me:
I'
ll
sleepher
etoday
.
Mum:
Sowecangot
ochur
cht
omor
row.
Me:
okaymama.
Mum:
youshoul
djoi
nust
omor
rowMusa.

Shereal
lyl
i
kedhim.Hert
onewassof
terwhen
shespoketohi
m

Musa:Iwi
l
lma.
.whatt
imedoest
heser
vice
st
art
?
Mum:
9:00.
Musa:
okayma'
am.I
'
llbeher
eat8:
30.
Mum: Rea,y
oubetterwakeup.Ear
ly.Shecan'
t
cookdidshetel
lyou?

TshegoAndMusal
aughed.

Me:
thanksf
orr
ubbi
ngi
tinma.
Tshego:
Andshedoesn'
twantt
olear
n.
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikecooki
ng.
.
Mum: Youneedtol
ear
nhowt ocook.Youcan'
t
expectTshegot
ocookfory
ouforever
.
Me:
Icl
ean.
Mum:
You'
l
lli
veont
akeaway
sson.
Musa:
Icancookma.
Mum:
Teachher
.

Mum hadaper sonalvendettaagai

nstmeI
swear.Wehadbr eakfast,
Musawaspat i
ent
withher,
theyspokel i
ket heyHadknowneach
otherf
ory ear
s.Iwasev entoldt
onotbother
goingtothegar den.Mum wasgoi ngtodothat
withher"son"
.

Me:
Ithi
nkmum'
staki
nghi
m awayf
rom me.
Tshego:
No.Sheli
keshimyesbutonl
yfory
ou.
Heunderst
andsherhey
.Theyj
ustcli
ck.
Me:
Itswei
rd.
Tshego:
It'
snot
.Rej
oice.
Me:
No.

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
Don'
twantt
oshar
e?
Me;
No.
Tshego:
Tool
ate.
Me:
Tel
lmeabouti
t!
Tshego:
you'
l
lbef
ine.Taket
hist
othem.
Me:
Okay

Itookt
hetraywiththejui
ceandglassesand
wenttothegarden.Theywerelaughi
ngat
somethi
ng.Probablymum'sstori
es.
Me:
Ibr
oughtsomej
uice
Mum:
Thanky
ouRea.
Me:
It'
sapl
easur
e.
Mum;
Weal
mostdoneokay
?

Il
etoutasi
ghofr
eli
ef.

Me:
Okayma.
Mum:
I'
m goi
ngt
oapar
ty.
Me:
Apar
ty?
Mum:
MaMor
we'
s70t
h.I
'
llbebackl
ate.
Me:
Oh.Okay
.
Mum:
Yougoi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
Wegoi
ngsomewher
ebabe?
Musa:
Yeswear
e.
Mum:
Okayt
hen.Tshego'
sal
sogoi
ngoutwi
th
Richard.Soyoubett
ertakey
ourhousekey
s
thatifyoucomingback.
Me:Iwi
ll
.Youcangogetr
eadyf
ort
hepar
ty.I
'
ll
f
ini
shup.
Mum:
MonawahaoReabi
l
we!TheBi
blesay
s..
..
Me:
Mum nopl
ease!
Mum:
Itspeaksofj
eal
ousy
.ButI
'
llgo.
Me:
Byema.
Mum:
byeRea.

Shet
ookherj
uiceandl
eft
.

Me:
Hadf
un?
Musa:
Tonsoff
un.Shehasal
ott
osayr
ight
?
Me:
thi
sisonl
ythebegi
nni
ng.

Wet
urnedourheadswhenwesawt
hegat
e
open.I
twasNkel
e.

Nkel
e:Dumel
ang.
Musa:
:
hi.
Me:
Hi.
Nkel
e:Lekae?
Me:
Ret
eng.Youraunt
'
sint
hehouse.
Nkel
e:Nof
ormal
i
ties?
Me: Ohyes.Baby
,thi
sisNkel
e,mycousi
n'
s
si
ster.
Musa:
Tshepo?
Me:yes.She'
sTshepo'
ssi
ster
.Thi
sisMusa,
My
per
son.
Nkel
e:ni
cet
omeety
ou.
.I
'
m hercousi
n.
Me:
Noshe'
snot
.Cany
ouexcuseusnow?
Nkel
e:Yousor
ude!
Me:
Iknow!
Shel
eftus.

Musa:
Idi
dntknowi
t'
sthi
sbad.
Me:I
tis.Let
'sf
ini
shup.Mum ev
engav
eyouan
ov
eral
l.
Musa:
andi
t'
sst
il
lnew.
Me:
itl
ooksgoodOny
ou.
Musa:
Iknow.
Me:
OhGod!
Musa:
Stopusi
ngi
tinv
ain.
Me:
it'
srubbi
ngof
fony
our
ight
?

Hel
aughed.
.

Musa:
Iti
s.
Me:
Sowher
ewegoi
ng?
Musa:
Myapar
tment
.
Me:
dayi
n?
Musa:
Yes.Youokaywi
tht
hat
?
Me:
Ofcour
se.

Wefi
nishedwor
kingonthegardenandwat
ched
asmum showedoffherout
fi
t.

Tshego;
HowLongwi
l
lthephot
oshootgoon
for
?
Me:
Ihav
enocl
ue.Herl
i
fti
swai
ti
ng.

Nkel
ewast
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofher
.

Mum:
comeMusa.
Tshego:
Oht
hat
'saf
ir
st.
Hewasouthisover
all
now.Ihadgi
venhi
m one
ofmyguytopsIowncoztheonehehadon
wasDi
rty
.Ili
kedbaggyshi
rt
s.

Tshego:
Letmet
aket
hatpi
cNkel
e.

Shepassedhermum'
sphoneandshet
ook
about3.
Mum:
Okayby
eki
ds.

Wesai
dby
etoherandwat
chedasshegoti
nto
t
hecar
.

Me:Ti
mef
orust
ogot
oo.I
'
llshoweraty
our
pl
ace.
Musa:
gogety
ourcl
othest
hen.
Iwentt
opackmyout
fi
tandt
ookmyhouse
key
s.

Tshego:
I'
ll
bebackl
ate.
Me:
Okay
.Hav
eFunsi
s.
Tshego:
yout
oo.Lov
eyou.
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo.

Shesai
dby
etoMusaandwel
efthert
her
ewi
th
Nkel
e.

Musa:
Thatwasagr
eatst
artt
otheday
.
Me:
Iagr
ee.
Musa:
Arey
out
hatt
roubl
esomebaby
?
Me:Sor
tof.Sheoncef
oundweedandabot
tl
e
ofv
odkainmybagso...
Musa:
Rea!
Me:
Im notl
i
ket
hem.
Musa:
Ithi
nkshe'
saccept
edt
hatnow.
Me:It
hinksot
oo.Younotgoi
ngt
oyourl
ounge
t
oday?
Musa:noma'am..I
'
m spendi
ngt
hedaywi
thy
ou.
That
'swhyIhavemanagers.
Me:
OkaySi
r.

Whenwegottohisapar
tmentwet
ookabat
h
t
oget
herandwatchedamovie.
About30minut
esl
ater
,wehear
daknock.He
wenttogeti
t

"
Musawenkosi!I'
vebeencall
i
ngy
ou,
you
wer
en'
ther
et hismorning"
Thel
adycameI n.
.shewaswear
ingapr
ett
y
summerdress.

Musa:
Yes,
Iwasout
.
"
Wher
ewer
eyou,
you.
..
"

Shest
oppedwhenshesawme.

"YoumustbeMsKel
ly
,I'
m hi
sauntNomv
ula,
comegivemeahug"

Idi
d..

Aunt
:Youv
erypr
ett
y
Me:
thanky
ou.CanIgety
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Aunt:
She'sgotmanner
s.Il
oveher
.He'
l
lgeti
t
forme.Justsi
tdown.
Wesatdown.

Aunt
:Musat
eapl
ease.
Musa:
YesI
'
m goi
ng.
Aunt
:het
oldmeal
otabouty
ou.
Me:
goodt
hingsIhope.
Aunt
:ofcour
se.He'
snev
erspokensohi
ghl
yof
anygi
rl
.MsKell
y..
.
Me:
JustKel
l
yma.
Aunt:Forgiv
ememychi ld,Kell
y,youar eexactl
y
whatheneeds.Hemi ghtseem st r
ongont he
outsi
debuthe' snotsost rongont hei nside.He
wentthroughal otandi sstil
lgoingthr ougha
l
ot.Justbehi spil
larofstrength.Her eally
needsy ou.Don'tgiv
euponhi m.
[
06/
14,
16:
46]W:
POTG
#14
Me:
Pleaseexpl
ain
Aunt
:rat
herhedot
hat
.
Me:
Okayma.

I
twasf
air
.Itwas.Iguessi
tmadesense.

Aunt
:He'
str
eat
ingy
ouokay
?
Me:
Hei
s.

Ismil
ed.
.Musacamebackwi
th3cups.Oneof
teaandt
woofcoff
ee.

Musa:
Aunt
y?
Aunt
:Musa?
Musa:
Thatwomant
hatmakesy
ourcl
othes
Aunt
:OhMaggi
?
Musa:
Yes.Cany
ougi
vemehernumber
s?
Aunt
:Why
?
Musa:Wegoingt
oDavi
d'
sweddingsoIwas
hopi
ngshe'
dmakeReaadress.
Aunt
:okay
.

Shesentt
hem t
ohi
sphone.

Aunt
:Youknowwhaty
ouwant
?
Me:
Noty
et.
Aunt
:Comesi
ther
e.

Iwentt
ositnextt
oherandwescr ol
ledthr
ough
hergal
l
ery
.Shehada"dresses"f
older.

Me:
That
'scut
e.
Aunt
:Iti
s.I
twi
l
llookgoodony
ou.
Me:
Thi
sisi
t.
Aunt
:I'
l
lsendi
tyourman'
sphone.
Me:
Thanky
ouAunt
y.
Aunt
:It
'sapl
easur
e.
Musa:
Wantt
ocomeback?

Wegi
ggl
edandIwentbackt
ohi
m.

Aunt
:Yout
heonl
ychi
l
d?
Me:
No.Ihav
eanol
dersi
ster
.
Aunt
:Bot
hpar
ent
sst
il
lal
i
ve?
Me:Noma'
am.MydadpassedonwhenIwas
16.
Aunt
:OhI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
itsokay
.
Aunt
:St
udy
ing?
Me:
YesHR.
Aunt
:ni
ceone.Begoodt
oeachot
her
.
Musa:
Wear
e.
Aunt
:Youmustt
ell
mei
fhedoesn'
ttr
eaty
ou
Ri
ght.
Musa:
Me?
Aunt
:Yes.
Musa:I
'l
lcal
lyouwhenshedoesn'
ttr
eatme
Ri
ght.

Wel
aughed.

Aunt
:IknowShe'
l
ltr
eaty
ouRi
ght
.Kel
l
ytel
lme
okay
?

Il
ookedatMusaandsmi
l
ed.Iador
edhi
m.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkhe'
l
ltr
eatmebad.
Aunt
:shel
ovesy
ou.Thel
ovei
nherey
es.
Musa:
Andy
oudontt
hinkIl
oveher
?
Aunt
:Hai
suka.JustbeGoodt
oher
.
Musa:
Yesma'
am.

Shedeci
dedt
oleav
eaf
tershedr
ankhert
ea.

Aunt
:Hav
efuni
nGhana.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:
Wewi
l
l.
.Wi
thouty
ou.I
tfeel
sgood.
Aunt
:Goi
ngpl
aceswi
thoutme?
Musa:Yes.Iwasget
ti
ngtir
edofy
ouf
orci
ngme
t
otakeyouasmypl usone.
Wel
aughed.

Aunt
:Iwastry
ingt
okeepy
ouawayf
rom t
hose
l
oosegir
ls.

Hel
aughed.
.

Musa:
Andi
twor
kedaunt
y.Thanky
ou.
Aunt
:Ideser
veagi
ft
.
Musa:
I'
ll
bri
ngy
ouonef
rom Ghana.
Aunt
:Yes!Mat
eri
alpl
ease.
Musa:
Yes!Iwi
l
l
Aunt
:Okayby
e.

Ihuggedher
.
Aunt
:Takecar
e.
Me:
Wil
ldo.

Shet
henhuggedhernephew.

Aunt
:Yout
akecar
etoo.
Musa:
YesAunt
y.
Aunt
:By
eki
ds.

Shel
eft
.

Me:
She'
sni
ce.
Musa:
Yesshei
s.

Idi
dn'
twanttoaskhi
m aboutwhathi
saunt
sai
d.Ideci
dedtowai
tforhimtot
ell
me..
whenevert
hatwouldbe.
Musa:
Youhungr
y?
Me:
YesIam
Musa:
Come.

If
oll
owedhi
mtot
heki
tchen.

Musa:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Me:
You.

Hel
aughed.

Me:
I'
m ser
ious.
Musa:
Hav
eIt
urnedy
oui
ntoanaddi
ct?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.Yout
ell
me.
Musa:
that
'snot
..
.okay
.
Me:
Not
?
Musa:
notananswer
.
Me:youjustl
ooky
ummyf
rom behi
ndt
hat
count
er.
Musa:
We'
vej
ustbeenpr
ayedf
or.
Me:
Hour
sago.Iknow.
Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
Don'
tmakemebeg.

Heputt
hel
ett
ucedownandcamet
ome.
Musa:
Yousur
e?
Me:
yep!

Rightonthecount
er.I
twasexhil
arat
ing!And
rough.Musawasabeast.Whenpul l
edoutI
wantedwasmor eofhim andhedepri
vedmeof
that.
6mont hsdown, wewer ehappy .Veryhappy !I
hadmethi sdad.Veryniceper son.Ver yopen
minded.Musawasst ill
mum' sBuddy .Ihadmet
hiscousinsandt heywer egreatpeopl e.Ihadn't
methi smum t hough,apparentlyshedi dn'tl
i
ke
thecity.HeandTshepower eHei nekenbuddi es.
AndheandBongagotal ong.Hedi dn'
tl i
keEll
a.
Bonga'sinfluenceIt
ellyou.Wenev ermi ssed
churchunlessi fwewereaway ,Hest i
llhadn't
saidany t
hingabout"whathewasgoi ng
through"

Mum:
Rea!
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Come.
Iwentt
othel
ounge.

Mum: Whi
chcur
tai
nsdoy
oul
i
ke?Di
dIdi
stur
b
you?
Me:
Yes.Iwasst
udy
ingma.
.buti
tsokay
.
Mum:
Okaychoose.

Il
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
esonhert
abl
et.

Me:
whosel
l
sthese?
Mum:
Justchoose.
Me:
Okay
.

Ichoset
wot
hatIl
i
ked.

Mum:
how'
sMusadoi
ng?
Me:
He'
sokay
.
Mum:
Yout
woar
epl
anni
nganot
herr
oadt
ri
p?
Me:
Noma.
Mum:
okay
..
Me:
Youwer
ewi
thhi
myest
erdayma.
Mum:
Iwasj
ustaski
ng.
Me:
He'
sokay
.
Mum:
Okay
Me:
CanIgobackt
oMyst
udy
ing?
Mum;
Yes.

Iwentbackt
othebedr
oom,
about20mi
nut
es
l
ater
,Musacall
edme.

Me:
Heybaby
.
Musa:
Hey
.Youokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.
Musa:
Yousoundt
ir
ed.
Me:
Iam.Beenst
udy
ing.
Musa:
Youhadnocl
assest
oday
?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Dinner
?
Me:
err
..
.
Musa:
Atmypl
ace.Pl
ease.
Me:
Okayf
inel
ove.
.whatt
ime?
Musa:
19:
30.
Me:
Okaycool
.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

IhungupAndl
ookedf
orsomet
hingI
'
dweart
o
dinner
.
Tshego:
Andt
hen?
Me:
looki
ngf
orsomet
hingt
owear
Tshego:
Why
?
Me:
Dinner
.AtMusa'
s.
Tshego:Sowhyyoust
ressi
ng?Yougonbe
i
ndoors.Jeanandat
op
Me:
I'
mti
redoft
hat
.
Tshego:Okay.Weart
hatdr
ess.You'
venev
er
wornitbef
ore.
Me:
ohy
es.
.t
hanky
ou.
Tshego:
pleasur
e..

Igotr
eadyataround17:00anddr
ovetohis
pl
ace.Yes!Hehadmet akeoneofhi
scars.

Musa:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:Thankyou.ThoughtI
'
ddol
lupf
ory
ou.You
l
ooknicetoo.
Musa:wel
lthanky
ou.Yourdi
nneront
he
r
ooft
op
Me:
Thi
sisaf
ir
st.
Musa:weal
way
soutsoIt
houghtt
hiswoul
dbe
ni
ce.

Heleadmet omyrooft
op.Sof
tmusi
cint
he
backgr
ound.Beaut
if
ulset
ti
ng.

Me:
Itakei
tyouseal
edt
hatdeal
?
Musa:
Idi
d.
Me:
Ohni
cewayt
ocel
ebr
ate.
Musa:
Takeaseat
.

Heopenedachai
rforme.
Musa:Thankyouf
oral
lyoursmar
tideasy
ou
hel
pedmewi t
h.
Me:gladIhel
ped.
.Iknowhowmuchy
ouwant
ed
t
his.Canweeatnow?

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Yeswecan.

Wehadourdinner
..
itwasabeauti
fulni
ght.
Whenthatwasdone,welookedattheci
ty
l
ight
s.Il
ovedtodothat
..

Musa:
Ihav
eaquest
iont
oask.
Me:
goon.
Iwasn'
tl
ooki
ngathi
m.Hesuddenlywentqui
et
Andhewasonhisknee.Ri
ngboxopen.

Musa:
wil
lyoupl
easemar
ryme?

Il
ookedathi
m.Pausedf
orami
nut
eandt
ooka
deepbr
eath.

Me:
No.
[
06/
14,
16:
46]W:
POTG
#15

Me:
pleasegetup.

Hedi
d.

Musa:
Whatdoy
oumean"
no?
"
Me:
Canwegobacki
nsi
de?

Hef
oll
owedmei
nsi
de.

Musa:
Don'
tyouwantt
his?
Me:
Notnow.
Musa:
whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
we'
veonl
yknowneachot
herf
or6mont
hs
Musa:
YesandIwantt
ospendt
her
estofmy
l
if
ewit
hyou.
Me:
andIdot
oo.Musai
t'
stoosoon.
Musa;
Wear
enotget
ti
nganyy
ounger
.
Me:Ionlyt
urned24afewweeksback.Thi
sis
noton.Musa,i
t'
stoosoon.
Musa:
Rea?
Me:
Him?
Musa:
Ithoughtwewant
edt
obet
oget
her
.
Me:
Andthat
'st
rue.I
tis.Butnotj
umpi
nto
mar
ri
age.
Musa:
Idon'
tunder
stand.Mostwomenwoul
d..
.
Me:
I'
m notmostwomen.

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.Ij
ustdon'
tunder
stand.
Me:
I'
m notr
eady
..
thi
sisabi
gst
ep.
Musa:
Nothi
ng'
sgoi
ngt
ochange.Youj
ust
goi
ngtohav
eanewsur
name.
Me: Musa,marri
ageisabigstep.Look,
Ilove
you.Verymuch.AndI'm notsayi
ngIwon't
marryyou.Justnotnow.

Hekeptqui
et.
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:
"okay
?"
Musa:
It'
sfi
ne.
Me:
I'
ll
hol
dont
other
ingcozi
tsv
erypr
ett
y.

Heshotasmi
l
eatme.

Musa:
wow.
Me:Ireal
l
yl ov
eyouandI
'
llnev
erl
eav
eyou.
Justonestepatati
mepl
ease.
Musa:
Okay
..
Me:
okay
?
Musa:
Yesokay
.
Me: SoIgotussomeweed.Thi
sisan
occassi
onright
?

Hel
aughed.
..
Musa:
Iti
s.
Me:
Roof
top?
Musa:
Yes.

Itookmyshoesof
fandgr
abbedabl
anketand
cushions.

Musa:
Wesi
tt
ingont
his?
Me:
Yescomeon.

Her
oll
edabout3.

Me:Youst
il
lwantt
odot
hisev
enaf
terwehav
e
ki
ds?
Musa:
Smokeweed?
Me:
Yep.
Musa:
Ift
heynotar
oundt
heny
es.
Me:
Good.
Musa:
Youdontwantt
ost
op?
Me:
Nope.

Hel
ookedi
ntomyey
es.
.

Me:
what
'
swr
ong?
Musa:
Youar
esomet
hingel
sey
ouknowt
hat
?
Me:
Howso?
Musa:
youdi
ff
erent
.
Me;
From al
lyourgi
rl
fr
iends.Ishoul
dbe.
Musa:there'
ssomet
hingabouty
ouandIcan'
t
seem t
of i
gurei
tout
.
Me:
Youwi
l
last
imegoeson.
Musa:
IhopeIdo.
Wecont i
nuedsmoki ngandmadel oveonthe
rooft
op.Wehadnev erdonet hatbeforesoit
wasmagi cal
.Ihadnocl assesthenextdaysoI
madehi m br
eakfastinbed.Yes. .
.hi
sAunthad
taughtandsti
ll
wast eachingmehowt oCook.
Sowashe.Iwast eachinghowt obake.

Me:
Mor
ning.
Musa:
Hey
.
Me:
Breakf
ast
.
Musa:
thanky
ou.CanIj
ustgocl
eanmymout
h?
Me:
Sur
e.

Af
ewmi
nut
esl
ater
,hecameback.

Musa:It
akei
tyoufi
l
ledt
hispl
atel
i
ket
hiscoz
yougoi
ngtodi
ginaswel
l.
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
Ver
yromant
icbaby
.
Me:
Shar
ingi
slov
ing.
Musa:
Right
?
Me:
Yes

Hi
sphoner
ang.

Musa:HeyMonica..
.good..
.no.
..
I'
m notcomi
ng
i
ntoday.
..
.r
eschedul
epl ease.
..
.t
hanksbye.

Hehungup.

Me:
Andwhyar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k?
Musa:
CosI
'
m wi
thy
ou.
Me:
that
snotav
ali
dreason.
.
Musa:
Tomei
tis.Wantt
ogobungeej
umpi
ng?
Me:
nope.
Musa:
Whynot
?
Me:
Ijustwantt
orel
ax.
Musa:
Okayf
ine.
Me:
Stayi
nbed.
Musa:
And?
Me:
Tal
kcr
azy
.
Musa:
Whatel
se?
Me;
Wat
chTV.
Musa:
goon
Ms:
Justt
hat
.

Webot
hgi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Okayt
hat
'
sfi
ne.
Me:
Musa?
Musa;
Baby
?

Iwant
edt
ogeti
tof
fmychest
.Real
l
y.

Me:Youhar
dlyt
alkabouty
ourupbr
ingi
ngand
chi
l
dhoodwhy?
Musa:
Cozi
thur
ts.
Me:
Soy
oudon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
tatal
l
?
Musa:
May
bewhenI
'
mready
.
Me:
Youdon'
tthi
nky
ouar
enow?
Musa:
No.

Youcoul
dseet
hehur
tonhi
sface.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
don'
twor
ry.
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
Baby
,I'
m st
il
ldeal
i
ngwi
thi
t.
Me:
Andwhendoy
out
hinky
ou'
l
lber
eadyt
otel
l
me?

Hekeptqui
et.

Musa:
Idon'
tknow.

Inodded.

Me:
It'
sfi
ne.
Musa:
Isi
t?
Me:
Yesbaby
.
Idi
dn'
tli
kepushi
ngpeopl
e.Thatwasnotme.
Real
ly
.

Musa:
Thanksbabe

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
HeyEl
l
a.

Musar
oll
edhi
sey
es.Ihi
thi
shand.

El
l
a:y
ougood?
Me:
YesIam.Howar
eyou?
El
l
a:I
'
mfi
ne.Youar
ound?
Me:
Nowhy
?
El
l
a:Ineededt
otal
ktoy
ou.
Me:
Youdon'
tsoundokay
.
El
l
a:I
'
m not
.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
El
l
a:KeMoses.
Me:I'
l
lcomebackinafewhours.Sayatar
ound
14:
00.I'
l
lst
opatyourhouse.
El
l
a:Thanky
ou.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em f
ri
end.By
e
El
l
a:By
e.

Ihungup.

Me:
whatdoy
ouhav
eagai
nstEl
l
a?
Musa:
Yourf
ri
end'
swei
rd.
Me:No.You'
vebeent
alki
ngt
oBongaabouthi
m.
That
'swhy.
Musa:No.RememberWhenyouinvi
tedherov
er
f
orthat"
gettoknoweachot
her
"braaiwehad
f
orourcousi
ns.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Shewasokay
.
Musa:
noshewasnt
.Shewasmeant
oev
ery
one.
Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:I'
m sorr
ybutshet
hinksshe'
sbet
tert
han
ever
yoneelseandShecomesacrossas
j
udgemental.
Me:
Shei
sabi
tjudgement
al.
Musa:
yousee?
Me:
Butshe'
sagoodf
ri
end.
Musa:Yousupposet
osayt
hat
.She'
sYour
f
ri
end.Idon'
tl
ikeher
Me:
Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknowbaby

Wef
ini
shedeat
ingourbr
eakf
astandwentt
ow
Washthedishes.Icl
eanedandafterwetooka
bat
h,hegotacall.I
twasfrom hi
saunt.

Musa:
excusemebabe.

Hewenttoansweritout
side.Auntandnephew
t
hingsIguess.HeCamein10mi nutesl
ater
,hi
s
moodhadchanged

Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Musa:
Bongi
nkosi
'
sdadpassedon

Bongi
nkosi
washi
scousi
n.Theywer
equi
te
cl
ose.

Me:
OhI
'
m sor
ry.

Hewasnotsad.Hewasangr
y.

Me:Doyouthi
nkweshoul
dgoov
eratNkosi
'
s
pl
aceandcheckonhi
m.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Musa.
..
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Musa:
no, he'
sal
readyonhi
swayt
o
Mpumalanga.
Me:
Icangowi
thy
out
othef
u..
.
Musa:
No.
Me:
Yes.Youl
ookl
i
key
ou.
..
Musa:
Damni
tReaman!

Hesnapped.Il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Musa:
look.
..
leav
e.Iwantt
obel
eftal
one.
[
06/
14,
16:
46]W:
POTG
#16

Me:
What
?
Musa:
Leav
e!
Me:
Musa.
Musa:
Reapl
easel
eav
e!
Ichangedintot
hedressIhadont henight
beforeandtookmythings.Fuckhi
m!Iwasonl
y
tr
yingtobetheref
orhim.Iwentstrai
ghtto
Ell
a's.

Me:
Hey
El
l
a:Hey
.Youl
ookpi
ssed.
Me:
Nah.Thi
sai
n'
taboutme.What
'sup?
El
l
a:Canwegosi
tundert
het
ree?
Me:
Yes.
El
l
a:gi
vemeami
nut
e.

Shewentt
ofet
cht
hegr
assmat
.

Me:
What
'sup?

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:
Ah!Thatbad?
El
l
a:Idon'
tev
enknowwher
etost
art
.
Me:
Star
twher
ever
.

Shet
ookanot
herdeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
hav
eyoubeencr
ying?

Shenodded.

Me:
Why
?
El
l
a:Moses.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmehi
sassi
scheat
ing.
El
l
a:Hewant
sadi
vor
ce.
Me:
what
?
El
l
a:Yes.
Me:Youtwogotmar
ri
edMont
hsagowhat
'
s
wi
thhim now?
El
l
a:Hesai
dhedoesn'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e.

Myj
awdr
opped.

Me:
IsMosescr
azy
?
El
l
a:He'
smetsomeonenew.
Me:
Ell
a..
.

Iwassuddenl
ysad.

El
l
a:Idontev
enknowwher
ehei
sRi
ghtnow.
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
El
l
a:Hehasn'
tbeensl
eepi
nghome.
Me:
howl
onghast
hisbeengoi
ngonf
or?
El
l
a:Amont
h.

Shewasst
art
ingt
otearup.

Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
El
l
a:Met
oo.Il
ovehi
m somuch.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
osi
gnt
hepaper
s?
El
l
a:Ihav
eto.
Me:
didy
out
ryt
o..
.
El
la;
Hedoesn'twanttohearit
.Rea,hesay
sI'
m
j
udgemental
,sel
fi
sh,sel
f-
absorbed,
hesaysI'
m
ar
rogantandi
nconsi
derate.Am I
?

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.Shewas.Att
imes.

Me:
Honest
ly,
Ell
ayouar
esomet
imes
El
l
a:Rea!Howdar
eyou?
Me:I'
my ourf
ri
end.I
'
m supposetobebr
utal
l
y
honestwit
hyou.I
tsyourwayornoway.

Shekeptqui
et

Me: Maybehe'
stir
edofal lt
hat.Maybeifyou
changedyourways.Look,Loveisabout
compromiseandsacr i
fi
ces.Youneedt osubmit
toMoses.He'syourhusband.I'
m not
condoni
nghisbehaviorbuthasheev ertr
iedt
o
tal
kaboutthi
s?

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
Ell
a?
El
l
a:Hedi
d.
Me:
Yout
hinky
oupushedhi
m away
?
El
l
a:Yes.

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayany
mor
e

Me:
Justt
ry
El
l
a:Idon'
twantt
olosehi
m..
Me:
Thenmakesur
eyoudon'
t.
El
l
a:ThanksRea
Me:
Noneedt
o.That
'swhatf
ri
endsdo

Justt
henMosesar
ri
ved.

Me:
trynow.Okay
?
El
l
a:Okay
.

Igotup.
Me:
Tal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
El
l
a:Cool
.
Moses:
HeyRea.
Me:
HeyMos.Yougood?
Moses:
Iam.Looki
nggood
Me:
Thanky
ou.Seey
ouar
ound.
Moses:
Sur
ethi
ng.

AssoonasIgoti
ntot
hecar
,Igotacal
lfr
om
Tshepo.

Me:
Hey
.
Tshepo:
Kopal
unch.
Me:
Yakokae?
Tshepo:
Papandmeat.Fr
om t
hatl
adyt
hatl
i
ves
cl
osetothathar
dwar
e.
Me:
Cool
.Seey
oui
naf
ew.
Tshepo:
Younotpr
otest
ing?
Me:
Youneedt
oeatmos

Ihungupandwentt
ogethi
sfood.

Tshepo:It'
spr
obabl
ythatt
imef
ort
hemont
h
butplease.
Me:
Huh?
Tshepo:
Godmadeyouf
emal
enotme.You
weresorudet
ome.

Ir
emember
edhowIhungup.

Me.OhI
'
m sor
ry.
Tshepo:
Keng?
Me:
Not
hing.
Tshepo:
Youf
oughtwi
thMusa?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y.Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Tshepo:
Didy
oubat
h?
Me:
Nope.Iwasgoi
ngt
otheny
oucal
l
ed.
Tshepo:
Otswakae?
Me:
From El
l
a.
Tshepo;
Youl
ovet
hatf
ri
endofy
our
sdon'
tyou?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo;
Tel
lherMosesi
sbackwi
thhi
sex.
Me:
Tshepo!
Tshepo:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
Wenaoshwashwi
yho.
Tshepo:
Iwor katafi
ll
ingst
ati
onRea.Isee
al
mostev er
ythi
ng.Theywereher
ethi
smor ni
ng.
Me:
Wai
t.
..
ex?Nomahl
ubi
?
Tshepo;
Theoneandonl
y.
Me:
Ell
aisgoi
ngt
oexpl
odewhenIt
ell
hert
his.
Tshepo:shehasnorightto.Shet
ookMoses
fr
om Hlubi.Hl
ubi
justtookbackwhat'
sher
s
Me:
Andt
hismakesy
ouhappyr
ight
?
Tshepo:Thati
nconsi
der
ate,
sel
fabsor
bedbi
tch
deserv
esit.

Ishookmyhead.

Me:
wow.
Tshepo:
Don'
tdot
hat
.Youknowher
.
Me:
she'
syourex.
Tshepo:
Iknow.
Me:
I'
m goi
nghome.
Tshepo:
Okay
Me:
Seey
ouwhenIseey
ou.
Tshepo:
HeyRea.
..
Il
ookedAthi
m.

Tshepo:
Don'
tl
eti
tgett
oyouokay
?Hel
oves
you
Me:
Mm.
..
.okay
.
Tshepo:
I'
ll
comecheckony
oul
ateron.
Me:
okay
.Byt
hewayWher
e'sy
ourcar
?
Tshepo:
Ineedt
orepl
acet
hebr
akepads.
Me:
Oh.Beenwonder
ing.
Tshepo:
I'
ll
probabl
ydot
hatendoft
hemont
h.
Me:
makessense
Tshepo:
lov
eyou.
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo.
Tshepo:
I'
ll
bri
ngsomeweed.
.
Il
aughed.

Me:
Nott
oday
.
Tshepo;
Hai
voet
sek.
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo.

Ilef
t.WhenIgothome,
Icl
eaned,
tookabat
h
thenslept
.

Tshego:
Heyhey
!

Isl
owl
ygotup.

Me:
arenty
ousupposet
obeatwor
k?
Tshego:
Iwasatwor
k.Ev
erhear
dofknockof
f
ti
me?
Me:
whatt
imei
sIt
?
Tshego:
17:
00.
Me:
what
?
Tshego;
Howl
onghav
eyoubeensl
eepi
ng?
Me:
Since12:
00.
Tshego:
roughni
ght
?
Me:
stopf
ishi
ng.
Tshego:
I'
myoursi
stery
oucant
ell
me.
Me:
nope.
Tshego:
why
?
Me:
cozIdontwantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Tshego:
okay
.Howwasdi
nner
?
Me:
Itwasf
ine.
.
Tshego;
justf
ine?
Me:
Yep.Hepr
oposed.
Tshego:
What
!
Shewasget
ti
ngexci
ted.

Me:
Isai
dNo.
Tshego:
What
?
Mum:
Why
?

Shewasst
andi
ngatt
hedoor
.

Tshego:
Mama,
eav
esdr
oppi
ng.
.
Mum:
Ijustgother
e.Whosay
snot
omar
ri
age?
Me:
It'
stoosoon.
Mum:
Ao?
Me:
Yes.
Mum: Younotget
ti
nganyy
ounger
..Musal
oves
you.
Me:
AndIl
ovehi
mtoo.Mum pl
ease.
Mum:
how'
shedoi
ng?
Me:Heunder
stood.Hi
sunclepassedon
t
hough.Hi
sfat
her'
sbrother
.Bongi
nkosi
'
sdad.
Tshego:
Oucht
hat
'ssad.
Me:
Iti
s.
Tshego;
Soy
ougoi
ngt
oSuppor
thi
m?
Me:Hedoesn'
twantmet o.Hewassoangry
af
tert
hecal
l.Idontknowwhy.Hej
ustsnapped.
Tshego:
Hedoesn'
twanty
out
osuppor
thi
m?
Why?
Me:Idontknow.
.I
'
m goingei
therway.I
'
llf
ind
t
hatNgodwanaplaceandI'
ll
supporthi
m
Mum:
youar
e?
Me:
Yes.
.

Shewal
kedint
oourbedroom sl
owl
yandt
ook
mycarkey
s.Unexpect
edly
!
Mum:
Howwi
l
lyougett
her
enowRea?
[
06/
14,
16:
46]W:
POTG
#17

Ij
ustl
ookedather
.Iwasn'
ti
nthemoodt
o
ar
guewithher
.

Me:
Canwet
akeawal
k?
Tshego:
Sur
e.Letmechange.
Me:
cool
.

Iswit
chedmyphoneof
f.Ther
ewer
enot
ext
sor
cal
lsfr
om hi
m.

Mum:
youmustgot
oMaMohaj
ane
Me:
Why
?
Mum:
She'
l
lgi
vey
oumySt
okv
elbook.
Me:
Tshegoy
ou'
l
lgoonr
ight
?
Mum:
Rea!
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Whatdi
dshedot
oyou?
Me:
shoul
dIgi
vef
alset
est
imony
?

Shel
ookedatme.

Mum:You'
dbenotf
oll
owi
ngt
he
commandment
s.
Me:
Okay
.
Mum:
so?
Me:
IDon'
tl
ikeher

Tshegogi
ggl
ed.
Tshego:
Reabi
l
wel
et'
sGo.

Iworemyshoes,shewait
edformewhileI
brushedmyt
eethandcleanedmyface.

Me:
Done.
Tshego:
Let
'
sgo.
Me:
Yousmel
ll
ikeaphar
macy
.
Tshego:
Iwor
kther
e.
Me:
Ohy
es.

Wel
aughed.

Tshego:
Thi
sist
heReat
hatIknow.
Me:
Iwon'
tl
oseawi
nkofsl
eepov
erMusa.
Tshego:
May
bet
hishur
tshi
m.
Me:
Sowhydoeshet
reatmel
i
ket
hatt
hen?

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
Ther
e'snoexcuse.
Tshego:
Whatdoy
out
hinkt
ri
gger
edi
t?
Me;Hisauntoncementi
onedthathewent
thr
oughsomethingandi
ssti
ll
goingthr
ough
somethi
ng.
Tshego:
Didshet
ell
youwhat
?
Me:
No.
Tshego:Shewant
edy
out
oheari
tfr
om t
he
horse'
smouth?
Me:
Yes.Andi
tmakessense.
Tshego;
True.
Me;
SoI
'
llJustl
ethi
m be.
.Iwontcal
lhi
m.
Tshego:
Reacomeon.
Me:
I'
m ser
ious.
.Goi
n.

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
Younotcomi
ngI
n?
Me:Nope..
Dontl
etheroff
eryouj
uiceorwat
er
ormageuoranyt
hing.
.Tel
lherI
'm wai
ti
ng
out
side.
.
Tshego:
Fine.
.

Shewenti
n.5mi
nut
esl
ater
,shecameout
.

Me:
See?
Tshego:
Sheaskedwhyy
oudi
dn'
tComei
n.
Me:Hai
.Shemustgetof
fmyback.Idontl
i
ke
t
hatwoman.
Tshego:
Buty
ousnuckoutat2
Me:Idi
dyes.Butrememberwhenshesai
dke
t
samayaLedieBlesser
?

Shel
aughed.

Me:
Exact
ly!
Tshego:
leti
tgo
Me:
Nev
er
Tshego;
Younotr
eadi
ngy
ourBi
bleRi
ght
.
Me:
Mar
ypl
ease!

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:I
'
m St
il
lal
l
owedt
osl
apy
ou.I
'
m ol
der
thanyou.
Me:
YouknowIl
ovey
our
ight
?
Tshego:
Iknowy
oudo.Whenl
astdi
dyousee
Bonga?
Me:
lastweekend
Tshego:
Lastweekend?That
'sunusual
.
Me:
hemov
ed.
.
Tshego:
Ser
ious?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:
Towher
e?
Me:
somef
lat
s.
Tshego:
That
'sni
ce.
Me:Iknow.Thepl
ani
stogot
her
ethi
s
weekend.

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
yougoi
ngt
ogetwast
ed?
Me:
Yesf
latwar
ming.
Tshego;
Ler
atadi
l
ohl
e.
Me:
Dil
odi
rat
aronat
uu.
Tshego:
YeahRi
ght
.
Me:
How'
sBr
a'Ri
chdoi
ng?

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
stopcal
l
inghi
mthat
.
Me:
okaysor
ry.
Tshego:
okay
.
Me:
So?
Tshego:
Soeng?
Me:
Howi
she?
Tshego:
He'
sfi
ne.
Me:Wheni
shemar
ryi
ngy
ousoYoucanget
some?
Tshego:
Wil
lyoushutup?
Me:
Okay
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Tshego:
Younotmymot
her
'schi
l
d.
Me:
Isur
eashel
ll
ookl
i
keher
.
Tshego;
No.Idontknowaboutt
hat
.
Me:
iwast
oldt
oshutup.
Tshego;
okaydont
.
Me:
Youknowy
ouneedme.
Tshego:
Okayy
est
hat
str
ue.
Me:
Tshego?
Tshego:
Rea?
Me:
Yout
hinkmum knowssomet
hing?
Tshego:
About
?
Me:
Musa.
Tshego;
nah
Me:
Yousur
e?
Tshego;
she'
dtel
lyou
Me:
Idoubt
.
Tshego:
Im ser
ious.
Me:
Okaymay
be.
Tshego:
Shej
ustdi
dntwanty
out
ogot
her
eend
l
ooklost
.
Me:
Iguessso
Tshego:
Trustme.
Me:
Okayf
ine.

Wecontinuedwi
thourwalkandwenthome
af
teraboutanhour
.Ispenttheweekendwit
h
Bonga,wewerewasted.Icoul
dbarel
ykeepmy
eyesopenwhenIdrovebackhomeonSunday .I
foundMusa'
scarpar
kedoutsi
de.
.Ipar
ked
behindhi
scarandwenti
n.

Mum:
ther
eshei
s.I
'
m goi
ngt
oMaMohaj
ane'
s.
Musa:
OkayMa.

Shel
eft
.

Musa:
Hey
.
Me;
Hi.
Musa:
Sor
ryIhav
en'
tspokent
oyoui
nday
s.
Me:
Right
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:See,y ouareselfi
sh!Youareverysel
fi
sh.
YouthinkIlivebyyourmoodswi ngs?Youthi
nk
so?Yout hinkit
'sokayforyoutothr
owmeout
ofyourapar t
mentandnotcal l
mef or6days?
Whatam I
?Yourdoor
mat
?
Musa:
no.Babyl
ook,
Iwasgoi
ngt
hrough.
..
Me:Yeahy eah.
.weal
lgothr
oughst
uffbutwe
dontshutoutpeopl
ethatwantt
obetheref
or
us.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Pleasel
eav
e..
Iwantt
osl
eep.
Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:Musa,
Iasked.Pl
easel
eav
e..
.Idontwantt
o
seey
ou.

Hesl
owl
ygotup.

Me:
Thanks.
Hewal kedoutslowlyandIwentt osl
eep.I
avoidedhimf orthenextt
woweeks. .
hekept
call
i
ngAndt extingbutIdi
dn'tr
espondtoany.In
fact
, Iwasn'
tmy self
.Iwaslosi
ngweightyetI
waseat i
ngrightandnotevenstressi
ngabout
him.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Younotgoi
ngt
oschool
?
Me:
Ihav
enocl
assest
oday
.

Il
i
ed.ShewasgoingtoNor
thwestf
ort
he
weekend.Chur
cht
hing.

Mum; Okay
..
I'
m gonet
hen.Takecar
eofmy
house.
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Mum:
Good.By
e.
Me:
Byema.
Mum:
Lov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooma.
Mum:
Comel
ockt
hedoor
.

IdidasIwastol
dandwentbackt obed.Musa
keptcal
li
ngandIkeptignori
nghi
scall
scozI
wasreall
ysl
eepy.IopenedupforTshegowhen
shecamebackfrom wor k.

Tshego:
Musa'
spar
kedout
side.
Me:
Tel
lhi
mtol
eav
e.
Tshego:
comeoni
tsenoughnow.
Me:
Please.
Tshego:
Okay
.
shewentoutagai
nandIwentbackt
obed.
.at
00:
30IwaswokenupbyaTshegowhocoul dn'
t
sl
eep.

Me:
What
!
Tshego:
Hai
wena.Taket
his

I
twasapr
egnancyt
est

Me:
Arey
oucr
azy
?
Tshego:
Go!

Isnatchedi
tfrom herhandandshefol
lowed
met othebathroom out
side.Di
dwhatIhadto.

Tshego;
Nowwewai
t.
Me:
Thi
sisunnecessar
y
Tshego:
Isi
t?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:Thenexplai
nwhyy
oual
way
ssi
ck.And
al
way adehydr
ated.
Me:
WeedandAl
cohol
?
Tshego:
right
.

Shewentupt
oitaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es

Tshego:
Okay
..
.
Me:
Itol
dyou!
Tshego:I
'
llgety
oupi
l
lsf
ory
ournausea
tomorr
ow.
Me:
What
?
Tshego:
2weeks.
.
Me:
No!What
!Iwasont
hepi
l
l!
Tshego:
argh.It
oldy
oui
tdoesn'
twor
kal
way
s.
Me:No!Li
stenTshego,
Idon'tcareaboutthe
nauseapi
l
ls.GetMeabort
ionpill
s.I
'm not
havi
ngMusa'schi
ld.
[
06/
14,
16:
46]W:
POTG
#18

Tshego:
what
?
Me:
abor
ti
on.
Tshego:
Arey
oucr
azy
?
Me:
no.
Tshego:
Thati
sal
i
fe.
Me:
andt
hisi
smybody
.
Tshego:
Youcan'
tdot
hat
.
Me:
Say
swho?
Tshego:
Thatwoul
dbemur
der
.
Me:
say
swho?
Tshego:
TheBi
ble.
Me:Look,
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hebi
ble.I
'
m not
hav
ingMusa'
skid.
Tshego:
Reabi
l
wepl
ease.
Me:Tshegof
atsino!Thi
sismylif
e!Ideci
de
howIwanttoli
vemyl if
e.Youdon'
tgettotel
l
meanythi
ng.

Shekeptqui
et.

Tshego:
youar
egoi
ngt
oregr
ett
his
Me:
NoIwon'
t
.Andy
oubet
ternott
ell
onme.
Tshego:Youknowwhat?Iwon't
.Iwanti
ttoki
l
l
youinsi
deti
ll
youdecideyoucan'
ttakei
t
anymoreandconfessyoursi
ns.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Wear
ebor
nsi
nner
ssi
s.Youdontknow
t
hat
?

Sheshookherhead.

Me:
Ist
il
ll
ovey
out
hough.
Tshego:
What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Me:Lif
e!mat
teroffact
..
.Musahappened.I
don'
twanthi
schil
d.Idon'
twantt oseehi
sface.
Idon'
twantt
ohearhisvoice.Ij
ustdon'
twant!
Tshego:
Youact
ingv
eryst
upi
dnow.
Me;
Don'
tweal
ldo?
Tshego:
look,
Reabi
l
we!

Shewasget
ti
ngannoy
edwi
thme.

Tshego:
geti
ttoget
her
.Iunder
standt
hatt
hisi
s
alott
otakei
n.Thepi
ll
disappoint
edyou.But
i
t'
sdone.Thi
sisabl
essing.Youshoul
dbe
happy.
Me:happy
?Seriously
?Youshoul
dn'
thave
wokenmeup.Iwoul dhav
econti
nueddri
nki
ng
andsmokingt
hent hi
sthi
ngwoul
dev ent
ual
l
y
di
e.NowIneedt ogogetmoneytomakesurei
t
act
uall
ydi
es!
Tshego:
Areyouli
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?Ar
eyou
heari
ngyour
sel
f?
Me:
Don'
tannoyme!

Iwentbackandsl
ept
.

Tshego:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
Gett
hef
uckof
fmybackTshegoman!

Shesl
appedme.
Tshego:
Im st
il
lol
dert
hany
ou.
Me:
Thenactl
i
kei
t.Leav
emeal
one!
Tshego: fi
ne.Actlikealit
tl
ekid.Hady oukept
yourlegsclosedt henyouwoul dn'
tbehere.
Newsf lashSis.
..
wheny ousleepwithsomeone
unprotectedbabieshappen.Hencet heytel
lyou
todoubl eup.
Me:
Youdone?

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
Great
!NowIcansl
eep.

It
ookmyearphonesandli
stenedtomusic.My
mindwasmadeup.Ievent
uallyf
ellasl
eepand
wokeupat10.Tshegowasinthegarden
Me:
Hi.

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
Okay
.What
ever
!

Iwentt
ocl
eanwhereIhadt
oandt
ookabat
h.I
at
ethenwentt
oEl
la.

El
l
a:Heybabe.
Me:
YougoodEl
l
a?
El
l
a:I
'
mfi
ne.
Me:
How'
sMoses?
El
l
a:He'
sbackwi
thHl
ubi
.
Me:
Oh.
Shel
ookedatmesur
pri
sed.

El
l
a:Di
dyouknowaboutt
his?

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Me:
Tshepot
oldme.
El
l
a:Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowhow.
El
l
a:Idon'
tbl
amey
ou.
Me:
Real
l
y?
El
l
a;y
es.
Me:
Howdoest
hatmakey
ouf
eel
?
El
l
a:Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tknow.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
El
l
a:I
tsokay
.
Me:
Itsnot
.
El
l
a:I
'
llbef
ine.
Me:
Yout
ri
edt
alki
ngt
ohi
m?

Shenodded.

El
l
a:Her
eal
l
ywant
sthedi
vor
ce.
.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ryf
ri
end.
El
l
a:Yeah.Soam I
.

Myphoner
ang.

El
l
a:Younotgoi
ngt
oanswert
hat
?
Me:
Nope.
El
l
a:Reaanswery
ourphone.
Me:
Fine!
Ist
eppedout
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Musa:
Hey
.
Me:
Hi.
Musa:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
Imf
ine.
Musa:
CanIpl
easecomeandseey
ou?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Reapl
ease.
Me:
AndI
'
m say
ing"
no!
"
Musa:
Canwej
ustf
ixt
his?
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkso.
Musa:
Babypl
ease.
Me:
Musa,
Ihav
etogo.
Musa:
Rea.
..
.
Me:
Yes?
Musa:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
byeMusa.

Ihungupandwentbackt
oEl
l
a.

Me:
Wher
ewer
ewe?
El
l
a:wewer
etal
ki
ngaboutmydepr
essi
ngl
i
fe.
Me:
Thi
ngswi
l
lbef
ine.
El
l
a:Yout
hink?

Inodded.

Me:
Trustme.
El
l
a:You'
rear
eal
fri
endRea.
Me:
Itr
y.

Shel
aughed.
..

El
l
a:Younott
hemodestt
ype.

Igi
ggl
ed.

El
l
a:Iwasexpect
ing"
Iknow"
Me:
I'
vel
ear
ntt
obe.
El
l
a:Wegott
othankMusaf
ort
hat
.

Igav
eaf
akesmi
l
e.

El
l
a:howi
she?
Me:
He'
sfi
ne.
El
l
a:Yout
woar
est
il
lcr
azyi
nlov
e?
Me:
Nope.
El
l
a:Why
?
Me:Idon'
tthinkIwantt
otal
kaboutt
hatnow.I
t
makesmesi ck.

Iwasget
ti
ngsi
ckact
ual
l
y.

Me:
CanIgetsomewat
er?
El
l
a:Sur
e.

Shepour
edmeagl
ass.

Me:
Thanky
ou.El
?
El
l
a:Ree?
Me:Li
sten,t
hatdoct
ort
hat'
sjust15mi
nut
es
away.
..DoesheworkonSatur
days?
El
l
a:Yes.9-
14:
00

I
twasonl
y11

Me:
Ohgr
eat
.Doesheacceptcar
ds?
Ell
a:Iwastherel
astweekandt
her
ewas
somethingwrongwit
hthePOSter
minal
Me:
Ohokay
.
El
l
a:Youwantt
ogot
her
etoday
?
Me:
Yes.

Musacal
l
edagai
nandIr
eject
edhi
scal
l
.

El
l
a:Youshoul
dreal
l
ytal
ktohi
m
Me:
Idontwantt
o.
El
l
a:I
'
m sur
eyouguy
scanf
ixt
his.
Me:
Ell
a,IJustneedt
ogot
othedoct
or.
El
l
a;Yousi
ck?
Me:
Yes.
El
l
a:what
'swr
ong?
Me:
stomachcr
amps.
El
l
a:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Wantt
otagal
ong?
El
l
a:Yessur
e.I
'
m notdoi
ngAny
thi
ng.
Me:
Let
'sgo.

Shel
ockedt
hehouseandwel
eft
.

Me:
Let
'sj
ustst
opher
e.

West oppedatthemallTshepocal
l
edatuck
shopsoIcouldwi t
hdrawsomemoney.IknewI
neededmor ethanR400.WhenIgottothe
ATM,al
lmy3car
dshadbeendeact
ivat
ed.I
cal
l
edMusa.

Musa:
Reabi
l
we?
Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Musa:
Sor
ry?
Me:j
ustbecauseIr
efusedtosay"
Ilov
eyou
t
oo"yougondeacti
vateal
lmycards?

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Imt
alki
ngt
oyou.
Musa:
Youmaki
ngnoi
se.
Me:
Musawenkosi
Mabasa!
Musa:
Youwantmet
oreact
ivat
ethem?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Soy
oucangoki
l
lmychi
l
dri
ght
?
[
06/
14,
16:
47]W:
POTG
#19

Me:
What
?
Musa:Tshegot
oldme.Andshefi
gur
edthat
you'
dbedoingsomet
hingst
upi
d.Shewasri
ght
.
Me:
Musar
eact
ivat
ethesecar
ds!
Musa:
Likehel
lIwi
l
l.
Me:
Ihat
eyou.
Musa:
Okay
.

Hehungup.

Me:
Damni
t!

Iwal
kedbackt
othecar
!
El
l
a:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
No.
El
l
a:Keng?
Me:
hedeact
ivat
edmycar
ds.
El
l
a:What
?How?
Me: Okayso.
..
heopenedtwobankaccount
sfor
me.Iclosedmyoldone.Thet
hirdi
sourjoi
nt
account.
El
l
a:Ohcr
ap!Whyt
hough?
Me:
Longst
oryEl
l
a.

Shel
ookedatme.

El
l
a:I
cecr
eam?
Me:
please.
El
l
a:Let
'
sgo.
Wegotoutoft
hecaragai
n

El
l
a:Fr
iend,
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Okay
..
..

Isi
ghed

Me:
I'
m pr
egnant
.
El
l
a:What
?That
'sgr
eatnews!

Shewasexci
ted

Me:
Ell
apl
ease!
El
l
a:Thesear
egr
eatnews
Me:
No.
El
l
a:why
?
Me:
Idon'
twantt
hischi
l
d..
El
la:
Oh!That'
swhyyouwant
edt
ogot
othat
Doct
or!Youwantt
oabort
?
Me:
Yes
El
l
a:Why
?
Me:
Isai
dIdontwantt
hischi
l
d
Ell
a:Goodt
hingMusadeact
ivedt
heaccount
s
then.

Igav
eheranugl
yst
are.

Me:Dontworkonmyner
ves.Thi
siswhyIdi
dnt
wantt
otell
you.
El
l
a:Idon'
tunder
standwhy
.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
eto.
El
l
a:Yousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:
Yes
El
l
a:Butwhy
?
Me:
Ser
iousl
y?
El
la:Look,y
ourguysbr
eakoffschool
has
began.Takethi
sti
metothi
nkaboutever
ythi
ng.
Me:
I'
vegi
veni
tsomet
hought
El
l
a:Real
l
y?
Me:
Yes
El
l
a:Okay
Me:Canwegett
heice-
cream now?Mybr
oke
asscan'
tev
enaf
for
dice-cr
eam.

Shel
aughed.
.

Ell
a:I
twil
lbeunt
ily
oucomebackt
oyour
senses.
Me:
Wow.
El
l
a:Yes
Me:
Okay
.Canwenott
alkaboutt
hisany
mor
e?
El
l
a:Okay
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Wegotsomei
ce-
cream.
.

El
l
a:wher
e'sBonga?
Me:
athi
spl
ace.I
'
m goi
ngt
her
elat
er.
.
El
l
a:YouandBongaar
est
il
last
hickast
hiev
es?
Me:
yesEl
l
a
El
l
a:Isee.
Me:
Yout
wost
il
lhav
eissues?
El
l
a:WeDontl
i
keeachot
her
.
Me:
wel
lthat
'squi
tecl
ear
.
Myphoner
ang.

El
l
a:Yourphone'
sver
ybusy
.
Me:
Iti
s.IknowRi
ght
?

Ianswer
edi
t.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Tshepo;
Iseey
oueat
ingi
ce-
cream.

Il
aughed

Me:
wher
ear
eyou?
Tshepo:
tot
alspor
ts.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng
Tshepo:
I'
ll
wai
t.
Me:
Cool
.

Ihungup.

Me:
Tshepoi
sher
e.Come.
El
la:
Nah.Idontwantt
oseehi
m.Goon.I
'
llj
ust
gohome..
Me:
Ell
acomeon.
El
l
a:I
t'
scool
..
goOn.
Me:
Okay
.Thankst
hough.
El
l
a:Pl
easur
e.Dontdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d.
Me.okay
.

IhuggedandIwentt
oTshepo.

Tshepo:
Whi
chsneaker
sdoy
oul
i
ke?
Me:
None.
Tshepo:
Notf
ory
ou.
Me:
Oh
Tshepo:Youhaveamil
l
ionai
resoI
'
m notgoi
ng
tobuyyousneaker
s.
Me:
He'
snotami
l
li
onai
re
Tshepo:
Okay
.What
ever
.Whi
ch?
Me:
Thesear
ecut
e.
Tshepo:
Cut
e?
Me:
Nice.
Tshepo:
Bet
ter
..
Me:
Tshepo?
Tshepo:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
mmm
Tshepo;
Dont"
mm"me!
Me:
KopaR600.
Tshepo:
Why
?
Me:
Ineedt
ogogetsomet
hing.
Tshepo;
AskMusa
Me:
Hedeact
ivat
edmycar
ds.
Tshepo:
Why
?
Me:
wehadaf
ight
.
Tshepo:
Goapol
ogi
ze.
Me:
Tshepopl
ease.
Tshepo:
Why
?
Me:
Ineedi
t
Tshepo:
younotgoi
ngt
otel
lme?
Me:
Iwantt
ousei
tforsomet
hinghl
e.
Tshepo:
okay
..
Me:
So?
Tshepo:
I'l
lgiv
eittoyou.Obv
iousl
yyouwantt
o
youuseitforgir
lst
uff
.
Me:
Yes.
.t
hanky
ou!
Tshepo:
I'
m sur
eyouhungr
y.
Me:
Iam.
Tshepo;
Iknow.

Wegott
her
ightsi
zeandpai
d.

Tshepo:
Letmedr
ive.
Me:
Okaywhi
chmal
lwegoi
ngt
o?
Tshepo;
Greenst
one?
Me:
Whenl
astdi
dIgot
her
e?
Tshepo:
Yes.exact
ly.

Igavehimthecarkeys.Iwasgl
adhehad
suggestedt
hatcozinthatwaywe'
dpassbythe
doctorandt
hatmeantI'dbeabl
etoseethe
tr
adinghour
s.Whenwepassedbyt her
ewasa
bi
gsi
gn"
closedf
orr
enov
ati
ons"

Me:
crap!
Tshepo:
Kengwena?
Me:
Not
hing.
Tshepo;
What
'sgoi
ngwi
thy
ou?
Me;
Not
hing.
Tshepo:
Idoubt
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Tshepo:
Yougoi
ngoutt
oday
?
Me:
Iwassupposet
ogot oBonga'
sbutIdon'
t
f
eell
i
kegoi
nganymore.
Tshepo:
why
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Tshepo:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouneedi
tso.
..
Me:
IguessIdo.
Tshepo:
youwantsomeweed?
Me:
Nope.
Tshepo:
Eh!

Hewassur
pri
sed.

Tshepo:
that
'snew.
Me.Nott
oday
.I'
m Justhungr
y.

Hedrov
ef asterandwefinal
l
ygott
o
Gr
eenstone.Iwasfamished.

Tshepo:
yho!
Me:
Keng?
Tshepo:
Youwer
ethathungr
y?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:
shuu.Kesonoman!

Thewayhesai
ditmademel augh.Ihadsucha
goodt
imewit
hhim andwentbackhome.I
di
dn'
tgotoBonga'
s.If
oundTshegowat chi
ng
TV.

Me:
Yout
oldhi
m di
dn'
tyou?
Tshego:
Sor
ry?
Me:
Yout
oldhi
m!Tol
dhi
mthatI
'
m pr
egnant
.
Tshego;HehasaRightt
oknow.Yourej
ected
hi
scallandHecall
edmyphone.Isawyou
goi
ngt oEl
la'
ssoItol
dhim.AndIknewthere
weren'
tanypri
vat
epract
it
ioner
sopenar
ound.
Me:
YouhadnoRi
ghtt
o.
Tshego:
Itst
ool
ate.
Me:Tshego..
.Thi
swon'
tst
opme.Leav
eme
al
one.Leavemethehel
lal
one.
Tshego:
Itol
dmum t
oo.Justbyt
heway
.
Me:
IDontcar
ejustbyt
heway
.

ShekeptquietandIwenttobat hthenwent
strai
ghttobed.Ispentt
heent i
resunday
sleepi
ng.Ididn'
tgotochurchwithTshego.I
waswokenupbyMum' svoice.Shewastalki
ng
toTshego.WhenIcheckedt hetimeitwas
17:30.Igotup.

Mum:
Howl
onghav
eyoubeensl
eepi
ng?
Me:
Since9:
00.Whendi
dyoucomebackma?
Mum:
Today
.
Me:
Sor
ry.Imeantwhatt
ime.
Mum:
atar
ound15:
00.
Me:
Letmegobr
ushmyt
eet
h.
Mum:
Okay
.
WhenIsteppedout,myheartal
mostst
opped.
Thecarwasonbricks.Al
lty
resout
.
Iwentbacki
n.

Me:
Mama?Whathappenedt
othi
scar
?
Mum: OhIcal
l
edsomeboy
swhoar
e
mechani
cstodothat
..
Me:
why
!?
Mum: soyoucantsneakoutandgotothe
doct
or.I
tsagoodthingyoubrokeaswell
.
Me:
Mama!Thi
sisMusa'
scar
!
Mum:
Im al
sonotgoi
ngtowor
kfort
henext
t
woweekssoIcankeepmyey
eonyou.
[
06/
14,
16:
47]W:
POTG
#20
Me:
What
?
Mum:
Yes.
Tshego:
Goodi
deamum.
Me:
Yougoi
ngt
otr
eatmel
i
keapr
isoner
?
Mum:
youar
eacr
imi
nal
.
Me:
Iam?
Mum:
Yes.
Me:
accor
dingt
othel
aw.
..
Mum:
Don'
ttel
lmeaboutanysat
ani
claws.
Me:
cal
lyourboy
sandt
ell
them t
ofi
xthecar
.
Mum:
hey
!
Tshego:
don'
ttal
ktomum l
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
Orel
se?Yougonsl
apmeagai
n?Cuf
fme?
Tshego:
Look,
I'
m get
ti
ngt
ir
edofYourat
ti
tude.
Mum:
Leav
eher
..
it
sthepr
egnancy
.
Iwentoutagainandbrushedmyt eet
h.Iwent
togetmyphone, t
ookt hegr
assmatElla
broughtmeasagi f
tformy24t handIwentto
chil
loutsi
de.I
twasalmostJunebutitwassti
ll
warm.About10mi nuteslat
er,
Musa'scar
parkedoutsi
de.Iwat
chedashecamei n.
Het
ookhi
sshoesof
fandsatnextt
ome.

Musa:
didn'
tseey
ouatchur
ch.
Me:
CozIwasn'
tther
e.
Musa:
Youst
il
lmad?

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
how'
smysondoi
ng?

Si
l
ence.
Musa:
Sil
entt
reat
ment
?
Me:
youdi
stur
bingmypeace.That
'
sav
iol
ati
on.
Musa:
I'
m her
etoseey
ou.
Me:Goseeyourmotheri
nther
eandy
ournew
Gi
rl
fr
iendTshego.
Musa:
Reabi
l
wewhat
'
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Not
hing.
Musa:
Look,
IknowIwaswr
ong.
Me:
I'
m ov
ert
hat
.
Musa:
Thenwhat
'
swr
ong?
Me:
Idontwantt
obear
oundy
ou.
Musa:
foranent
ir
etwoweeks?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Rea,
comeon.
Me:
Musa,
Leav
emeal
one.
Musa:
Reapl
ease.
Me:
leav
emeal
one.
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:Thankyou.Anddon'
tyouevercomeher
e
agai
n.Ai
n'tnot
hingt
hat'
syour
shere.
Musa:
Mychi
l
d..
Me:
Dontmakemeangr
y..
Musa:
Actl
i
key
ouhav
esomesense.
Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:
Nol
i
stent
ome!

Hi
stonewasshar
p.

Musa: younott
hefir
stwomant ogetpr egnant
.
Weal wayshavesex!Andpeoplethathavesex
wit
houtpr ot
ect
ionhaveagreatchanceof
conceiv
ing!
Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:I
fy oudontwantt
hischi
l
dthengiv
eitt
o
me..
wai
tt il
lyougi
vebi
rt
hthengiv
eitt
ome.I'
ll
t
ell
himy oudeadwhenheasks.

Hest
oodup.

Musa:
Thewor
lddoesn'
trev
olv
ear
oundy
ou!

Hetookhi
scarkeysandwenttothehouse.I
putmyheaddownandmyear phoneson.Aft
er
30minut
es,hepl
uggedthem out
.

Musa:
I'
mleav
ing.
.
Me:
Bye.
Musa:
Cal
lmei
fyouneedany
thi
ng.
Me:
Ineedy
out
oreact
ivat
ethosecar
ds.
.

Het
ookouthi
swal
l
etandgav
emeR50

Me:
Andwhatam Isupposet
odowi
tht
his?
Musa:
Youneedmoneydon'
tyou?
Me:Ishoul
dhavenev
erlety
outalkmeint
o
qui
tt
ingmyjob.NowIhavetodependonyou!
Musa:
Itsagoodt
hingIdi
d.
Me:
Musar
eact
ivat
ethosecar
ds.
Musa:
No.
Me:
Musawenkosi
Leor
nadoMabasa.

Hewal
kedaway
.
Me:
Musa!

Hecont
inuedwal
ki
ng.

Me:
Musa!

Hegoti
ntohi
scaranddr
oveof
f.

Mum:
Ser
vesy
our
ight
!

Il
ookedather
.

Mum:
Comebackt
othehouse.
Me:
Idontwantt
o.
Mum:
Okay
.
Shethrewoutherorangepeel
sandwentback
i
ntothehouse.Iwentbacktomymusi cand20
minutesl
ater
,Theywerepluggedoutagai
n.

Me:
What
!
Bonga:
Woah!
Me:
Ohsor
ryB.
Bonga:
Hel
l
o?
Me:
Hi.
Bonga:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Bonga:Icameal
lthewayher
etoseey
ou.
Apologi
ze.
Me:
Iapol
ogi
zef
ri
end.
.
Bonga:
What
swr
ong?
Me:
not
hing.
Bonga:
don'
tl
ie.
Me:Justmum andTshegowor
kingonmy
ner
ves.
Bonga:YouareneverMoody
.Ev
eni
ftheydo.
Andtheyalwaysdo.

Ikeptqui
et

Bonga:
Thet
rut
h
Me:
I'
mjustabi
tst
ressedout
.
Bonga:
Why
?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
hroughst
uff
.
Bonga:
whatst
uff
?
Me:
Stuf
f
Bonga:
Hai
wena!
Me:
Stuf
fmanBonga!
Bonga:
KeMusa?
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
Whatdi
dhedo?
Me:
Hei
mpr
egnat
edme.

Hel
ookedatmeconf
used.

Bonga: Andt hatmakesy ouMoody?I

tsnot
rocketscience,thatHappenswhenyouhave
unprotectedsex
Me:Wow!AndIdontknowt
hisRi
ght
?Youal
l
keept
ell
i
ngmethat.
Bonga:
wellyougoi
ngonasi
fthatpoorguy
for
cedhimsel
fonyou!

Ikeptqui
et.

Bonga:
Kengkant
i?Youdon'
twantt
hischi
l
d?
Ishookmyhead.

Bonga:
Youj
ustneedt
imet
oleti
tsi
nki
n.
Me:
Bonga?
Bonga:
Rea?

Theonl
yper
sonIspoket
ocal
mlysi
nceIf
ound
out

Me:
I'
m notr
eady
Bonga:Youar
e.Trustme.
.l
ookhowgr
eaty
ou
ar
ewi t
hTshepo'
skids
Me:cozI'
m notwi
tht
hem 24/
7.Ionl
yseet
hem
about10ti
mesamonth
Bonga:
itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.You'
l
lmakeagr
eat
mother
.
Me:
Ireal
l
yDon'
twantt
hischi
l
d
Bonga:
Giv
eyour
sel
fsomet
ime
Me:
Bongapl
ease.
Bonga:
Reat
rustme.
Me:
Ican'
t.
Bonga;
Okayl
i
sten.
..
lookatMe.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Bonga:
youdon'
twantt
odot
his.Whati
fyou
regr
eti
t.
Me:
Iwon'
t.
Bonga; y
ouknowwhat ?I
'm goi
ngt oletyoube.I
tri
ed.Youstubborn.Ij
usthopey oureall
ydon't
regret
.I'
m evengetti
ngangry.Callmewheny ou
getsensesback.

Andj
ustl
i
ket
hathewentt
ogr
eetmum and
Tshegot
henl
eft
.
Iwentinwheni tgotabi
tchil
l
yandwentt obath
thensleptagai
n.Iwokeupear l
ythenextday
andcleaned.Mum wascleaningtheoutsi
de
bathr
oom.Tshegowasatwor k.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Iwantust
ogogetaf
ewt
hings.
Me:
Wher
e?
Mum:
youcandeci
de.
Me:
Okay
.
Mum:
youcangobat
h.

Thi
swast hechance.Igoogl
edt
henear
est
doct
orsandIknewwher etogo.
Wel
eftaf
terwewer
ereadyandst
art
ed
shoppi
ng.

Mum:
Idon'
tl
ikehowy
ouspoket
ome.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryma.
Mum: Whydon'
tyouJustl
etMusadot
her
ight
t
hing?
Me:IdontwantMusaany
mor
e.MamaKeng
kant
i?
Mum:Rea,Ial
sodidn'
twantyourdadwhenI
waspr
egnantwit
hTshegoithappens.You
goi
ngt
hroughchanges
Me:Thisisaninappr
opr
iat
epl
acet
obe
di
scussingthi
s.
Mum:
Okay
.

Ikeptqui
et.
Mum:
Youkeepi
ngt
hatChi
l
dthough

Ikeptt
icki
ngt
hingsof
f.

Mum:Gogett
heHandyAndyf
rom t
henext
ai
sl
e.
Me

Ihadf oundawayt ogetaway .Ipr etendedasi f

Iwasgoi ngt ogetitandoutIwent .Iwentt othe
taxirankandwasl uckyenought of i
ndone
alreadyfull
.Itjustneededtwomor epeopl eand
wewer eoff.WhenIar riv
edatt hesur ger y,I
wentt other ecepti
onistandshecr eatedaf i
l
e
forme.Iwast hesecondl ast.6or7pat ients
aheadofme.Iputmyear phonesonandputmy
phoneonf l
ightmode.Ikeptscr ol
lingt hrough
mypi cturesandt hroughmypl ay l
ist.Appar entl
y
twodoct orswor kedtherebutonewasonl y
cominginlater.Iknewmum waswor r
iedsick
andI'deventuall
yhavetodeal wi
thherlat
eron.
Ishif
tedoneseatwhent henextpat
ientwas
cal
ledin.10mi nutesl
ater,agent
lepatonmy
shoulder
.Itookpausedmymusi candt ur
ned.

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Musa:
Sur
pri
se!

Hewasnotloudatal
l
..I
nfacthewas
whi
sper
ing.

Me:
Whatt
he.
..
Musa:Yourmum didsayt
haty
ou'dfi
ndaway
todothis.I
'
m star
ti
ngt
othi
nkshe'
sri
ght
.You
arepossessed.
Me:
Youandmum hadmef
oll
owed?
Musa:
yes.Fr
om y
ourhouse.
Me:
howdar
e..
.
Musa: Shhh.
..
Dontdist
urbthepeace.
.You'
dbe
vi
olat
ingthei
rrightnow.Let
'sgo.

[
06/
14,
16:
47]W:
POTG
#21

Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:
Let
'sgo.

Wewentout
.

Musa:
ThanksWi
l
l.I
'
lldoanEFTnow.
Wi
l
l:Sur
ethi
ng
Hel
eft
.

Me:
I'
mleav
ingt
oo.
Musa:
Pleasegeti
tint
hecar
.
Me:
no.
Musa:
Reabi
l
wegeti
nthedamncar
!

Idi
d.Hegoti
ntooami
nut
elat
er.

Musa:
seatbel
t.

Ir
oughl
yputi
ton.

Musa:
Youhungr
y?
Me:
no.
Musa:
okay

Heconnect
edhi
sphonet
othecaranddi
all
ed
hi
soff
ice

Musa:
Fri
da?
Fr
ida:
MrMabasa.
Musa:Im notcomi
ngbacktotheof
fi
ce.Pl
ease
Reschedul
eallmymeeti
ngs.
Fr
ida:
Yessi
r.
Musa:
thanky
ou.Hav
eagoodday
.
Fr
ida:
thankYousi
r.
.y
out
oo.

Hehungup.

Musa:
How'
sthenausea?
Ikeptqui
et.
Musa:
Sil
entt
reat
mentagai
n?

St
il
lkeptqui
et.

Musa:
OkaywhatcanIdot
omakei
tupt
oyou.
Me:
Takemebackwher
eYouf
oundme.
Musa:
Thatwon'
thappen.
.
Me:
Thennot
hing.

Ist
aredoutt
hewi
ndow.

Musa; Look,youprobabl
ysuff
eri
ngfr
om a
contr
ov er
sial
psychologi
calsy
ndromecal
l
ed
PregnancyDenial.

Il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef!
Me:
soy
ouar
eapsy
chol
ogi
stnow?
Musa:
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Me:
Then?
Musa:I
tsnor
mal
thaty
ouact
ingoutof
char
act
er.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Look,
I'
m her
efory
ou.

Hi
sphoner
ang.

Musa:
Mabasahel
l
o
"
HiSi
r,I'
m cal
l
ingfr
om DrSt
ephensof
fi
ce,
r
egar
dingtheappoi
ntmentt
hatyoumadefor
y
ourwife"
Musa:
weonourwaynow.Weshouldbether
e
i
ntenminut
es.Sosor
ryf
ort
hei
nconveni
ence.
"
Nopr
obl
em,
I'
ll
letherknowy
oust
il
lcomi
ng"
Musa:
Thanky
ou.Seey
ouj
ustnow.

Hehungup.

Me:
wher
eyout
aki
ngme?
Musa:
Toadoct
or.
Me:
Why
?Imf
ine.
Musa:
okay
.
Me:
Damni
tMusaman!
Musa:Youactual
l
ylookedl
i
key
ouwer
einpai
n
yest
erdaywhenIsawyou.
Me:
Nowy
ou'
readoct
or
Cor
rect
.Iwas.HenceIwassl
eepi
ngtheent
ir
e
day
.Ihadcramps.Eveni
nthemorni
ngbutt
hey
gotbet
terwhenIwasshoppi
ngwi
thmum.

Hekeptquietandcontinueddrivi
ng.Wegott o
thedoct
or'
sandwewer etakentoher
consul
ti
ngroom byt herecepti
onistt
hatMusa
spoketooverthatphone.Itwasgoodser v
ice.I
don'
tthi
nkmanywoul dcalltoseeifyoust
il
l
comingornot.

Dr
:youcansi
ther
e
Musa:
Thanky
ou.
Dr
:Rel
ax.

Iwasannoy
edbuti
tdi
dn'
twantt
oshow.

Dr
:Nausea?
Me:
It'
smanageabl
e.
Dr
:Youknowhowf
arl
ongy
ouar
e?
Me:
Ithi
nkt
woweeks.
Dr:Youshouldcomer egul
arl
y.Especial
lyduri
ng
thefir
sttr
imester
.Letscheckhowf aryouare.
Youmi ghtnotseeathingcozit
sstill
early
stages.Abithi
gher.

Ipul
l
edmyshi
rtup.Thegel
wascol
d.

Dr:4weeksact ual
ly.
.miscalcul
ati
ons.Home
pregnancyt
estssomet i
mescan' tdetectthe
ri
ghtweeks.Ithappens.Henceweencour age
youtocomef orbloodrestsandultrasounds.
Experi
encedanycr ampslately?
Me:
Yes.Yest
erdayandt
hismor
ning.
Dr:
don'tstr
ess.Implant
ationhastakenplace
anditshowsher e.Yousti
llgood.I
'
llpr
escri
be
somethingforyournausea.
Shegav
emesomet
issuet
owi
peof
fthegel
.

Musa:
Whenshoul
dwecomeback?
Dr
:pr
efer
abl
yaf
tert
woweeks.
Musa:
Okayt
hanksDoc.
Dr
:Pr
int
out
?
Musa:
yespl
ease.

Musathough!Thatwasst
il
labl
ast
ocy
st!For
Goodnesssake.

Musa:
Twopl
ease.
Dr
:Sur
e.

Hegotthem andwewentt
opayatthe
r
ecept
ion.Hethankedt
her
ecept
ioni
standhi
s
nextst
opwasatar
est
aur
ant
.
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y..
Musa:
Youneedt
oeat
Me:
Youj
ustf
orcedmet
o..
.
Musa:Idi
dn'tf
orceyou.Il
ookedatyoutr
yingto
actst
rongyest
erdaywheninfactyouwerein
pai
n..
Me:
Itwasj
ustmi
l
dcr
amps.
Musa:
Doesn'
tmat
ter
.
Me:
I'
mfi
ne!
Musa:
Idi
dn'
tknowt
haty
est
erdaynowIdo.
Come.

IgotoutandwewentI
n.

Musa:
whatdoy
ouwantt
odr
ink?
Me:
Passi
onf
rui
tandl
emonade.
Musa:
Andeat
?
Me:
Not
hing.
Musa:
giv
eusasecondma'
am.
.Youcanbr
ing
ust
hedri
nks.
Wai
tr
ess:
Okay
.

Shewal
kedaway
.

Musa:
Rea,
cany
oueat
?
Me:
Musa,
theydonthav
ewhatIwanther
e
Musa:
Andt
hati
s?
Me:
peanutbut
terandbananasandwi
ch
Musa:
Youeatwei
rdt
hings
Me:
You"
venev
erhadt
hat
?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Theny
out
hewei
rdone.Leor
os.
Hel
ookedatme.

Musa:Justfi
ndsomethi
ngtoeatthat'
sonthe
menuplease.You'
l
lhaveyourbananasandwi
ch
andor
oswhenwegethome.
Me:
Okay

Imadeupmymindandweor der
edwhenshe
camebackwi
thourdr
inks.

Musa:
Her
e.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
his.
Musa:
It'
syourchi
l
d.
Me:
it'
sabl
ast
ocy
st.
Musa:Thatwi
l
lev
ent
ual
l
ybeahuman.Baby
j
usttakei
t.
Me:Idon'
twantt
oseei
t.Fol
diti
nhal
fthen
gi
veit
.

Hedi
d.Iqui
ckl
yputt
hesonogr
am ont
hesi
de.

Musa:
You'
l
lev
ent
ual
l
ymakepeacewi
thi
t.

Ikeptqui
etanddrankmypassi
onf r
uit
.When
thefoodcame,Iwasthef
ir
sttoreachformy
for
k.

Musa:
Mindi
fwebl
esst
hef
oodf
ir
st?
Me:
oh.Sor
ry.

Wej
oinedhandsandwepr
ayed.

Musa:
somuchf
ornotbei
nghungr
yRi
ght
?
Me:
Mightaswel
leatcozIwasf
orcedt
o.
Musa:
nott
rueatal
l
Me:
Yeahr
ight
.

AsIreachedfort
hetomatosaucethe
sonogram wasunfol
dedbytheai
rconabov e
ourheads.Myeyeslockedi
nonitforabout60
seconds.

Musa:
goonandputi
tiny
ourpur
semummy
.

Iactual
lymi
ssedhim.Justsi
tti
ngther
ewith
him mademer eal
i
zethat.Whatwasgoingon
al
lalong?

Musa:
Hor
monesdown?
If
oldedi
tagai
nandputi
tinmypur
se.

Me:
No.mayIhav
esome?
Musa:
I'
m notgi
vi
ngy
oumywi
ngs.
Me:
butIsai
d"mayI
"

Hel
aughed.
.

Musa:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
Musa:
Youkeepi
ngmychi
l
dnow?
Me:Youdidal
l t
hisonpurposer
ight
?The
appoi
ntment
,thesonogram
Musa:
Ihadt
ohel
pyou.
.

Ikeptqui
et
Musa:
Itgoty
oubackt
oyoursenses?
Me:Sor
tof
.May beIwasi
ndeni
al.Thi
swasn'
t
par
toft
heplan.
Musa:Well
babythi
ngsdon'
tal
way
sgo
accor
dingt
oplan.
Me:
Iguessso.
Musa:Yousur
eyoureal
l
ybacktoyoursenses
now?Sowecanfocusongett
ingi
tri
ghtnow.

Il
ookedathi
m.Tryi
ngtoanal y
zehi
m."Don'
t
gi
veuponhim"thosefi
vewor dswer
esuddenl
y
st
uckinmyhead.Ihadgivenuponhimfor3
weeks.Andy
ethehadn'tgiv
enuponme.

Musa:
Whatdi
dIdo?
Me:
I'
ll
mar
ryy
ou.
[
06/
14,
16:
47]W:
POTG
#22

Musa:
youser
ious?

Inodded.

Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Musa: andIneedt
ocont
ainmysel
fnow
becausewei napubl
i
cpl
acenowright
?
Me:
Idon'
tmi
ndPDA.
Musa:
Comeher
e.

Iwentov
ert
ohi
ssi
deandki
ssedhi
m.

Musa:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
Noneedt
o.Youal
lIwant
..
Musa:
Andy
oual
lIneed.
Me:
Okayy
esandt
hatt
oo.Letmegonow.

Wegi
ggledandIki
ssedhi
m agai
n.Iwentback
t
owhereIwassit
ti
ng.

Me:
CanIhav
esomenow?
Musa:
no.Leav
emywi
ngsal
one.
Me:
Buti
t'
snotme,
it'
s.
..
Musa:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ofal
lfort
hat
!It
sst
il
la
bl
ast
ocyst
.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Smar
t!Ver
ysmar
tbaby
.
Someoneapproachedourt
abl
e,hewaswear
ing
amanagertag.

Manager
:goodaf
ter
noon.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Musa:
hel
l
oSi
r.
Manager
:someofourcust
omer
sfeel
.
.
Me:
wesor
ry.wedoneki
ssi
ng.

Iwasv
erypol
i
te.
HeandMusal
aughed.

Manager
:Yesma'
am.Thanky
ou.
Me:
pleasur
e.
Manager
:Enj
oyy
ourMeal
.
Hel
eftus.
Me:
Howwast
hef
uner
al?

Hi
sfacechanged.

Musa:
Justaf
uner
al.
Me:
How'
sBongi
nkosi
doi
ng?
Musa:
he'
sst
rong
Me:What
'si
nMpumal
angat
hatmakesy
ouso
upset
?
Musa:
Rea?
Me:
Musa?
Musa:babyplease.Ibegyoufr
om t
hebott
om
ofmyheart,
let'
snotr ui
nthi
smoment.Pl
ease.
Canyoubepat i
entwithme?Justonthi
sone
thi
ng.

Inodded.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Thanky
ou.
.
Me:
Itsapl
easur
e..
Musa:Sowhatwer
eyoudoi
ngf
ort
hreeweeks
wi
thoutme?

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Iwassl
eepi
ng
Musa:
andy our
eject
edmycal
l
s.Di
dn'
trespond
t
omyt ext
s.
Me:
yest
hatt
oo.
Musa:
Thathur
t.
Me:
Iknow.
Musa:
Andy
ouhappyr
ight
?
Me:
Nope.Iwassl
eepi
ng.
Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Ireal
l
ymi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
Iknowbaby
.Imeanwhat
'
snott
omi
ss.
Musa:
Yourst
ubbor
nness.
Me:
I'
m notst
ubbor
n.
Musa:
okayy
ouent
it
ledt
oyourownopi
nion.
.

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Musa:
Imi
ssedt
hatt
oo.

Ismi
l
ed.

Musa:
Yougoi
ngt
ohav
etoapol
ogi
zet
o
Tshego.
Me:
Iknow.
Musa:
whogav
eyoumoney
?
Me:
Tshepo.
.
Musa:
Doesheknow?

Ishookmyhead.

Musa:
cozy
ouknew.
..
Me:
He'
dki
l
lme.
Musa:soIneedt
odeal
wit
hthi
sfort
henext
months?

Inodded.

Musa:
Ouch.
Me:
you'
l
lbest
rong.
Musa:
Ihav
enochoi
ce.Wantt
ost
artpl
anni
ng
t
heweddi
ng?
Me:Nope.Wecanhav
ethatwhenheorshe
t
urnsone.
Musa:
He.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
.
Musa:
CozIdon'
twantmor
edr
ama.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
wow!I
'
m dr
amat
ic?
Musa:
Youdon'
tthi
nky
ouar
e?
Me:
Absol
utel
ynot
.
Musa:
Wel
lyouar
e.
Me:
Fine.Ial
sowantason.
.
Musa:
Let
'spr
ayf
ort
hat
Me:
Wewi
l
l.
Musa:
CanIgetmyuncl
est
ocomeov
ert
hough?
Me:
Yeswecan.

Wefini
shedeat
ingandonourwayhomehi
s
dadcal
led

Musa:
Timer
.
Dad:
Hel
l
oBoy
.Howar
eyou?
Musa:
Goodgood.
Dad:
YouandReaf
ixedt
hings?
Musa:
Yeswedi
dsi
r.
Dad:
Good.She'
sagoodgi
rl
.
Musa:
Shef
inal
l
yaccept
edmypr
oposal
.

Hi
sfat
herwhi
stl
ed.
Dad:
That
'sgoodnews.
Musa:
Thi
nky
oucant
alkt
otheuncl
es?
Dad:
Ofcour
se.I
'
llcomet
her
ethi
sweekend
andt
alkt
othem.
Musa:
Thanksdad.
Dad:
youdr
ivi
ng?
Musa:
Yessi
r.Youwantt
otal
ktoher
?
Dad:
Kot
i!

IGi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Dumel
apapa.
Dad:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m okay
.Howar
eyousi
r?
Dad:
I'
m Fi
ne.Hebet
terbegoodt
oyou
Me:
Hewi
l
lbe.
Dad:
I'
ll
seey
ouonFr
iday
Me:
Yessi
r.
Dad: canyoutwostartlooki
ngforahousenow?
Youcan' tl
i
veInthatapartmentti
l
lyoudie.You
will
soonst ar
tafamily.Youcan'
trai
seyourkids
there.

Wel
ookedateachot
her

Me:
Yeswewi
l
l.
Dad:
Good.Takecar
eofeachot
her
.
Me:wewi
l
l.Pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
otakey
ourBP
meds

HeandMusal
aughed.
..
Dad:
Keephercl
oseson.
Musa:
Iwi
l
ldad.
Dad:
Iwon'
tfor
get
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Dad:
Hav
eagr
eatdayki
ds.
Musa:
Yout
oosi
r.

Wesai
dby
etohi
m andhehungup.

Musa:
Wher
eto?
Me:
Yourapar
tment
.
Musa:
Okay
.

Hi
sphoner
angagai
n.

Me:
Thi
siswhatIdi
dntmi
ss.
Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.

Heanswer
edhi
sphone.

Musa:
MabasaHel
l
o.
Mum:
Musa.
Musa:
Ma?
Mum:
Didy
ouf
indher
?
Musa:
YesIdi
dMa.
Mum:Imustpr
ayf
ort
hatchi
l
d.Ar
eyouwi
th
her
?
Musa:
Yesma'
am.
Mum:
Pleasegi
vehert
hephone
Musa:
She'
sli
steni
ng.
.y
oucant
alkma.
Mum:
:
Reabi
l
we?
Me:
Ma?
Mum: Reabi
lwe,
whydoy
oul
ett
hesedemons
cont
rolyou?
Me:
mum Ihav
enodemons.
Mum:
Youdo.
Me:
CanIt
alkt
oyouwhenIgethome?
Mum:
Andpr
ay
Me:
Yesma.
Mum:
Idon'
tknowwhy
..
.
Me:
mama?
Mum:
Keng?
Me:
PleaseshoutwhenIgett
her
e.
Mum:
Iwi
l
l.By
eMusa.
Musa:
Byemama.

Shehungup.
Musa:
Bepat
ientwi
thHer
.
Me:
She'
sal
way
sshout
ingatme
Musa:
doy
oubl
ameher
?
Me:
No.
Musa:
see?
Me:
canIaskaquest
ion?
Musa:
Sur
e..Shoot
.
Me:Youhar
dlyt
alkabouty
ourmot
her
.Won'
tI
meether
?
Musa:
You'
vemetal
lthei
mpor
tantpeopl
einmy
l
if
e.
Me: YeahbutIhav
en'
tmety
ourmot
herand
si
ster.
Musa:
Youdonthav
eto.
Me:
Weget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Youdon'
tseei
t.
..
Musa:
NoIdon'
t.
Me:
She'
syourmot
her
.
Musa:
noshe'snot
.Shejustgav
ebi
rt
htome.
AndIt
hankedherf
orthat.
Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:Reabi
l
we.Dont
!Don'tr
uinmymood
pl
easeanddon'
tyouevermenti
onheragai
n.
[
06/
14,
16:
47]W:
POTG
#23

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Dontshoutatme.
Musa:
Iwasn'
tshout
ing.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Rea?
Si
l
ence.
.

Musa:
Real
ook.
..

It
urnedmyhead

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
isi
tthatbad?
Musa:
Yes
Me:
Youknowy
ougoi
ngt
ohav
etot
ell
mer
ight
?
Musa:
Event
ual
l
yyes.
Me:
Okay
.

Wegothome.

Me:
Her
egoesmyni
ceday
..
.
Igotoutoft
hecar
.

Musa:
Come.

Hetookmyhandandwewal
kedi
n.Bef
oreI
coul
dstepi
n..
.

Mum:
Reabi
l
wekengkawenaMar
a?Keng!
Me:
Dumel
amama.
Mum:
Don'
tgr
eetme.Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion.
Me:
Not
hingma.I
tsf
inenow.
Mum:
Itsnotf
ine.
Me;
Ma,
iti
s.Iwon'
tdoi
tagai
n!
Mum:
whywer
eyoudoi
ngi
tint
hef
ir
stpl
ace?
Idi
dn'
tanswer
.

Mum:
Becausey
ouar
epossessedThat
'
swhy
!
Me:
I'
m not
..
.mum I
'
m sor
ry.
Mum:
Youshoul
dbe.
Me:
Okay
.Iwontdoi
tagai
n.
Mum:
youbet
ternot
.Musahowar
eyou?
Musa:
I'
mfi
nema.
.
Mum:
Sitdownmyson.
Me:
CanI
usey
ourcar
?
Musa:
To?
Me:Ineedtogogetthepr
escr
ibedmeds.I
shoul
dprobabl
yrushtocl
i
cks.
Musa:
Sur
e.Her
e.

Hegav
emehi
sCarkey
s.
Musa:
Ireact
ivat
edy
ourcar
ds.
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch.

Igr
abbedmypur
se.

Musa:
Fil
li
tuppl
ease.
Me:
Cool
.
Mum:
Andy
oumustcomeback.
.

Il
eftherther
ewi t
hthesoni nlaw.Ihadmade
peacewiththefactthatMusawaspr act
icall
y
mum' sson.It
hinkhef i
ll
edinmyl atebrother'
s
gap.Myf at
herhadachi l
dwi t
hsomeoneel se
befor
ehemetmum butmum r aisedhim asher
own..HepassedonShor t
lyaft
erDadpassedon.
WhenIwasi nmat ri
ctobespeci fi
c.
Me:
HeyCuz!
Tshepo:
HeyHey
..
Me:
Her
eyougo.
Tshepo:
Moneyback.Thanky
ou.
fi
ll
up?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:
howmuch?
Me:
R300
Tshepo:
Cool
..Wher
e'st
heowneroft
hecar
?
Me:
Wit
hmum.
Tshepo;
Thoset
wogetal
ongdon'
tthey
?
Me:
Houseonf
ir
e.
Tshepo:
Youhav
eapr
obl
em wi
thi
t?
Me:
Nope.
Tshepo:
Youknowt
hismeans.
..
Me:Mum'sal
waysgoi
ngtotakehi
ssi
de.Mum
l
ovesMusa.Hei
ssoperf
ectandI'
m..
.wel
lI'
ma
r
ebel
.
Tshepo:Speaki
ngofbei
ngar
ebel
.
..Weed
sometime?

Il
aughed.

Me:
Ican'
t.
Tshepo:
I'
vegotv
odka.
Me:
Cuz,
Ireal
l
ycan'
t
Tshepo;
Why
?
Me:
cozI
'
m expect
ing.
Tshepo;
what
?
Me:
Yep.
Tshepo:
That
'sgoodnews.Hemustmar
ryy
ou
now
Me:
Hei
s.
Tshepo:
whendi
dthi
shappen?
Me:
Afewweeksago.Isai
dNot
hen.
Tshepo:
Youf
inal
l
ycamebackt
oyoursenses!
Me:
Idi
d.
Tshepo:
I'
m Happyf
ory
ou.
.
Me:
ThanksCuz.
Tshepo:
I'
ll
bet
hel
adofhonor
.

Il
aughed.

Me:Okay
.That
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappenany
time
soon
Tshepo:
why
?
Me:
WhenBabyt
urnsone
Tshepo:
Yougi
vi
ngbi
rt
hnexty
earr
ight
?
Me:
yes.I
nfebormar
ch.
Tshepo:
sot
heweddi
ngwi
l
lbenextofnexty
ear
?
Me:
Yearaf
ternext
.
Tshepo:
Hai
voet
sek.

Il
aughed.

Me:
I'
ll
seey
ouar
ound.
Tshepo:
OkayMr
sMabasa.
Me:
what
ever
!Shar
pMpi
nch.
Tshepo:
Sur
esur
eMpi
nchess.
Me:
Wow!

Idr
ovetocl
i
cks,gott
hemedsandwentback
home.Mum andMusawer
etal
king.

Mum:
Sowhenwi
l
ltheweddi
ngbe?
Me:Notany
timesoon.Whenheorshet
urns
one.
Mum:
HaaaReabi
l
we.
Me:
eyamama.
Mum:
that
'sf
ar.Whati
fI'
l
lbedeadt
hen.

Mum t
hough!

Me:
Canwegett
henegot
iat
ionsoutoft
heway
?
Mum:
Then?
Me:
Thenwecanwor
ryaboutt
heWeddi
ng.
Mum:
Okay
.
Musa:Okaylook,may
bewecanhav
ethe
weddi
ngafterthat
.
Me:
Thatwon'
tgi
vemeenought
imet
opl
an.
Musa:
I'
ll
gety
ouaweddi
ngpl
anner
.
Mum:Yousee?Ineedtogetanout
fi
t.Imustl
et
t
hewomenfrom chur
chknow.
Thenegoti
ati
onswentwel landaweeklater
,we
wenttothemagistrate'
scourt
.Tshegowasmy
wit
nessandBongi nkosiwasMusa's.1month
l
ater,
wehadmov edintoOurnewhouseandI
wasplanni
ngtheweddi ng.Hesti
lldi
dn'
twant
total
kabouthismot her

Tshego:
Youneedt
orest
.
Me:
TshegoI
'
mfi
ne.
Tshego:
Rea,
yougoi
ngon12.
Me:
Iknow.
Tshego:
how'
sitgoi
ng?
Me:
Itsokay
.
Tshego:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Me:
Youcancomel
i
vewi
thus.
Tshego:
Musawant
syoual
ltohi
msel
f.
Me:
Hei
sabi
tpossessi
vei
sn'
the?
Tshego:
Itmakessense.Hel
ovesy
ou
Me:
ThatIknow.
Tshego:
sot
radi
ti
onal
weddi
ng?
Me:
Ithast
obei
nMpumal
anga.
Tshego:
Hecl
ear
ly.
..
Me:Hedoesn'thav
eachoi
ceTshego.Ev
enhis
aunttoldhi
mthatt
het
radi
ti
onal
weddinghast
o
bethere.
Tshego:
Hedoesn'
tl
ikeMpumal
anga.
Me: Nope.That'
snott r
ue.See,Musawentt o
Mpumal angatwoweeksago.Toseehi sdad,he
sleptataBnB.Thepr oblem i
snotMpumalanga.
It
shi smum.Ther easonhedoesn'tl
ikegoing
thereisbecausehedoesn'twanttoseehis
mot her.
Tshego:
Thatsoundsr
ight
.
Me:
Itdoes.Heneedst
ofacet
hemusi
c.
Tshego:
whatdoy
out
hinki
swr
ong?
Me:
Iwi
shIknew.
Tshego:
hest
il
lhasn'
ttol
dyou?
Me:
Nope.
Tshego:
Ouch
Me:
Mum knows.
Tshego:
No.
Me:
Tshegosheknows.Tr
ustme.
Tshego:
Whatmakesy
ousayt
hat
?
Me:
Gutf
eel
i
ng.
Tshego:
Idoubt
.
Me:I
'
llj
ustwai
t.Butmum knows.Andshe'
s
al
waysknown.

Shej
ustl
ookedatme.
Tshego:
howf
arar
etheywi
thy
ourdr
ess?
Me:
Qui
tef
ar.

Myf
amil
ywashandl
ingt
hewhi
teweddi
ng.Hi
s
t
het
radi
ti
onal
weddi
ng.

Tshego:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Me:
Bel
i
evei
tsi
s.
Tshego:
Your
eal
l
yleav
ingMewi
thmum?

Il
aughed.

Me:Imov
edoutweeksago.I
'
veal
readyl
efty
ou
wi
thmum.
Tshego:
Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
Me:
Okay
?
Tshego;
So.
..
.
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Me:
Younotav
irgi
nany
mor
e.
Tshego;
Howdi
dyouknow?
Me:CozIsawyourmorni
ngaft
erpi
ll
s.Yout
wo
pr
ayedaft
eryoufel
li
nto"
tempt
ati
on"
Tshego:
Yes.

Il
aughed.

Me:
shame.Howwasi
t?
Tshego:
Itwasgood.
Me:
Justgood?
Tshego:
Itwas.
Me:
mm.
..
yougoi
ngt
ofal
li
ntot
empt
ati
onagai
n?
Tshego:
no.
Me:Youwill
.I'
m sur
emum st
il
lthi
nksy
ouar
ea
vi
rgi
n.Keepitt
hatway.
Tshego:
Thanksl
i
lsi
s.Wow!
Me:noti
nabadway.Shemustn'
tfeell
i
keshe
f
ail
edasamother
.Besi
desshetrust
syoumore.

Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.

Me:
Ihat
evi
sit
orsespeci
all
ywhenI
'
m wi
thy
ou.
Tshego:
May
bekeBonga.
Me:
Ohy
es.
.hedi
dsayhe'
l
lcomeov
er.

Ir
ant
othedoor
.

Me:
Didn'
tthi
nky
ou'
dcomesoear
ly.Di
dyou.
..
IpausedwhenIr
eal
i
zedi
twasn'
thi
m.

"
Hel
l
o,canIComei
n?"
Me:
ummm y
essur
e.

Shecamei
n.

Me:
Youcanhav
easeatma.

Shewasinav
int
agef
lor
aldr
essandhadt
omy
shoeson.
It
ookherbags.Tshegogr
eet
edher
.

"
Beaut
if
ulhouse.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
umm Mme,
you.
..
"ohsor
ry,
I'
m Musawenkosi
'
smot
her
"
TshegoandIl
ookedateachot
her
.

Me:
CanIgety
ousomet
hingt
odr
inkma?
M'
smum:
Noty
et.
Tshego:
Ihav
etogo.I'
ll
cal
lyou.Ni
cet
omeet
youma.I'
mthesi
ster
.
M'
smum:
Nicet
omeety
ou.
Tshego:
Lov
eyou.
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo.Cal
l
.
Tshego:
Iwi
l
l.

Shel
eft
.

Me:
Yousur
ema?
M'
sMum:
YesI
'
m sur
emygi
rl
.Si
tdownpl
ease
Isatdown.

M'
sMum:
Musa?Youl
ovehi
m Ri
ght
?
Me:
Alot
.
M'smum:
y oudoknowt
hathehasawi
feback
i
nMpumalangari
ght
?
[
06/
14,
16:
47]W:
POTG
#24

Me:
Excuseme?
M'smum:Hehasawi
fe.They
'vebeenmar
ri
ed
f
or10year
snow.
Me: I'
m sor
rybutthat
'snott
rue.I
fyouher
eto
causet r
oublebet
weenmyhusbandandI
pleaseleav
e.
M'
smum:
I'
mjusther
eto.
..
.
Me:
pleasel
eav
e.
M'
smum:
andgowher
e?
Me:Idon'
tknow.GobacktoMpumal anga.
Musawouldn'
tWantyouhere.Justgo.
M'
smum:
Ntombi
.
..
Me:Pl
easema,Idon'
twantt
olosemyr
espect
.
Pl
easel
eave.

Shegotup.

Me:
hav
easaf
ejour
ney
.

Iwalkedheroutandcl
osedthedoor.Musa
wouldnev er
!Imeanneverdot
hattome.I
reachedformyphonewhenIheardthetext
notif
icat
ion.
"HeyMrsMabasa, hopey ouandmysonar e
fi
ne.I
'mfl
yingt oDBNi nanhour,something
cameupandt her
e'sameet i
ngIneedt oattend
toat20:
00.I'
llbebackt omorrowmor ni
ng.I'
ll
getwhatIneedassoonasIl and.Wouldcall
butst
il
ltr
yingtosor toutal
it
tlehiccupbeforeI
l
eave.Il
ovey ou"

Isi
ghedt
hent
ext
edhi
m back.

"
Besafe,
Ilov
eyout
oo.Seey
out
omor
row
mor
ning"

Ical
l
edTshego.

Me:
Cany
oucomesl
eepov
er?
Tshego:
wat chyouandMusacuddl
einf
rontof
me?Not hanks.
Me:
he'
sgoi
ngt
oDur
ban.
Tshego:
why
?
Me:
Busi
ness.
Tshego:
Mot
heri
nlaw?
Me:
tol
dhert
ogo.
Tshego:
What
?I'
m comi
ng.Bet
her
einanhour
.

Shehungup.Iwentt othemall
whichwas10
minut esawayf rom myhousetogetusf ood
andsnacks.Andwi ne.Iwasall
owedt ohave
j
ustonegl assaday .I
'dhav
etowat chTshego
drinkitall
.Shewassuddenl yafanofredwine.
Ithelpedher" unwi
nd"soshesaid.Igot
everythingandwentbackt othehouse.Bonga
wasout si
de.

Bonga:
Ial
mostl
eft
.
Me:
I'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ouf
ort
hepastt
wo
hour
s.
Bonga:
I'
m sor
ry.
.Tr
aff
ic.
Me:
Stopl
yi
ng.
Bonga:
Im not
.
Me:
Youar
e
Bonga:
youhousekeepsget
ti
ngni
cerandni
cer
.
Youguysaddedapool?
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
:
Two?
Me:
One'
sfort
hel
i
ttl
eone.
Bonga:
ohni
ce.Yougr
aduat
ingsoon.
Ready
?
Me:YesIam.Ican'
twai
thonest
ly.Tookt
oo
l
ongtogether
e.
Bonga:
It'
sonl
y3y
ear
swenaebi
l
enotev
en.
Drama!
Me:
Fine.Iguessso.
Bonga:
wher
e'sy
ourhusband?
Me:
Nother
e.
Bonga:
WowandI
'
m bl
i
ndr
ight
?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me;
Hehadt
ogot
oDur
ban.
Bonga:
Busi
ness?
Me:
Yep.Hel
pyour
sel
ftoabeer
.
Bonga:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
Pleasur
e.
Bonga:
Yougonbeat
rophywi
fewi
thadegr
ee.
Me:
What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?
Bonga:
Whatdoy
ouneedt
owor
kfor
?
Me:
Mysel
f.
Bonga:Rea.
..Youknowyoudon'
tneedt
o.Musa
won'tev
enletyouli
ftaf
inger
.
Me:
That
'snott
rue.
Bonga:
Iti
s.Consi
dery
our
sel
fbl
essed.
Me:
howar
eyourgi
rl
fr
iends?

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Idon'
thav
eanygi
rl
fr
iends.
Me:
Yeahr
ight
.
Bonga:
Theyar
esexpar
tner
s.
Me:
Whendoy
oupl
anonset
tl
ingdown?
Bonga:
50
Me:
you'
l
lbe6f
eetunder
.
Bonga:
Whot
oldy
out
hat
?
Me:
Mysel
f.
Bonga:
YouGodnow?
Me:
Nope.STI
swoul
dhav
etakeny
out
her
e.
Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Im notst
upi
d.
Me:
Nobodysai
dyouar
e
Bonga:
Yout
reatmel
i
keIam.
Me:
Cozy
oudost
upi
dthi
ngs.
Bonga:
Idont
.
Me:
Justgety
ouagoodgi
rl
.
Bonga:
All
thegoodgi
rl
sar
etaken.
Me:
That
'snott
rue.
Bonga:
Bel
i
eveme,
theyar
e.I
'
llj
ustf
uckar
ound.
Me:
Anddi
e?
Bonga:Ev
ery
bodydi
es.Youar
eaJCol
efan.
Youshoul
dknowthat
.
Me:
I'
m gi
vi
ngupony
ou.
Bonga:
Thanky
ou.

Tshegoknocked.

Me:
Wel
comebacksi
s.
Bonga:
Tshegohowar
eyou.
Tshego:
I'
m good.Thanky
ouf
orwel
comi
ngme
back.
Me:
Boughty
ouwi
ne.I
tsi
nthef
ri
dge.
Tshego:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
canIhav
eonegl
ass?
Tshego:
hal
f.
Me:
Itsokay
.
Bonga:
Isshesupposet
obedr
inki
ng?
Tshego:
Onewon'
thur
t.Thedoct
orsAppr
ove.
Bonga:
Okay
.ButI
'
m sur
eyoumi
ssweedHey
.
Me:Dude!Youhav
enoidea.Ican'
twai
tforthi
s
chi
l
dtogetheresoIcangobacktotheherb.
Tshego:
Yout
wo!

Sheshookherhead.

Me:
You'
l
lgetusedt
ous.
Tshego:I
'm usedt
oy ou.That
'swhyIdon'
twant
tobearoundwheny '
allar
etoget
her.

Wel
aughed.
Bonga:
17y
ear
sisal
ongt
imeTshego.
.
Me:Iti
s.Andyouf
inal
l
yst
oppedr
uini
ngmy
r
elat
ionshi
ps.
Bonga:hai
begl adIdi
d.Theguy
syouwer
e
dat
ing.Haikhona.
Me:
youst
art
ing.
Bonga:
Thankme
Me:
no
Bonga:
ThankmeRea.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.
Bonga:
youf
iti
ntoy
ourdr
ess?
Me:
Theyar
est
il
lbusywi
thi
t.
Bonga:
okay
Me:
Youwantt
owal
kmedownt
heai
sle?
Bonga:
youwantTshepot
oki
l
lme?
Me:
He'
sthel
adofhonor
..

Theyl
aughed.
Tshego:
Ibeti
twashi
sidea
Me:
Youknowhi
m..Sowi
l
lyou?
Bonga:
ist
hatev
enal
l
owed?
Me:
timesandt
hingschange
Bonga:
true.
Me:
answerme.
Bonga:
Isi
tsomet
hingy
our
eal
l
yreal
l
ywant
?
Me:
Don'
tmakemepunchy
ou.

Hesmi
l
ed.

Bonga:
I'
dlov
eto.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Tshego:
socut
e.
Me:
Weknow.Kopabeer
.
Bonga:
Voet
sek.Ebi
l
eI'
mleav
ing.
Hegotup.

Me:
Don'
tyouev
ercomet
omyhouse.
Bonga:
I'
ll
Seey
ouonSat
urday
.Lov
eyou.
Me:
fucky
ou.
.
Bonga:
Ther
esul
toft
hati
siny
ourt
ummy
.

Il
aughed.

Me;
BongaJustl
eav
e.
Bonga;
Iam.Comegi
vemeahug

Idi
dt henwal
kedhi
m outafterhesai
dbyeto
Tshego.WhenIwentbackin,Tshegowason
hersecondgl
assofwine.
Tshego:
wai
ti
ngf
ort
henews.
Me:
Hismot
hersay
shehasawi
feof9y
ear
s.
Tshego:
Ridi
cul
ous.
Me:
Myt
hought
sexact
ly.
.
Tshego:She'
sJustmadcozshewasn'
t
i
nvolved
Me;Mythought
sexact
ly.ShewasSosmug
abouti
t.
Tshego:
Theni
tsnott
rue.
Me:
Ne?
Tshego:
Don'
tl
ethergett
oyou

Wespokeforhoursandat22: 00weslept.
Musacall
edtocheckonmebutwedi dn'
ttal
k
muchcozIwasv erysleepy.Thenextday,
Tshegowentt
owor kat9.About3hour safter
Tshegol
eftMusaar r
ived.
..
Musaheyhey

Isl
owl
yopenedmyey
es.

Musa:
heybaby
.
Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
nocl
assest
oday
?

Ishookmyhead.Istil
lhadthedustingclot
hin
myhand,Irememberdust i
ngthelastroom
whichwasthelounge.Ihadmusthav efall
en
asl
eepthen.

Musa:
Youwer
en'
tsupposet
oli
ftaf
inger
.
Me:
I'
m notsupposet
ocl
eanmyownhouse?
Musa:
That
'swhywehav
eahel
per
.
Me:
Youhav
eone.It
oldy
ouIdon'
twantone.I
tol
dhert onotcomeintoday
.She'
snotdoing
herjob.Imovedever
ythi
ngandcleaned.
Musa:
Iny
ourcondi
ti
on?
Me:
MusaI
'
mfi
ne.
Musa:
Yousur
e?
Me:
Yes.Howwasy
ourmeet
ing?

Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongue.

Musa:
itwasf
ine.

Hewasinanewoutfi
t.Shor
ts,
ani
ceshi
rtand
somepumasneaker
s

Me:
Youl
ookl
i
keaf
uckboy
.

Hel
aughed
Musa:
ohwow.Thanksbaby
.YouandTshego
wer
efineher
e?
Me:yes.Andyoursecur
it
yguar
ds.Idi
dn'
tneed
al
lofthatyouknowRight
?
Musa:I
twasjustfort
henightbaby
.Ihadt
o
makesurey
oul adi
esaresafe.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:Sowhatwer
eyout
woupt
o?Nomal
e
st
ri
ppers?

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
No.Yourmot
herwasher
ethough.

Hegotuneasy
.
Musa:
What
?
Me:
Yourmum.Shewasher
e.

Idescr
ibedher
.

Musa:
Whatdi
dshewanthere?Whydidnty
ou
cal
l
?Iwoul
dhavenotgonet
othat
..
..
Me:Shedidntharm orhurtme.Musat el
lme
whatshesaidisnottruecozIref
usedt o
bel
i
eveit.Youhaveawi feofni
ney ear
s?

Hel
ookedatme.

Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
Justt
ell
mei
tsal
i
e
Musa:
Itsnot
.It
'st
rue.She'
stel
li
ngt
het
rut
h.
Wegotmarri
edwhenwewer e18
[
06/
14,
16:
48]W:
POTG
#25

Me:
I'
m sor
rywhat
?
Musa:
LookbabycanIexpl
ain?
Me:
goon.

Ir
emai
nedcal
m.

Musa: soWhenIwasi ngrade11, Ihada

gir
lf
riend,Nomazol a,
west ar
teddatingin
OctoberifnotNov emberthenwebr okeup
whenIwasi ngrade12.AroundMar ch.Amont h
l
ater,herfamil
ycamet or
epor tt
hatIhad
i
mpr egnatedherandt hat
'swhenIwasf orced
tomar ryher
.ItoldNomasont othat..
Me:
Who'
sNomasont
o?
Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.Thewomant
hatcameher
e
y
est
erday
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:ItoldherthatIdon'twantt
ogetmarri
ed
toher
,thatI'
dfindajobaf termat
ri
candtake
car
eoft hechil
dbutshei nsist
edonthi
smatter
.
Me:
Wher
ewasy
ourf
ather
?.
Musa:
Hewasnotaround.Dadwasal
way
s
awayt
ryi
ngt
opr
ovideforhisf
amil
y.
Me:
Sohewasn'
tpr
esent
?
Musa:No.Bonginkosi
'sf
atherst
eppedi
nas
"
myf at
her"andtheywentaheadandfor
cedme
i
ntoamarriageIdidn'
twant.
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttr
yto.
..
Musa:Itr
ied.Ir
eal
l
ydi
dbutatt
hatt
ime,
Iwas
st
il
lunderthem.
Me:
So?
Musa:ever
ythi
ngwentonwi
thoutdadheonly
camebackaf t
ert
womonthswhenallwassaid
anddone.
Me:
Andwhatdi
dhesay
?
Musa:itwastoolat
e.Itcausedarif
tonthei
r
marr
iage.Ti
ll
thisday.Hebuilthi
mselfahouse
Me:
Wher
e'sy
ourchi
l
d?
Musa:Shemi
scar
ri
edwhenshewas5mont
hs
pr
egnant.
.
Me:
Goon.
Musa:Aft
erIr
ecei
vedmybursar
yIcamehere
t
ostudyandhardl
ywenthome.IResent
edmy
motherf
rom t
henon
Me:
Soi
twasj
ustt
radi
ti
onal
l
y?
Musa:Yes.Wedi
dn'
tgot
othemagi
str
ate'
s
cour
t

Il
ookedathi
m andkeptqui
et
Musa:
Pleasesaysomet
hing.
Me:Wel
lI'
m sor
ryyouwentt
hrought
hat
.Must
hav
ebeenveryt
raumati
c.
Musa:
ItwasbabybutI
'
m..
.
Me:
I'
m notdone

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:Youli
edt ome.Noy oukeptthet
rut
hfrom
me.Youbasical
lyt
ri
ckedmeI ntomarry
ingyou.
That
'swhyyourushedthings.
Musa:
Nobaby
..
.
Me:Thisisall
bui
ltonali
e!Whoknowewhat
el
sey oukeepi
ngfrom me?Musawhatam I
supposetosaynow?Whatam Isupposet
otel
l
mymot her?
Musa:
Sheknows.
Myj
awdr
opped.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.What
?
Musa:
Itol
dheraf
ewmont
hsago.
Me: Ohsoyoubotht
ri
ckedme.Thi
siswhat
yourauntmeant
.Musayouhadmef ool
edf
or
mont hs!
Musa:
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
otel
lyou.
Me:
that
'sy
ourbestexcuse?
Musa:
Ireal
l
ytr
ied.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
ttr
yhar
denough.
Musa:
Babypl
ease.
Me:no.Youandyourmotheri
nlawaresnakes!
Youtwoaresnakes.She'
smymotherhow
coul
dshe..
..
move.
Musa:
Reapl
e..
.
Me:
Mov
e!
Musa:
Okay
.

Hemoved.
.Iwentt
owearmysneaker
sand
t
ookt
hecarkeys.

Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
leav
emeal
one!

Iwal
kedoutandDr
ovet
oTshego'
swor
kpl
ace.

Tshego:
heyhey
.
Me:
Hey
.
Tshego:
Monde,
I'
m outf
orl
unchokay
?
Monde:
Cool
.Checkout
.
Tshego:
Sur
e
Monde:
HeyRea.
Me:
HeyMonde.
Monde:
Congr
atul
ati
onsony
ourmar
ri
age.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Monde:
Final
l
ytamedy
ou?

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Can'
tbe.
Monde:
Iwon'
tdi
sagr
ee.
Me:
Seey
ouar
ound.
Monde:
Cool
.

Wel
eftt
hephar
maci
st

Me:
Youhungr
y?
Tshego;
Yes.Younot
?
Me:
No.Come.

Wef
oundaqui
etr
est
aur
ant
.Sheor
der
edf
ood.

Me:
MusaHasawi
fe.
Tshego:
Nott
hatagai
n.
Me:
Het
oldme.
Tshego:
Hewhat
?
Me:
Heconf
ir
medi
t.
Tshego:
Rea.
..
Me:
9year
s.For
cedmar
ri
age.
.
Tshego:
OhmyGoodness.
.

It
oldherwhathet
oldme.
Tshego:
Butheshoul
dhav
ebeenhonest
Me:
Right
?Youknowwhathur
tsmet
hemost
..
.
Tshego:ist
hathewasn'
thonestf
rom t
he
begi
nning?
Me:
No.Yourmot
herknowst
his.
Tshego:
What
?
Me:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Tshego:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Me:
Iswearondad'
sgr
ave.
Tshego:
Sheneedst
obeconf
ront
ed
Me:
Ijustr
eal
l
ywantt
ocr
yTshego.
Tshego:
Leti
tal
lout
.
Me:
Ican'
t.
Tshego:
howaboutIt
alkt
oMondeandknock
offnow?
Me:
Wil
lhel
ety
ou?
Tshego:
Hehast
o.
Me:
Okay
.
Tshego:
Tel
lthem t
omakei
tat
akeaway
.
Me:
Okay
.

Ical
ledthewai
terandshewentt
ot al
kto
Monde.Wegotherf oodandwedrovetomum'
s
workpl
ace.

Mum:
Andt
hen?
Me:
Canwest
epout
?
Mum:
I'
m atwor
k.
Me:
They
'l
lunder
stand.

Iwasangr
yather.Shespoket
osomel
adyand
wentoutt
otheparki
ngspace.

Me:
Whatki
ndofaChr
ist
ianar
eyou?
Tshego:
Doy
ouev
enpr
act
icewhaty
oupr
each?
Me:Isi
tbecausehehasmoney
.Ist
hatwhat
you'
vebecomenow?
Tshego:
Howcoul
dyoubesuchasnakema?
Mum:
Hey
!

Wekeptqui
et.

Mum:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Ohy
ouDontknownow?
Tshego:
whatki
ndofamot
herar
eyou?
Mum:
Kengkal
ona?
Me:
YouknewaboutMusa'
swi
fe?

Herexpr
essi
onchanged.
Me:
Iaskedy
ouaquest
ionma.
Mum:
YesIknewabouther
.
Me:
OhandIwasn'
ttol
d?
Mum:
hewasf
orcedt
o
Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Ma,
youl
i
edt
ome.

Iwast
ear
ingup.Fi
nal
l
y

Me:
You.
..
myownmot
her
.YouLi
edt
ome.
Tshego:
Ma,
howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
oher
?

Shewast
ear
ingupt
oo.

Me:
Youal
ltr
ickedmei
ntot
his?
Tshego:
Didy
ouev
ent
hinkaboutherf
eel
i
ngs
ma?
Mum:
Gir
ls.
..
Me:
Didy
ouma?
Mum: Rea,Musal
ovesy
ou.Hecoul
dn'
tst
and
hur
ti
ngy ou.
Tshego:
wow.
.
Me:Somuchf
orbei
ngChr
ist
ian.Tshegol
et'
s
go.
Mum:
Rea.
..

Iwal
kedaway
.

Mum:
Tshego!Gi
rl
swa.
..

Wegotintothecaranddrov
eoff.Icr
ied.Icr
ied
somuchTshegohadt ostopandcomf ortme
thoughshewascryi
ngtoo.
Tshego:
thi
nkofy
ourchi
l
d.
Me:
Howcoul
dthey
?
Tshego:
Im sosor
ry.

Wesati
nsi
l
encef
orabout20mi
nut
es.

Tshego:
Whatnow?
Me:Idon'
tknow.I
'
llgot
oBonga'
sforaf
ew
day
sthenseewhatIcandonext
.
Tshego:
Yousur
e?

Inodded.

Me:Ineedtogobackmyt
hings.Let
'
sgety
ou
homefir
st.
Tshego:No.Justdropmeof
fatt
het
axi
rank.
.
I
'm goi
ngtoRichard'
s.
Me:
Yousur
e?

Shenodded.Shedr
ovetot
her ank.
.Wehugged
andIwentbacktot
hehouse.Ihadnot
answer
edallofMusa'
s20somet hi
ngcal
l
s.

Musa:
Rea.
..

Ist
art
edpacki
ng.

Musa:
Reapl
easest
op
Me:
Musawenkosi
leav
eMyhandal
one.

Hedid.Icl
osedmybagandst
art
edpacki
ngmy
t
oil
etrybag.

Me:
Her
ear
eyourcarkey
s.AndhouseKey
s
Iputt
hem ont
hebed.

Musa:
Reabi
l
we.
..
Me:Hav
eagoodl i
fewi
thy
ourwi
fe.Mychi
l
d
andIwi
llwi
thouty
ou.

HeheldmyhandasIr
eachedf
ort
hedoor
handl
e.

Musa:
Rea

Ther
ewasacr
acki
nhi
svoi
ce.

Musa:
Dontl
eav
emepl
ease!
[
06/
14,
16:
48]W:
POTG
#26
Me:
Leav
emeal
one.

Hel
eftmyhand.

Musa:
Rea.
..

Iopenedthedoor.Tookmybagsandl ef
t.I
request
edanubert oBonga' spl
ace.Hehad
givenMespar ekeyscozheknewheal ways
l
ostkeyssoj usti
ncasei thappenedthenthey'
d
besafewithMe.Hewasn' tther
e.Iwenttoput
mybagsi nthespareroom andwat chedTV.
MusacalledandIdeclinedi t
.Hecall
edme
againandIdidagain.Thet hi
rdti
meIanswer ed.

Me:
Musa.
Musa:
Baby
.
Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Arey
ousaf
e?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:Look,
I'
mr eal
l
ysorrybaby.IknowI
shoul
dhavebeenhonestfrom t
hebeginning.I
wasjustt
ooafrai
dto.I
'
llgi
v ey
out hespacey ou
need.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
ByeMusa.

Ihungup.2hour
slat
er,
Ihear
dthedoorunl
ock,
i
twasBonga.

Bonga:
wat
chy
ourst
ep.
Theyst
artedki
ssi
ngandhetookof
fthegi
rl
'
s
shi
rt
.Icoughedoutl
oudl
y.

Bonga:
Ohhey
..
puty
ourshi
rton.
"
Whatt
he.
..
who'
sthi
s?"
Bonga:
Her
e..
.getanuberorsomet
hing
"
Bonga"
Bonga:
Cindyt
aket
hisandgo.

SheputHershi
rtonandTookmoney
.

"
It
'sLi
ndabyt
hewaway

Shebangedt
hedooronherwayout
.
Me:
Ouch

Il
aughed

Me:
Bonga!Igi
veupony
ou.

Hel
aughedt
oo.

Bonga:
Eish.
Me:
Wher
edi
dyoupi
ckherup?
Bonga:
Att
hemal
l
.
Me:
Andy
oudontr
ememberhername?
Bonga:
Nope.
Me:
Youneedt
ost
opt
his.
Bonga:
notnow.
Me:
Bonga!
Bonga:
ithappens.
Me:
Justwow!
Bonga:
HeyR.
Me:
HeyB.
Bonga:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
Im okay
.Howar
eyou?
Bonga:
Iwashor
ny.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Sor
ry.
Bonga:
It'
sokay
.
Me:
Isi
t?
Bonga:
yes.Sol
etmet
ryt
hisagai
n..
.howar
e
you?
Me:
Idontknow.
Bonga:
Yougoi
ngt
hroughsomet
hing?

Inodded.

Bonga:
Wantt
otal
kabouti
t?

Ishookmyhead.

Bonga:Okaymari
tal
probl
ems.We'
l
ltal
kabout
i
tlat
er.Youhungr
y?
Me:
DoILookhungr
y?
Bonga:
Yes.

Il
aughed

Me:
Wehungr
yyes.
Bonga:
let
'sgo.
Me:
Wher
e?
Bonga:Togetf
ood.Ij
usthopey
ouandy
our
husbandmakeup.
Me:
Why
?
Bonga:
CoznowIcan'
tl
iv
emyl
i
fe.
Me:
youmeany
oucan'
tfuck?
Bonga:
Yes.
Me:
Good!
Bonga:
Notgood.
Me:
Let
'sgoBonga.Justshutup.

Igotmyshoesandwel
eft
.

Bonga:
nocar
?
Me:
Nope.
Bonga:
Thatbad?
Me:It
'ssomet
hingt
hatwi
l
lei
thermakeorbr
eak
us.
Bonga:
YouLookmi
ser
abl
e.
Me:
Iknow.
Bonga:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:
Thanks.
Bonga:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Me:
Pizza,
MacDf
ri
es.
Bonga:
Okay
.
Me:
you?
Bonga:
Cindy

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Linda!Youcangogether
Bonga:Nah.I
'
llspendt
henightwi
thy
ou.You'
l
l
watchwhenIdrinkmyvodka.
Me:
CanIhav
esome?
Bonga:
Nope.Il
ovemyni
ece.
Me:
Nephew.
Bonga:
Niece.
Me:
Nephew.
Bonga:
Okayf
ine.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Bonga:
Classes?
Me:Yep.Theyendat12.Ineedt
ogot
oThe
doct
orat13:30.
Bonga:
Cany
ougett
her
efr
om school
?
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
Okaycool
.

Wegotourf
oodandwentbackt
othef
lat
.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tdot
hat
..
Bonga:
Yesy
oudi
d

Myphoner
ang.

Bonga:
Younotgoi
ngt
oanswery
ourphone?
Me:
Nope.
Bonga:
It'
syourmot
her
Me:
Bonga,
leav
eit
.
Bonga:
Rea.
..
Me:
Bongal
eav
eit
.
Bonga:
Okay
.
Me:
Wher
ewer
ewe?
Bonga:
Youwer
est
il
ldeny
ing
Me:
ThatIdat
edt
hatcr
eepyguyy
es
Bonga:
Yout
wower
etoocl
ose.
Me:
no.
Bonga:
Yes.
Me:
Iref
uset
obel
i
evet
hat
.
Bonga:
Keepdeny
ing.
Me:
Vel
e!

Wehadacoolni
ghtandt
henextmor
ning,
he
dr
ovemetoschool
.

Bonga:
Seey
oul
ater
.
Me:
Thanksf
ri
end.

Itwasadrag.Real
l
y.Igott
ot hedoct
or'
sat
around13:
10.Musacamet here5minut
esaft
er
Idid.
Musa:
Hey.
Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Youokay
?
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.Youdi
dnthav
eto.
..
Musa:
Let
'skeepourchi
l
doutoft
hispl
ease.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Didy
ouhav
eany
thi
ngt
oeat
?
Me:
Idi
dthi
smor
ning.
Musa:
Andaf
tercl
ass?
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Musa:
Rea
Me:
MusaI
'
m nothungr
y
Musa:
Okay
.

Wesati
nsi
lenceti
ll
wewentI
ntot
her
oom.
Ev
ery
thi
ngwasfine.
Musa:
CanIt
akey
out
oBonga'
s?
Me:
okay
.
Musa:
thanky
ou.

Onmywayt hereIgotat
extfr
om Tshepot
hat
he'scomingtothehousebutIi
nfor
medhim
thatI
'm atBonga'
s.

Musa:
Yousur
eyouf
ine?
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
Canwet
alkaboutt
his?
Me:Leornadonotnowpl
ease.CanIj
ustget
sometimet oPr
ocesst
his?SeewhatIwantt
o
doMusa.
Musa:
Okay
.
Wewer
equi
etal
lthewayt
othef
lat
s.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:
Nopr
obl
em.
Me:
Bye.
Musa:
Rea?

Il
ookedathi
m.

Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Thanksf
ort
hel
i
ft.

Igotoutoft
hecarandwenti
n.Anhourl
ater
,
Tshepocame.

Tshepo:
Hai
wena.Ar
en'
tyoumar
ri
ed?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Tshepo:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
I'
m her
etov
isi
tBonga.
Tshepo:
Wher
eishe?
Me:
Atwor
k.
Tshepo:
Reabi
l
we,
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
OkaysoMusa'
smar
ri
ed.

Hel
ookedatme.

Tshepo:
For
ced?
Me;
Hesay
sso.
Tshepi
:Howdoest
hatmakey
ouf
eel
?.
Me:
Bet
ray
ed,
hur
t.
Tshepo:
Howdoy
out
hinkhef
eel
s?
Me:
IDontknow.
Tshepo:
I'
ll
tel
lyou.He'
sprobabl
yatapl
acehe
di
dntthi
nkhe'
dgobackt oagain
Me:
Idon'
tfol
l
ow.
Tshepo:Ther easonhedi dn'ttel
lyouit
s
becausehedi dn'twanttolosey ou.Heknew
youwoul dn'tagr eet
obeinghi s"secondwi f
e".
Yout hi
nkthi swaseasyonhi m?Lookatt hat
gir
lthatwasf orcedtomar rythatoldmani n
Northwest .Thegi rl
thatwegr ewupwi t
h.
Rememberher ?

Inodded.

Tshepo;
WassheHappy
?
Me:
No.
Tshepo:
wher
eisshenow?
Me:
Shecommi
tt
edsui
cide.
Tshepo:
exact
ly!Youcan'
texpecthi
mtoopen
up.
Me:
hewasn'
thonest
Tshepo: AndIunder standthatandy ouhav e
ev er
yRi ghttobe.Butdon' tyout hinkyouneed
tobet her ef
orhim?Rea, youar emar r
ied.You
notdat i
ngany mor e.Youar eaboutt obea
mot her.Youcan'tkeeppacki ngy ourbagsev er
y
ti
mei tget stough.Iunder st
andy ourangerI
reall
ydo.Butunder standwher ehe' scomi ng
from.IfIwer einhisshoesandhadsomeoneI
didntwantt olose, I
'ddot hi
st oo.
Me:
buthecoul
dtel
lmum abouti
t.
Tshepo:Hehadt ot
ell
someone.Real
ook,
he
probabl
ydi
dn'tknowwhatt
odo.
Me:
Idontt
hinkIcanf
orgi
vet
hem.

Hechuckl
ed.
Tshepo: Youdon't?Youalmostkill
edhischil
d
fornor easonbuthecontinuedlovi
ngy ouand
marriedy ou.Jumpswheny ouneedsomet hi
ng
anddoesal li
nhispowertomakesur ey ou
happy .Yourmum, myaunt ,hasfor
giv
eny ou
mor ethanat housandti
mes.Shedoes
Somet hingwr ongonceandshe'snowenemy
numberone?

Ikeptqui
et.

Tshepo:Thatmanl ovesyou.Andhetr
ied
hol
dingontoyout heonlywayheknewhowt o.
Rea,youneedtostopbeingselfi
shandnotonl
y
thi
nkaboutyoursel
f.Eit
herYouwomanupor
youletmegetMusaabet terwi
fe!
[
06/
14,
16:
48]W:
POTG
#27

Il
ookedatTshepo.

Tshepo:
youknowI
'
mri
ght
.

Iwast
onguet
ied.

Tshepo:
ebi
l
eI'
mleav
ing.

Het ookhiscarkeysandlef
t.If
eltl
ike
screaming.Ij
ustfel
tli
kedoingthat
.Myphone
rang.Itookadeepbreathbefor
eIanswer
edit
.

Me:
Hel
l
o.
Musa:
arey
oust
il
lokay
?
Me:
Iam y
ou?
Musa:
didy
oueat
?
Me:
Noty
et.
Musa:
Cany
oupl
easeeat
?
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Musa:Yourdressmakeri
sher
e.Yout
wohadan
appoi
ntment?
Me:ohy
es.Wedid.Canyoupl
easet el
lhert
o
gi
vemeAtl
east30minut
es.I
'l
lrequestnow.
Musa:
okay
Me:
Thanksba.
..
Musa.

IhungupandRequest
ed.Igott
her
e35mi
nut
es
l
ater

Val
eri
e:Pr
egnancybr
ain?
Me:
Youknowhowi
tGet
s.I
'
m Sosor
ry.I
sit
done?
.
Val
eri
e:Yes

Il
ookedatMusawhowaslooki
ngatt
he
gar
mentbagwithmydr
ess.

Me:
Youwon'
tseet
hedr
ess.Pl
easel
eav
e.

Val
eri
egi
ggl
ed.

Val
eri
e:I
'
m sor
ryMusa.
Musa:
It'
sokay
.Youl
adi
esenj
oyy
our
sel
ves.
Val
eri
e;Thanky
ou.
.

Het
ookhi
scarkey
sandl
eft
.
Me:
Let
'sseewhaty
ou'
vedone.
Val
eri
e:Ihopey
ou'
l
lli
kei
t.

Iwassceptical
.Cozhalfofmewant edto
canceltheweddingandtheotherhalfwasst
il
l
excit
ed.Iwenttotryi
ton.Itwasabeautif
ul
dress

Me:
Thecor
seti
sst
unni
ng.
Val
eri
e;Doy
oul
i
kei
t?
Me;Thati
sanunder
stat
ement
.Thi
sis
gor
geous.
Valeri
e:He'
sgoi
ngt
ofai
ntwhenheseesy
oui
n
that.
Me;
How'
shi
ssui
tcomi
ngal
ong?
Val
eri
e:Ican'
ttel
l
.
Me:
OhLer
ie.
Val
eri
e:You'
l
lhav
etowai
t.
Me:
Iguesst
hat
'sf
air
.
Val
eri
e:Absol
utel
y.Doesi
tfi
tper
fect
ly?
Me:Yesi
tdoes.Il
ovehowy
ou'
vemybumpnot
show.
Val
eri
e:Wegoingtohavetoworkonitagai
na
weekbeforet
hewedding.Younotget
ti
ngfat.
Howfaralongar
eyou?
Me:
Almost12.
Val
eri
e:HowIwi
shIhady
our"
Idon'
tgai
n
wei
ght"body
.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nki
tsheal
thy
.
Val
eri
e:no?
Me;
Nope.
Val
erie:
Howl
onghav
eyouandMusabeen
dat
ing?
Me:
let
'ssee.
..
sincel
asty
earNov
ember
.
Val
eri
e:soAl
mostay
ear
?
Me:
Yep
Valer
ie:
HereIwast
hinki
ngy
out
wohav
ebeen
toget
herfor10y
ear
s.

Igi
ggl
ed

Val
eri
e:Yougetal
ongsowel
l
.
Me:
Wedoyes.You?Howl
onghav
eyoubeen
mar
ri
ed?
Val
eri
e:15y
ear
s
Me:
Oht
hat
'sni
ce.Fewt
ips?
Val
eri
e:gochange.

Il
ikedHer.Asweetwhitel
ady
.Spokeabitof
Sesotho.Shel
ookedli
keshewasalmost40i
f
not40.Iwenttochangeandmadeustea.
Val
eri
e:f
ewt
ipsy
ousay
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Valeri
e:Submi t
.Lovehim, r
especthim butdon't
l
ethim wal koveryou.Ifproblemscomeupsor t
i
toutlikegr ownpeople.Mar ri
ageisabeaut iful
thi
ng.Especi al
l
ywhenpeopl eloveeachot her
dearl
y.YouandMusawi l
lhitt
hat40y earsmar k.
Trustme.I fyoutwocont inuethewayy ouar e,
you'l
lbefine.Justcontinuelovingeachother .
That'
sally ouneed.Youneedt obehisplaceof
peace.
Me:
Ohwow.
Val
eri
e:Yes.Don'
twor
ry.You'
l
ldof
ineMsKel
l
y.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
You'
vej
oinedi
nont
hat
?
Val
eri
e:If
indi
tcut
ethaty
ouhi
swi
fey
ethe
cal
l
syouMsandnot"
Mrs"
.
Me:
Youj
ustnev
erwhat
'
sgoi
ngoni
nhi
sbr
ain.
.

Wehadourt ea,
justt
alki
ngandshel
eftaf
teran
hourorso.Igotacallfr
om mum.

Me:
Mama?
Mum:
oht
hanky
ouJesus!Rea
Me:
ma?
Mum:
MybabyI
'
m sosor
ry.

Ikeptqui
et.

Mum:Wedidn'
tknowhowt otell
you.Her
eal
l
y
di
dn'
twantt
oloseyou.Reaforgi
veushl
e.
Me:
Okayma.
Mum:
Okay
?
Me:
I'
ll
try
.I'
m st
il
lhur
tthough.

Iwas.Nolie.Iwasst
il
lhur
tandangry
.But
Tshepohadsomet hi
ngsmartt
osayandthat
surpr
isedme."hewasonlyhol
dingontoyou
theonlywayheknewhow"

Mum:
IknowandI
'
m sor
ry.
Me;
canwet
alkaboutt
hisl
ater
.
Mum:
Okaymychi
l
d.

Ihungupandlookedatt
heshoesVal
tol
dme
tochoosef
rom.
Imusthav
ef al
l
enasleepthencozIwaswoken
upbyacell
phoner
inginganditwasn'
tmi
ne.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
..
Hequicklyanswereditandwentoutside.Ihad
ablanketonandmyshoeswer eof
f,feetonthe
couch.Ididn'
tevenfeelAnyofthathappen.I
suddenlydozedoffagainandwaswokenupby
myphonet hesecondti
mear ound

Me;
hey
Bonga:
Lear
ntosay"
bye"
.
Me:
Huh?
Bonga:
Youl
eft
?
Me:
Oh.No.
Bonga:
Hao?
Me:
Mybagsar
est
il
lther
e.
Bonga:
ser
iousl
y?
Me:
Yeahwar
drobe.
Bonga:
ohaski
es.
Me;
I'
ll
texty
ou.
Bonga:
Okaycool
.
Me:
Shar
p
Bonga:
shar
p.

Ihungupandgotupf rom thecouch.Musahad

hissetsonandwaswor kingonsomef i
le.I
didn'
tunder
standhowhedi dthat.Woul
dhav e
neverbeenabletoconcentr
atewithal
lthat
noisei
nhisears.Hepausedhismusi cwhenhe
sawmeupandt ookhissetsoff.

Me:
isn'
tthatt
ool
oud?

Heshookhi
shead.

Me:
youhungr
y?
Musa:
noIcooked.Di
dyoueat
?

Ishookmyhead.

Me:I
'
m nothungr
y..
Ihadaf
ewbi
scui
tsandt
ea
wi
thVal
eri
e
Musa:
howdi
dthatgo?
Me:
Itwentwel
l
.
Musa:
and?
Me:
andi
twentwel
l
.
Musa:
that
'sal
l
?
Me:
Yest
hat
'sal
lyouasked.
Musa:
cany
oupl
easeeatbef
orey
oul
eav
e?
Me;
Iwi
l
l.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandItext
edBonga.I
di
shedupandgotacallf
rom Tshego.
Me:
heySi
s.
Tshego:
Heyy
ousoundbet
ter
.
Me:
Ifeel
bet
ter
.
Tshego:
Youst
il
latBonga'
s?
Me;
Nope.Att
hehouse.
Tshego:
Yourhouse?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:
You'
vef
oundawayt
odeal
wit
hthi
s?
Me:Notr
eal
l
y.Val
eri
ewasher
efort
hedr
ess
f
it
ti
ng.
Tshego:
Howdi
dthatgo?
Me:
Thedr
essi
sgor
geous.
Tshego:
Didy
out
akeanypi
ctur
es?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y
Tshego:
Mum cal
l
ed.
Me:
shecal
l
edmet
oo.
Tshego:
Apol
ogi
zi
ng.Nev
erhadIi
magi
ned.

Il
aughed.

Me:It
hinkweshoul
ddotoherwhatsheal
way
s
doest
ouswhenshe'sangr
y.
Tshego:
Sil
entt
reat
ment
?
Me;
Yes.

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Yousi
nful
chi
l
d.
Me:
SoTshepocamet
oseeme.Hemademe
f
eelgui
l
ty.
Tshego:
Oh.
..
youNottheonlyone.Hecameto
seemeatworktoo.It
hinkhesawmum befor
e
hecamet
ous.
Me: Thatmakessense.Hewasntshockedby
al
lthatItol
dhim.
Tshego:
yousee?
Me:
thatr
eal
l
ymakessense.
Tshego:hewasfumi
ngIt
ell
you.Heev
en
thr
eatenedme.
Me:
What
?
Tshego:
Sai
difhi
sauntdi
esbecauseofushe'
l
l
ki
llus
Me:
:
Tshepoi
scr
azy
.
Tshego:
Iknow.Thi
nkweshoul
dfor
giv
eher
?
Me:
She'
sourmot
herTshego.
Tshego:Shemustst
opl
ovi
nghersonsi
nlaw
morethanus.

Il
aughed.
Me:
Youknowt
hatwi
l
lnev
erbe.
Tshego:
It'
sgoodt
oheary
oul
augh.
.
Me:Somet
imesYoucry
.Somet
imesy
oul
augh.
I
tst
hebeautyofl
i
fe.
Tshego:
true.

Ihear
dvoi
cesi
nthel
ounge.

Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
Tshego:
okaysi
s.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Tshego:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Iwentt
othel
ounge.
Me:
HeyB.Thanky
ou.
Bonga:
Nopr
obl
em.

Ihadaskedhi
mtobr
ingmybagback.

Me:
Youcancal
l"Ci
ndy
"now.

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
yes.I
'
m goi
ngt
odot
hatnow.
Musa:
Youst
il
ldon'
twantt
oset
tl
e?
Bonga:
No.St
il
lver
yyoung.I
'
llpass.
.
Me:
Okaypl
ayer
,thanky
ouhey
..
Bonga:
Sur
ethi
ng.Seey
out
wol
ovebi
rds
ar
ound.
Me:
bye.
Musa:
ShoSho.

Hel
eft
.Musal
ookedatme.

Me:
canwesi
tdown?

Wedi
d.

Me:look,
Idon'
tli
kewhatyoudi
dt ome,inf
act
you'
vehurtme.Youandyourmotheri
nlaw.
Musa:
babeI
'
m..
.
Me:
CanI
?

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:ButI
'
m wi
ll
ingt
oforgi
veyoucozIl
oveyou
somuchandsomeoneopenedmyeyestoday
.
I
'm alway
sgi v
ingupont heper sonthatnever
givesuponmeandt hat'
swr ong.Imreall
ysorry
yougotforcedintothatmarriageandIcan't
i
magi newhaty ouwentthrough.Ireal
lyhate
thatyouweren'thonestf
rom t hebegi
nning
though
Musa:
Icoul
dn'
tri
skl
osi
ngy
ou.
.
Me:Musa,wecan'
thav
eamar ri
agebuil
tonl
i
es
andIt
hinkweshoul
dgoforcounsel
l
ing.
Musa:
Youf
eel
thatway
?
Me:
Yes.Youneedi
t.
Musa:ReaI'
mfine.Wi
thy
ouonmysi
deI
'
m
okayt
rustme.
Me:
Musa,
weneedt
hispl
ease.
Musa:
Okayf
ine.
Me:
Andanot
hert
hing.
..
Musa;
Yes?
Me:
Ithi
nki
t'
sti
mey
oumadepeacewi
thy
our
mot
her
.
[
06/
14,
16:
48]W:
POTG
#28

Musa:
no.
Me:
Musay
ouhav
eto.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
Cozi
twi
l
lhel
pyouheal
..
Musa:
let
'
sjustgof
orcounsel
l
ing.
Me:
babypl
ease.
..
.
Musa:
I'
ll
thi
nkabouti
t
Me:I
'
llaskmum t
otal
ktot
hepast
orsowecan
got
ohim.
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:Andpl
easethi
nkabouti
t.Don'
tbl
ocki
tout
.
Youver
ygoodatdoingt
hat.
Hewas.Hewasverygoodatbl
ocki
ngout
t
hingshedi
dn'
twanttobot
herhi
m.

Musa:
I'
ll
thi
nkabouti
t.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Younotgoi
ngt
ori
ght
?
Musa:
Iwasgoi
ngt
obl
ocki
tout
Me:
MusaComeon
Musa:Okayj
ustgi
vemeaf
ewday
stot
hink
abouti
t.
Me.Okay
.
Musa:
Thanky
ou
Me:
For
?
Musa:
Giv
ingmeanot
herchance.
Me:
youdonthav
eto.
Musa:
noIhav
eto.
Me:
we'
l
ljustwor
kthr
oughi
t.

Henodded.

Musa:
Cany
ougoeatnow?
Me:
What
'swi
thy
ouandf
ood?
Musa:
Not
hing.Ij
ustwanty
out
oeat
?
Me:
Okay
.

Iwentt
ogetmyf
oodandgothi
m abeer
.

Me:
canIasky
ousomet
hing?
Musa:
okayasky
ourquest
ions.I
tsnev
erj
ust
onewi
thyou.
Me:
Okay
..
.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
Yout
wocommuni
cat
e?
Musa:
MeandNomazol
a?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Nope.
Me:
Howdoesi
twor
k?
Musa:
itdoesn'
twor
k.
Me:
Musa.
.
Musa:
Ilastspoket
oherwhenIwas18.

Myj
awdr
opped.

Me:
Musa?
Musa:
itdoesn'
twor
k.Myf
ami
l
ymar
ri
edher
notme.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:Look,
don'
tyouevert
hinky
oumysecond
wif
e.Youaremyfi
rstandonl
ywife.Idon'
tcar
e
aboutNomazol
a.
Me:
Youl
ovedher
?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Musa?
Musa:Itl
ast
edf
or4mont
hsandIhadot
her
gi
rl
fr
iends.
Me:
Soy
ouwer
eapl
ayer
?
Musa:
YesIwas.Look,
Ilef
tThatpl
aceand
nev
erl
ookedback.
Me:
andshest
ayedt
her
e?
Musa:
Yesshehashopest
hatmay
beoneday
,
I
'
llbeher
sagain.Andyouknowhowthese
f
amili
esare.Gaveheral
ongsetofr
ules.
Me:
onhowt
obeawi
fe?
Musa:
yes.
.
Me:
soy
out
ell
i
ngmet
hatshe'
sthatr
ural
?
Musa:Sheis.It
oldhert
ospreadherwi
ngs
bef
oreIlef
tforvar
sit
ybut.
..
Me:Sowheny ouwentt
oBongi
nkosi
'
sfuner
al
whathappened?
Musa:Il
efther
eat03:
00ont
hatSat
urday
morni
ng.Whenwecamebackfr
om the
gr
aveyar
d,Icameback.
Me:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Any
mor
equest
ions?
Me:
No.
Musa:
Sur
e?
Me:
yesIam.
Musa:
youspoket
oyourmum?
Me:
Idi
d.
Musa:
And?
Me:
Sheapol
ogi
zed.
Musa:
Pleaseacceptherapol
ogy
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Musa:
Itsr
eal
l
ynotherf
aul
t.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
kgot
ohert
omor
row.
Musa:
shesai
dyouat
tackedher
.
Me;
Wedi
d.
Musa:
YouandTshegogangeduponher
?
Me:
wehadt
o.
Musa:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
wehadt
oMusa.
Musa:
Canweputt
hisbehi
ndusnow?
Me:
yeswecan.
Musa:
Wantt
ocont
inuewor
kingont
henur
ser
y?
Me:
I'
dlov
eto.
Musa:
Okay
.

If
ini
shedeat
ingandwewentt
owor
koni
t.

Me:
Thatwi
l
llookni
cet
her
e.
Musa:
Shoul
dImov
eit
?
Me:
Please.
Musa:
Idontl
i
ket
hiswal
l
paper
.
Me:
Youwantt
otakei
tback?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Okay
.We'
l
lgol
ookf
orabet
terone.
Wehaddeci
dedonaneutr
alcol
orsi
ncewe
di
dn'
tknowt
hegendery
et.

Musa:
That
'sbet
ter
.
Me:
thosebl
anket
sar
ecut
ethough.
Musa:
Youl
i
ket
hem?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Glady
ouappr
ove.
Me:
Ido.
Musa:
Youhav
eanynamesi
nmi
nd?
Me:
Nopey
ou?
Musa:
Okayl
et'
ssee.
..Comeher
e

Iwentt
osi
tonhi
slap.

Musa:
It'
saboyr
ight
?
Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Wel
i
vei
nhopebaby
.
Musa:Okaysoi
fiti
sthenI
'
m nami
nghi
m
Shaka.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Hel
lNo!
Musa:
itsabeaut
if
ulname.
Me:
No!
Musa:
Okayy
oudi
sappr
ovel
et'
ssee.
..
Njabul
o.
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Nkosenhl
e.
Me:
oht
hat
'sabeaut
if
ulname.
Musa:
Youl
i
kei
t?
Me:
Ilov
eit
.
Musa:
Andi
fit
sagi
rlwecancal
lherKagi
so.
Me:
youl
i
ket
hatname?
Musa:
YesIdo.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Your
eal
l
ydonthav
eanynames?
Me:
Im notgoodwi
thnames.
Musa:
Try
.
Me:Okay
..
.secondnamef
ort
heboywoul
dbe.
.
Si
phi
wokuhle.
Musa:
Beaut
if
ul.Whydi
dntIt
hinkoft
hat
?
Me:
CozI
m smar
ter
.

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Musa:
Ouch.
.
Me:Andthegi
rl
..
.woul
dbe.
..
Amahl
e.I
'
veal
way
s
l
ikedt
hatname.
Musa:
Done?
Me:
YesDone.
Musa:
Wel
lthatwaseasy
.
Me:
Indeedi
twas.

Wecont inuedargui
ngonwhatshoul
dbewher e
andsleptlate.Wespentthef
oll
owi
ngdayin
bedwat chingmov i
esandOnFri
day,
Ipacked
ourbags.

Musa:
Arewegoi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Roadt
ri
p?
Me:
Mpumal
anga.
Musa:
Ohcomeon!
Me:
youdi
dn'
tgetbackt
ome.
Musa:
Ifor
got
.
Me:
No.
.y
oubl
ockedi
tout
.Let
'
sgo.
Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
Musagett
hecarkey
s.Wegoi
ng.

Hewasl
osi
ng.
.

Musa:
fine.
Me:
AndI
m dr
ivi
ng
Musa:
Okay
.

Wel
ockedt
hehouseandwel
eft
.

Me:
Giv
ether
ightdi
rect
ions.
Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Okaybaby
.
Me:
Im ser
ious.
Musa:I
mlaughi
ngatt
hef
actt
haty
oudont
t
rustme.
Me:
cozy
oudontwantt
ogot
oMpumal
anga.
Musa:
Ido.ImissmydadsoIwontgi
vet
he
wr
ongdir
ecti
ons.
Me:
Good.

Hedi
dn'
t.

Musa:
Ther
e'sdad'
shouse.
Me:
Andy
ourol
dhouse?
Musa:
Thatpi
nkhouseov
ert
her
e.
Me:
That
'swher
eyourmum l
i
ves?
Musa:
That
'swher
eNomasont
oli
vesy
es.

Idr
ovet
ohi
sdad'
s.

Me:
Ist
haty
ourt
winsi
ster
?

Hel
aughed.

Musa;
that
'smysi
stery
es.I
'
m ol
derbaby
.
Me:
Shel
ooksl
i
key
ou.
Musa:
shei
rr
it
atesmet
othecor
e.
Me:
younev
ert
alkaboutherwhy
?
Musa:
I'
vecutheroutofmyl
i
fe.
Me:
Why
?
Musa:
She'
sthef
emal
ever
sionofTshepo.
Me:
Soy
ou'
vecutherout
?
Musa:Yes.Sheonlyhasgrade10.Threeki
ds
fr
om di
ffer
entfat
hers.At
leastTshepohasa
degr
ee.
Me:
Musa!
Musa:
Comemeether
.

Wegotoutoft
hecar
.

"
Musa"
Musa:
uyar
asa.

Hewasal
readyi
rr
it
ated.

Musa:
Baby
,thi
sisNompi
l
o.Meetmywi
fe.
Nompi
l
o:Hey
.YoumustbeRea.
Me:
Iam.Ni
cet
omeety
ou.
Nompil
o:Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo.Youl
ookso
ni
ce.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Nompi
l
o:Di
dYoubr
ingmeany
thi
ngni
ceMusa?
Musa:doyouknowwhaty
ouwantt
odowi
th
yourl
i
fenowNompi?

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
Ummm.
..
wher
e'sy
ourf
ather
?
Nompil
o:oh.
..
hewenttosomemeet
ing.Letme
hel
pyougetthebags.
Musa:don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
.Wher
ear
ethe
ki
ds?
Nompi
:theywentt
opl
ay.
Musa:
okay
.Yout
wocangoi
n.I
'
llbr
ingt
he.
..
"
Musa!
"

Wealltur
ned.Sheputt
hebasketshehadon
herheaddownandgotreadyt
o,Idon'
tknow
runi
n?

Musa:
Sor
ry.Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ougoi
ng?

Shest
opped.

Musa:Pickupthatbasketofy
our
sand
Cont
inuewalki
ng.
[
06/
14,
16:
49]W:
POTG
#29

Nompi
loAndIl
ookedateachot
hert
henback
att
hegi
rl
.
"
Musa.
..
"
Musa:
Nomaz
ola!

Hisvoi
cewasv er
ycommanding.Shepi
ckedup
herbasketandwal
kedaway
.

Nompi
;Let
'sgo

Wewentinsi
de.Thehousewasbeauti
fuland
ver
yspaci
ous.Musacamein3mi nut
eslater
.

Nompi
l
o:Letmeshowy
out
oyourr
oom.
Musa:Hey
..
.Iknowthi
shouse.AndIknow
wher
emybedr oom i
s.
Me:
Stopbei
ngmeant
oHer
.
Nompi
l
o:I
'
m usedt
oit
.
Musa:
See?Don'
tst
ressabouti
t.Come.

Hel
edmet
ohi
sbedr
oom.

Me:
youandt
oycar
s.
Musa:
Don'
ttouch.

It
ouchedi
t.

Musa:Reaman.Thosearen'
tmeantt
obe
t
ouched.Ev
enNompi l
o'
skidsknow.
Me:
Whyar
eyousomeant
oher
?
Musa:
I'
m not
Me:
Youar
e..
andshe'
ssopat
ientwi
thy
ou.
Musa:
Goodf
orher
Me: Musawenkosi
..Youmeant
oev
eryoneher
e
exceptyourf
ather
.
Musa:
that
'snott
rue
Me:
Iti
s..
lookhowmeany
ouwer
etoNomaz
ola.
Musa:
Whowassheaboutt
oRunt
o?

Ikeptqui
et.

Me:Youreal
l
yshoul
dn'
thav
ebeensor
ude
t
hough.
Musa:
Idontl
i
ker
epeat
ingmy
sel
f.
Me:
tryt
obeni
cet
oNompi
then.
Musa:Tel
lhert
oGobackt
oschool
thenI
'
llbe
ni
cetoher.
Me:
Comeon.Idon'
tev
enknowhert
hatwel
l
.
Musa:
thenwedr
opt
hisbaby
..
youhungr
y?
Me:
No.
Musa:
Swol
l
enf
eet
.
Il
ookedatmyf
eet
.

Me:
it'
snott
hatbad.
Musa:
Nompi
l
o!
Nompi
:Comi
ng.

ShecameI
'
m.

Musa:
war
m wat
erf
orherf
eetpl
ease.
Nompi
:Okay
.
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
..
dont
..
.
Nompi
:i
tsokayI
'
llgeti
t.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou.

Shel
eftt
her
oom
Musa:
See?

Ir
oll
edmyey
esathi
m

Me:
Idontl
i
kehowy
out
reather
.
Musa:
andIdon'
tl
ikehowshet
reat
sher
sel
f.

Shecamebackwithf
ootspai
nst
eadand
pl
uggedi
tinforme.

Me:
Thanky
ou
Nompi
:It
sapl
easur
e.Youdon'
twantany
thi
ng
t
oeat?
Me:
No.I
'
m okay
.
Nompi
:Musa?

Heshookhi
shead.
Nompi
:Okay
.I'
l
lbeout
side
Me:
okayt
hanksagai
n.
Nompi
:nopr
obl
em

Shel
eftagai
n

Me:
Isshecl
oset
oyourmot
her
?
Musa:
Nah.She'
sdaddy
'sl
i
ttl
egi
rl
.
Me:
OhIsee.
Musa:
Butshev
isi
tshermot
hert
hough.
Me:
Our
.
Musa:
Hermot
her
.

Il
ethi
m be.Justt
henhi
sphoner
ang.
Musa:
Ma?

Heputt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker
.

Musa:
Howar
eyouma?
Mum:
Imf
ine.
howar
eyou?
Musa:
weokay
.
Mum:
Wher
esy
ourwi
fe?
Musa:
She'
sher
ewi
thme.Youcant
alkt
oher
mama
Me:
Hel
l
oma.
Mum:
ReaDumel
a.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Mum:I'
mfi
ne.whenar
eyouandy
ourhusband
comi
ngtoseeme?
Me:
Wei
nMpumal
anga
Mum:
Ao?
Me:
eya.
Mum:
youFor
cedMusat
ogot
her
e?
Musa:
Yesshedi
dma.
Mum:
Thi
schi
l
d..
Musa:
itsokaymamadon'
twor
ry.
Mum:
Yousur
e?
Musa:
100%
Me:
he'
sfi
ne.He'
swi
thhi
swi
fema.
Mum:
Okay
,I
'l
lcheckony
oul
ater
.
Me:
Okayby
ema.
Mum:
OkayReabi
l
weby
e..
Musaby
emyson.
Musa:
Byemama.

Il
aughedaf
terhehungup.

Me:
Mymot
herl
ovesy
oumor
ethanme.That
concl
udest
his.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Noshedoesn'
t.
Me: Shedoesandy
ouknowi
tst
rue.I
'
ve
acceptedthat
.
Musa:
andt
hisi
showy
ouendi
ngt
hisRi
ght
?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
yesIam.

"
Musa"
Musa:
Timer
!Wecomi
ng.
Hegotmyfeetoutofthefootspaanddri
ed
t
hem upt
henturneditoff
.Ifel
tbet
ter
.Wet hen
wentt
ofi
ndhisfatherwhowasi nt
helounge.

Dad:
Kot
iwel
come.

Igavehi
m apoli
tehug.Heandhi
ssonwer
e
ver
yhappytoseeeachother
.

Dad:
Glady
oudr
aggedhi
m her
eRea.
Me:
Hadt
oPapa.I
'
llbeout
sidewi
thNompi
.
Musa:
Don'
tl
ethermakey
ouwal
k.
Me:
Yesdad.

TheylaughedandIl
eftt
hem t
her
e.Nompi
was
makingawi g.
Me:
That
'sni
ce.
Nompi
:yout
hinkso?
Me:
yes.That
'sv
erycut
e.
Nompi
:Icanmakey
ouone.
Me:
I'
dli
ket
hat
.Bobone
Nompi
:wecangohai
rshoppi
ngt
omor
row
Me:
Soy
oul
i
kedeal
i
ngwi
thhai
r?
Nompi
:yesIdo.
Me:
Evert
houghtofopeni
ngasal
on?
Nompi
:Musawoul
dki
l
lme.
Me:
Nohewoul
dn'
t.
Nompi
:Hehat
esme
Me:
Hej
ustwant
sthebestf
ory
ou.
Nompi
:Im notassmar
tashei
s.
Me:youdon'
thav
etobe.Look, y
oucanenrolat
acol
legeanddowhatyoulov
e.Ifyouwantto
doBeautyt
hengofori
t.Don'
tletMusast
op
you.He'smakingmoneyoutofhisaudi
ti
ng
businessandevery
thi
ngelset
hathedoes.You
morel i
kel
ytosucceedwhenyoudowhaty ou
morepassionateabouti
t.Dowhatmakesyou
happy.
Nompi:Nowondermybr
otherl
ovesyouso
much.Youar
esuchanamazingperson.
.
Me:
soar
eyou.

Shesmi
l
ed.

Nompi
:Your
eadyt
obeamot
her
?
Me:
Iam.Wai
tdoIhav
eachoi
ce?
Nompi
:Notr
eal
l
y.Yout
wowi
l
lmakegr
eat
par
ent
s.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Nompi
:Her
eal
l
ylov
esy
ou.
Me;
Sor
ry?
Nompi
:Musa.Hereal
lydoes.He'
sneverl
oved
any
onesi
ncethatf
orcedmarri
agethi
ng.
Me:
howol
dwer
eyouwheni
thappened?
Nompi
:Iwas16.Nomazol
awasmyf
ri
end
act
ual
l
y.That
'showt
heymet.
Me:
"was?
"
Nompi:Yeswas.Wedon'tspeakt
oeachot
her
.
Shehasissuest
hatIcan'
tdealwi
th
Me:
Oh.
Nompi:
Butdontworr
yaboutit
.YouMusa'
s
onl
ywif
e.Howaretheweddingpl
anscomi
ng
al
ong?
Me:
OkayIguess.
Nompi
:Am Ii
nvi
ted?
Me:
Youdon'
tev
enhav
etoask

Il
istenedt
oherst
oriesforawhil
eandwewent
i
nsidewhenthesunset.Herki
dswereador
abl
e.
AndMusagotal ongwit
ht hem sowell.Hewas
sogoodwi ththem.Thenextday ,Nompi andI
madebr eakf ast
.Thehelperwasar oundsowe
decidedtohel pherwit
hbr eakf
astandt he
dishes.Af
t erwedi dt
hatMusaandIdeci dedt
o
takeawal k.

Me:
Wegoi
ngt
oyourmot
her
'shouse.

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
Imt
alki
ng.
Musa:
BabyIheary
ou.Andwewal
ki
ngt
her
e.

Hereall
ywasn'
tinthemoodtoarguewithme.
Hewokeupt osomenewst hatpi
ssedhim of
f
aboutsomecontract
.Whenwegott ot
he
house,wef
ound3womensi t
ti
ngoutsi
de.His
mother,
Nomazol
aandsomeLadywhol
ooked
l
ikethemot
hersopr
obabl
yasi
bli
ngor
somethi
ng.

M'
smum:
Musa!

Shegotup.

Musa:
Dontcomeany
wher
enearme.St
ayt
her
e.
Me:
Hai
Musa.

Hegavemejustonelookandhecal
l
edsome
ki
dtoGetuschai
rs.

M'
smum:
Howar
eyouRea?
Me:
Imf
inema.
M'
smum:
Iapol
ogi
zef
ort
hewayIcameont
o
y
ou.
Musa:Yesthatwaswrong.Whogav
eyout
he
r
ightt
otalktomywife?
Me:Musastopi
t!That
'sdone.Wecameher
eto
makepeace

Nomazol
agotupandwenti
nsi
deherhouse.
Musakeptqui
et.

M'smum:Thi
sIsmyothersi
ster
,I'
m sur
e
you'
vemetNomvul
a.
Me:
YesIhav
e.
M'
smum:
thi
sisNombuso.

Soi
twas"
Nom"t
hing.

Me:
Nicet
omeety
ouma.
AuntN:
Nicet
omeety
out
oo
Musa:
okay.
..
Nomasont
o,Mywi
fesai
dIshoul
d
comeher
eandmakepeacewi
thyou.
AuntN:Dontaddr
essherl
iket
hat
..
Musashe'
s
yourmother
.NotNomasonto.
Musa:
Andwhospoket
o..
.
Me:
Musa!

Hekeptqui
et.Somaybeitwasabadi
dea.
Musawantednothi
ngtodowithhi
smum.

M'smum:MusaI'
m sor
ry.Iwasonl
ydoi
ngwhat
wasri
ghtt
hen.
.

Si
l
ence.

Musa:
let
sgo.
.
Me:
Musaj
ustgi
veheracha.
..

JustthenNomazolacameoutwit
hadi shcl
oth
andat rayt
hathadpor
ri
dge.Shewentdownon
herkneesinfr
ontofMusa.

Noma:
yourf
oodBaba.
[
06/
14,
16:
49]W:
POTG
#30

Il
ookedathershocked.Ev
eryf
ibr
eInmewas.

Musa:
Idon'
twanty
ourf
ood.Pl
easegetup.
Noma:
Kodwababa.
..
Musa:
Stopcal
l
ingmet
hat
.Nomazol
agetup.

Shegotup.
Musa:
Thanky
ou.Idon'
twanty
ourf
ood.
AuntN:
Musay
ourwi
fei
sof
fer
ingy
ouf
ood.
Musa:
Arey
oubaby
?

Idi
dn'
tanswer
.

Musa:
that
'sano.
Noma:
I'
ll
getst
art
edwi
thy
ourl
unch.

What
!?

Musa:
Idon'
twanty
ourf
ood.pl
easeexcuseus

Shewentbacki
n.
M'
smum:
Musay
ouhadnor
ight
..
.
Musa:
Let
'sgo.

Hegotup.

Me:
Musay
our
..
.
Musa:
Reabi
l
wel
et'
sgo!

I
twashi
scommandi
ngt
oneagai
n.Igotup

Me:
lesal
eng.

Musawal
kedaheadandIhur
ri
edt
ocat
chup
wi
thhi
m.

Me:
Musa!
Iwasr
unni
ngoutofbr
eat
h.

Me:
ser
iousl
y?

Hest
opped.

Me:
Comeon!
Musa: Reabil
we,makepeacewiththefactthatI
don'twantthatwomaninmyl i
fe.Icantst
and
Her.Ican'
t.Ifyoucant
henthat
'sokaybutI
can'
t
Me:AndNomazola?She'
sonl
ydoi
ngwhatshe
wastol
dtodo.Youcan'
tbemeantoev
eryone.
Musa: I
'
m goi
ngtobe.Rea,shekeepsfor
cing
hersel
fontome.Thati
rri
tat
esme.Whosai d
I
'mt heonl
ymanom earth?Look,Ihav
eyouand
ourchil
dtoworr
yabout.Don'
ttel
lmeabout
i
rr
elevantpeopl
e.Andy
outr
iedt
aki
ngmether
e
f
or"peace"itdi
dn'
twor
kout
.Getov
eri
tAnd
l
et'
smov eon.

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngagai
n.

Me:
stopwal
ki
ngf
ast
.
Musa:
Itshot
.
Me:
Musa,
slowdown.

Hest
oppedagai
n.

Me:Normal
pacepl
ease.I
m br
eat
hingf
ort
wo
her
e..
Musa:
Im sor
ry.
Me:
Youcan'
tal
l
owy
our
sel
ftobet
hisangr
y.
Musa:
Rea?
Me:
Yesbaby
?
Musa:
Iknowy ouwanttodotheri
ghtthi
ngand
Il
oveyoumorefort
hatbutbaby,mymother
di
ed9y ear
sago.Pl
easeacceptt
hat.
Me:
Youdon'
tmeant
hat
Musa:
Ido.
Me:
Musacomeon.
Musa:No.Rea,yourmotherhasbecomemi
ne
andthat
'sal
lIneedhonestl
y.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Canwedr
opt
hisnow?

Inodded

Musa:
thanky
ou.
Me:
Ispoket
oNompi
..
Musa:
okay
?
Me:
stopbei
ngdi
ff
icul
tonher
Musa:
Ihav
etobe
Me:
Noy
oudon'
t.Shel
ovesdeal
i
ngwi
thhai
r.
Musa:
Reat
hat
'snoti
t.
Me:Itol
dhershecanenrol
atacol
l
egeanddo
whatsheli
kes.Musacomeon.
Musa:
Beaut
y?
Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?
Musa:
yout
hinkt
hat
'sgood?
Me: I
tssomethi
ngshe'
spassionat
eabout
.She
candoabusinessmanagementcourseata
col
legeandtakeitf
rom t
her
e.

Hel
ookedatme.
Musa:
Your
eal
l
yvouchi
ngf
orherar
en'
tyou?
Me:
Weal
ldeser
veasecondchance.
Musa:
No,
thi
sisherf
our
th
Me:
Youcan'
tgi
veuponher
.
Musa:
Ial
readyhav
e
Me:
Babycomeon.
Musa:
I'
m gi
vi
ngheronel
astchance
Me:
Thanky
ou
Musa:AndImeani twhenIsaylast.Icutheroff
nowI'm past
ingherbackI
ntomyl i
fe.Shebetter
notmessup.Tellhershebet
ternothav ea
four
thchil
d.

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
Youcan'
texpectmet
osayt
hatt
oher
.
Musa:
Youguy
sar
ebuddi
esnowar
en'
ty'
al
l?
Me:butst
il
l.
..
lookI
'
llj
ustt
ell
hery
ougi
vi
ngher
achance.
Musa:Forsomeonewho'
sar
ebel
yousur
elov
e
peacehey.
Me:Ican'
thav
ey ouf
ight
ingwi
thy
oursi
stert
oo.
Yousupposetobecl
ose.
Musa:
Wewer
e.
Me:
Then?
Musa:WellIfor
gaveheraf
tershehadherfi
rst
chi
l
dandt oldhert
onotdoitagainbutshedid
sothat
'swhenIcutheroff
.
Me:
Wel
ldon'
tyouev
erdot
hatagai
n.
Musa:
shebet
terdot
her
ightt
hing.

Wegott
othehouse.Nompiwassi
tt
ingout
side
onagr
assmatbusywithanewwig.

Nompi
:Ohy
ouback?
Musa:
Nowest
il
lgone.

Ipi
nchedhi
m

Musa:
Ouch!
Me:
YeswebackNompi
.
Nompi
:Youwantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Me:
I'
m okay
.
Musa:
Wat
erpl
ease.
.
Nompi
:Okay
.

Wesatonhergr
assmat
.Musar
eachedf
orher
wi
g.

Me:
Nicer
ight
?
Musa:
Ift
hisi
syourdef
ini
ti
onofni
ce.
Me:
MusaDontbeameany
.
Musa:
I'
m not
.
Me:
justbehonest
.
Musa:
Okayi
t'
sni
ce.
.
Me:
Exact
ly.

Nompi
camebackwi
thhi
swat
er.

Musa:
Youst
il
lspi
tint
opeopl
e'
sdr
inks

Theyl
aughed.

Nompi:NoIdont
.Ionl
ydi
dthatt
opeopl
eI
di
dn'
tl
ike.
Musa:
Oh.AndI
'
m notoneoft
hem now?
Nompi
:No.Nev
er.Ev
ent
houghIam.
Shereall
yadoredhi
m.Youcoul
dseei
tinher
eyes.AndIknewdeepdownMusasti
l
ladored
hertoobutheymyhusbandwaswel
l.
..
.my
husband!

Musa:Reatell
smey
ouwantt
odot
hishai
r
t
hingofyours.
Nompi
:Ido.
Musa:
doy
oul
ovei
t?

Shenodded.

Musa: Let'
sdothis..
.y
ougot oschool.Useone
oft heopt i
onsthatReagav eyouandwheny ou
donewi thyourcoursewhichinthi
scasewill
takey ou18mont hsandyou'veprovenyour
self
,
I
'llhelpyouwi t
hy oursal
on.I'
l
l gi
veyouthe
capi
tal
tost
arti
t.

Herf
acel
i
tup.

Nompi
:Youwi
l
l?
Musa:
yesIwi
l
l.

Shehugged.
..
wel
lmor
eofchokedhi
m.

Musa:
Hey
!Getof
fme.
Nompi
:I'
m sor
ry.Thanky
ouRea.
Musa:Yest
hankher
!She'
sgoingtopayme
backi
fyoudon'
tdother
ightt
hing.
Me:I
tsfi
ne.I
'
llusey
ourmoneyt
opayy
ouback.
Wher
e'sdad?
Nompi :
Hewentt
oseehi
sfr
iend.
..
heshoul
dbe
back.
..Oht
her
eheis.
Musa:
Okay
.By
eladi
es.
.Lol
odot
her
ightt
hing.
.
Nompi
:Iwi
l
l.
Musa:
Byebaby
.

Heki
ssedme.

Me:
Bye.

Hewentt
ohi
sdad.

Nompi
:OhthankyouRea.
.Ican'
tev
en
r
ememberwhenlasthecall
edmeLolo.
Me:
Justmakehi
m pr
oud.
Nompi
:Iwi
l
l.

Heandmyf
atheri
nlawcametot
ellusthat
t
heygoi
ngt
ocheckonthefar
msthenleft
.
Nompi
:Youhungr
y?
Me:
nope.
Nompi
:Youhav
etoeat
.
Me:
Youar
ejustl
i
key
ourbr
other
.Okayf
ine.
Nompi
:Youhavetoeat
.Youhav
esomeone
el
set
othinkabout
.Come

Wewentt
omakef
ood.

Nompi:Youknowwhi
chhai
rst
yley
ouwantf
or
yourweddi
ng?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y
Nompi
:CanIseey
ourdr
ess?

Ishowedi
ttoher
.
Nompi:oht
hatsbeaut
if
ul.
.Ihav
eaf
ewhai
rst
yle
t
hatyoumightl
ike.

Shescr
oll
edt
hroughhergal
l
ery
.

Me:
That
'sv
erypr
ett
y
Nompi
:Doy
ou.
..

Ther
ewasaknock.

Nompi
:comei
n!Iwonderwhot
hati
s.

Shest
eppedi
n.

Nompi
:andnow?WhatareyoudoingHer
e?
Di
dn'
tIt
ell
youtonotcomehere?
Noma:
I'
m her
etoseeRea.
Nompi
:Shedoesn'
t.
Me;
it'
sokayNompi
.Let
'sst
epout
side.

Wedi
d.

Me:
Hi.
Noma:
Hey
Me:
I'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedear
li
eron.
Noma:
Youhav
ehi
m undery
ourspel
lthat
'
swhy
.

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
OkayhowcanIhel
pyou?
Noma: Look,youdontdowhaty oudidthi
s
morni
ng, youneedtot al
ktomef i
rst
.Tel
lme
whatyouwantt odot henwaitformet o
appr
ove.Any t
hingthatconcernsourhusband
yout el
lme.
.I
'
mthef
ir
stwi
fenoty
ou.Knowy
our
place..
[
06/
15,
07:
05]W:
POTG
#31

Iwasshocked.Noreall
yIwas.Iwasshocked
tot
hepointthatIl
aughedti
l
ltear
scameout

Me:
Ishoul
dwhat
?Gi
rlpl
ease!
Noma:
I'
m ser
ious.
Me:Beser i
ous.Look,
Itriedbei
ngnicetoyou.
Reall
yIdid.I
tsnotmyf aultt
hatyougotfor
ced
i
ntothismarri
age.Youneedt ogetoveri
t.Musa
doesn'
tloveyou
Noma:
Musai
smyhusband.OfCour
sehel
oves
me.
Me:
ohokay
.
Noma:
knowy
ourpl
ace.
Shetur
nedandl
eft
.Whathadj
usthappened?I
wentbackt
otheki
tchen.

Nompi
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
IsNomazol
aOkay
?Ment
all
y.
Nompi:
She'
sjustr
eal
l
ybackwar
ds.Whydoy
ou
ask?
Me:Shejustt
oldmetorunthi
ngspasther
bef
oredoingt
hem cozshe'
sthefi
rstwi
fe.

Shel
aughed.

Nompi:Justl
etherbe.Rea,
inherhead,she'
s
marr
iedtoMusawhodoesn' tevennot
iceher.I
f
Iwer
eher ,
Iwouldhavemov edonagesago.
Me:
Thi
sisnotheal
thy
.
Nompi:
Letherst
upi
dassbe.Ibl
ame
Nomasont
oandhermotherf
orthi
s.

SoNompi
wasjustl
i
keMusa.I
tWasnot"
mum"
j
ust"
Nomasont
o"

Nompi :
Thi siswhathappenswheny oul et
peoplethinkforyou.Bef
oreMusal eftfor
Varsi
ty,that'
saft
ershemi scarri
edbytheway ,
hetoldhert ospr
eadherwi ngs.Hetoldherthat
he'
snotherhusbandAndt hatshemustgol i
ve
herli
febuthey .
..
whatmot herinlawsaysgoes.
Me:
It'
sdi
stur
bing.
Nompi:
Ser v
esherRi
ght
..
leav
eher
.Yout
heonl
y
wi
fehere.Eatup.

Iwasdist
urbedreal
l
y .Ievenlostmyappet
it
e.I
deci
dedtocallMysister.Shehadtoknow.
Me:
Tshegoi
tsnotf
unny
.

Shewasev
enoutofbr
eat
h.

Tshego:
Im sor
rybuthowst
upi
disshe?
Me:
Ifeel
sor
ryf
orher
.
Tshego:
Don'
t.
Me:
Ido.
Tshego:Reabil
we,she'
snotment al
l
ydist
urbed,
shejustr
efusestoseethingsforwhatt
heyare.
youkeepflaunt
ingyourhusband.

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Ist
hisy
ou?
Tshego:
Yes.
Me:
TheTshegoIknowwoul
dbeseeki
nghel
p.
Tshego:She'sj
ustpl
aindumb.There'
snoother
expl
ainati
ontothi
s.Musamadei tcl
eart
hathe
doesn'twantherwhat
'sherpr
obl
em?These
rur
algirl
sthough.
Me:
notal
l
.
Tshego:
yest
rue.Justherki
nd.
Me:
Ijusthadt
otel
lyou.
Tshego:
Ican'
twai
tfory
out
ocomeback.
Me:
Ican'
tei
ther
.
Tshego:
wai
thowhasshebeensur
viv
ing?
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Tshego;
Wit
houtdi
ckf
orwhat
?9y
ear
s

Il
aughed.

Me:
Thesamewayy
ou'
vebeensur
viv
ing
wi
thouti
tfor25y
ear
s

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
That
'sdi
ff
erentandy
ouknowi
t.
Me:
HowsoTshego?
Tshego:
Ihadnev
erhadsexshehad.

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
Ihangi
ngup.
Tshego:
Askherwheny
ougof
etchwat
eror
somethi
ng.
Me:
OkayTshegoby
e.

Webot
hlaughed.
.
Tshego:
Tal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
Me:
Okaysi
s.
Tshego:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Ihungup.Tshegothough!Iwentbackt
oNompi
whowaswor kingonthewigagain

Me:
Wewer
est
il
ldi
scussi
ngt
hehai
rst
yles.
Nompi:
Keepscr
oll
ing.Thosearehair
sty
lest
hat
wil
lgowel
lwi
thyourdresschoosetheoneyou
l
ike.
Me:
Okay

Ikeptscr
oll
i
ngandchoset
wot
hatIl
i
ked.
Me:
Ican'
tdeci
de
Nompi:Youcanhaveboth.Onefort
hewhit
e
weddi
ngandt heot
herforthet
radi
ti
onal
.
Me:Andhowmuchwi
l
lIhav
etopayf
ory
our
ser
vices.

Shel
aughed.

Nompi:
Zero.Thi
sismywayofsay
ingthank
youf
orrest
ori
ngpeacebet
weenmybrotherand
I
.
Me:Igetonsowel
lwithmysi
ster
.Ican'
tl
et
hi
m notgetonwi
thyou.Yout
woneedeach
ot
her.
Nompi:That
'st
rue.Fi
nall
yhemakesagr
eat
choi
ce.Musahadnot ast
einwomen.

Igi
ggl
ed.
.
Me:
Wel
lIguessIhav
etosayt
hanky
ou.
.
Nompi:YouknowIhav etoadmitwhendad
camebackfrom Johannesbur
g,hewasrav
ing
abouty
ouandi tgotmeabi tj
eal
ous

Il
aughed.

Nompi
:Idi
dn'
tunder
standwhy
..NowIdo.
Me:
Wellatl
eastsomeonei
srav
ingaboutme
f
orachange.

Shesmi
l
ed.

Nompi
:You'
l
lhav
etwonow.
Me:
feel
sgood.
Myphoner
angagai
n.

Me:
Heybaby
Musa:
Heywi
fey
..
youst
il
lgood?
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
Younotmov
ingcouchesandt
abl
esr
ight
?
Me:
No.Butnowt
haty
oument
ioni
t.
..
Ishoul
d.
Musa:
babypl
easedont
..

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Iwon'
t.
.I'
m st
il
lchi
l
li
ngwi
thNompi
.
Musa:
Didy
oueat
?
Me:
YesDad.
Musa:
Thanky
oumum.Wecomi
ngbacki
na
f
ewokay?
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Dinner
?
Me:
Youhav
epl
ans?
Musa:
Yesbaby
.
Me:
justt
het
woofus?
Musa:
Justt
het
woofus.
Me:
I'
dlov
ethat
..
Musa:
I'
ll
seey
ouj
ustnow.
Me:
okaycool
..
lov
eyou.
Musa:
Ilov
eyoumor
emybaby
.

Weendedt
hecal
l
.

Nompi:youguy
sar
eaddi
ctedt
oeachot
heri
ts
notheal
thy.
Me:
Iti
s
Nompi
:No.Sot her
ewasthisl
adythatl
i
ved
downt
here.There'
sapeachi
shhouseIdon'
t
knowi
fyousawi t.
Me:
Wit
hthegr
eenr
oof
?
Nompi :Yesthatone.Thatwoman' shusband
passedoni nacaracci dent,t
heywerevery
close.Addi
ctedtoeachot herl
ikeyouandyour
husband.Everyoneenv i
edt hem.Onthedayof
thefuneral
,shewenti ntoherbathr
oom,
obv i
ousl
ytogetr eadyandshenev ercameout.
Me:
Shecommi
tt
edsui
cide?
Nompi
:Yes.Soy
ouandMusaar
eli
ket
hat
.
Me:
NoNompi
.Exagger
ati
on.
Nompi
:Don'
tsayIdi
dn'
ttel
lyou.
Me:
Let
'snott
alkaboutt
hat
.
Nompi
:Okay
.
Me:
GodFor
bidt
hathappens.
Idi
dn'
tev
enwantt
othi
nkaboutt
hat
.

Me:
Youhav
eanyf
ri
endsar
oundher
e?
Nompi
:Dad'
smyf
ri
end.
Me:
Ohy
ouar
ejustl
i
keMusa.
Nompi:He'
sanawesomedad.Verychil
led.
.
He'satr
adi
ti
onal
isty
esbutdoesn'
tfor
ceiton
us.Ver
yopenminded.

WhenShespokeaboutherf
ather,
shewas
exact
lyl
i
keMusa.Star
sinhereyes.

Nompi
:Whenyouhavehimyoudontneedno
ot
herf
ri
end.Musai
sclosert
ohi
mt hough.
Me:
I'
venot
iced.I
nsepar
abl
e.
Nompi
:youhav
enoi
dea.Letmet
ryt
hisony
ou.
Shet
ri
edt
hewi
gonme.

Nompi
:mywor
kher
eisdone.
Me:
Yourcl
i
entwi
l
llov
eit
..
Nompi
:Ihopeso.She'
sful
lofcompl
aint
s.
Me:
Arentt
heyal
l
.

Musaandhi
sdadfi
nal
lygotback.Ispoketohi
s
dadf
orli
ke5minut
esandhewenti nwith
Nompi.

Musa;
Youar
eawi
gmodel
now?
Me:
No.

Het
ooki
tof
fmyhead.

Musa:
aren'
ttheset
hingshot
?
Me:
Yougetusedt
othem ev
ent
ual
l
y.
Musa:
ThankGodI
'
m aguy
.
Me:
Wher
eyout
aki
ngme?
Musa:
you'
l
lsee
Me:
Ihopei
t'
snotanoi
sypl
ace.
Musa:
Noi
t'
snot
.
Me:Yourwi
fewas.
..
ohmyGod!Ther
eshei
s
now!

Shehadcont
ainer
swi
thher
.Two.
.

Me:
Noty
ouagai
n!
Musa:
What
'swr
ong?Whati
sitnowNoma?
Noma:I
'
v epr
epar
edy
ourl
unch.Isawy
ourcar
comi
ngin.
Musa:howmanyti
mesmustIt
ell
you?Idon'
t
want
..
.dontpi
ssmeof
f.
HegotupAndl
efthert
her
e.

Me:st
ophumi
l
iat
ingy
our
sel
f!Thi
sisannoy
ing
now
Noma: Idontknowaboutyoubutaroundher
e.
Awifesubmi t
stohiswif
e.Youhadhim
yest
erday.Lethi
m knowit
smyni ghttoni
ght
.
[
06/
15,
07:
06]W:
POTG
#32

Me:
Youser
iousl
ythi
nkhe'
l
lagr
ee.
.
Noma:
Justt
ell
him
Me:
Howabouty
oudr
eam on?

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandt
urnedt
oleav
e.
Me:
Hey
!Comegety
ourboi
l
edchi
cken.

Shepickedt
hetwocontainersfr
om t
hefl
oor
andwentout!Shewasangr y
.Shekeptcl
i
cki
ng
hert
ongue.Igotupandwentt ofi
ndMusa.He
wasInthebackyar
dplayi
ngwi t
hthedog

Me:
Hey
Musa:
Hey
.
Me.Youokay
?
Musa:
I'
mfi
ne.

Ist
ared.

Musa:
what
'swr
ong?
Me:
Not
hing.
Musa:
Reasaywhat
'
sony
ourmi
nd.
Me:
Ithi
nkNomazol
aisgoi
ngt
obeapr
obl
em.
.
Musa: Don'
t"t
hink"shei
s.Andshe'
sdoi
ngt
his
becauseyouher e.
Me:
what
?
Musa:
she'
sal
way
sst
ayedaway
.
Me:
itsget
ti
ngt
ome.
Musa:
I'
ll
handl
eit
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Me:Musawi
ll
thi
sal
way
shappenwhenwe
comeher
e?
Musa:
Rea,
Iwi
l
lhandl
eit
.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:Howaboutwegogetr
eadyf
ort
hedi
nner
dat
e?
Me:
We?I
nyourf
ather
'shouse?
Musa:
Iwontbi
te
Me:
okay
.
Musa:Andbesi
desi
tsanen-
sui
tebat
hroom
babyeveni
fIweret
obit
e.
Me: j
ustkeepy
ourhandst
o..
.okayj
ustwashmy
back.
Musa:
Soy
ouneedmyhands.
Me:
Onmyback.
Musa:
oh?
Me:Washingi
t.I
sthatt
ubbi
genoughf
ort
he
t
hreeofus?
Musa:
iti
s.Come.

Nompi andthei
rdadwereinthe
l
ounge..l
aughi
ngandtal
kingli
kegoodold
fr
iends.Wewenttoourbedroom.Helockedthe
doorandwewentt ot
akeabat h.
..
wel
ltorel
ax.
Me:
Yousor
tedouty
ourwor
kthi
ng?
Musa:
Idi
d.I
twasal
i
ttl
emi
stake.
Me:
gladt
hat
'ssor
tedout
.
Musa:
Someonegotf
ir
ed
Me:
Musa!
Musa:
Incompet
encebaby
.Ican'
thav
ethat
.
Me:
Itsnotl
i
key
ou'
veNev
ermadeami
stake.
Musa:Youcan'tmakeami st
akeInbusi
ness.
I
t'
sli
kebeingadoctor.Youcan'
tdothewrong
t
hingonapatient
.
Me:
Buti
twasabi
thar
shdon'
tyout
hink?
Musa:No.Busi
nessi
sharsh.Youknowwhat
youwanttodoaft
ergr
aduati
ng?
Me:l
ookaf
tert
hel
i
ttl
eonef
orabout6mont
hs
t
hengetaj
ob..

Hesi
ghed.
Me:
Whati
sit
?

Irest
edmyheadonhi
schest
..
thewat
erwas
soothi
ng.

Musa:
Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etowor
k?
Me;
Yes.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
Whatki
ndofaquest
ioni
sthat
?
Musa:Look,
Howaboutyouopenabusi
nessor
Runoneofmybusi
nesses?Justt
okeepbusy
.
Me:
Thatwoul
dmeanIwoul
dn'
thav
etobe
t
her
eful
lti
me.
Musa:Youdon'
thavet
obet
her
eful
lti
me
yes.
That
'st
hepoint
.
Me:
Musacomeon.
Musa:I
'
veal
way
shadav
isi
on.
.Iwantt
o
pr
ovi
de.
Me:
butwhy
?
Musa:
Letmesl
avef
ory
ou

Sot
hisi
swhatBongaWast
alki
ngabout
.

Me.No.
Musa:
No?
Me:YesIm sayi
ngno..I
'
m notgoingtogett
hat
degr
eetojusthavei
tdecoratet
here'
smoreto
l
ifet
hanbeingahousewife.
Musa;
I'
m notsay
ingt
hat
.
Me:youare.MusaI
m notgoi
ngt
obea
housewi
fe.
Musa:
ReaI
'
m notf
ight
ingwi
thy
ou.
Me:
I'
m notei
ther
.Wecommuni
cat
ing.
Musa:
your
eal
l
ydon'
twantt
owor
kthough
Me:
Iwantt
o.
Musa;
Okayf
ine.
Me:
"fi
ne?
"
Musa:
Youcanwor
k.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:buti
fsomethinghappenstoyoubaby
..
.i
f
someonetouchesonehaironthi
sheadof
your
s..
.
Me:
Stopbei
ngpossessi
ve
Musa:
I'
m not.
..
okay
.Iwasj
ustsay
ingt
hough.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Musa:
Canwest
opt
ryi
ngt
ost
artaf
ightnow?
Me:
Iwasn'
tdoi
ngt
hat
.
Musa:
Youwer
e.
Me:
NoIwasn'
t.
.
Musa:
I'
ll
giv
eyout
hist
hough,
youar
eabi
t
cal
mernow.
Me:
What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?
Musa:i
tmeanspregnancycal
msy
oudown.I
t
meansyoul
essrebell
i
ous.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:yesma'
am.Aft
erthi
sli
tt
leonei
sabout3
monthsoldwet
ryoutf
ornumber2.
Me:
Youcr
azy
.
Musa:
butwe'
l
lbedone.
Me:
yes.Af
tert
hisonet
urns10
Musa:
Babyareyouser
ious?Youl
lbe35or36
whent
hathappens
Me:
That
'sokay
.
Musa:
That
'snotokay
.
Me:
Okay5
Musa:
3
Me:
No
Musa:
4
Me:
5
Musa:
fine.
.
Me:
I'
ll
makesur
eI'
m onbi
rt
hcont
rol
.
Musa:
Youdon'
thav
eto.
.y
ouknowt
hatr
ight
?

Il
aughed.

Me:
giv
eup
Musa:
okayIwi
l
l.Onl
ycozIl
ovey
ousomuch
Me:
youdo?
Musa:
yes.
..
Me;
Canwegett
hatcouch.
..
Musa:
Nope.
Me:
ohcomeon!
Musa:
Itsugl
y.
Me:
Itscut
e.
Musa;
itwon'
tl
ookni
cei
nthenur
ser
y.
Me:
Itwi
l
l.
Musa:Babyyou'
vedoneever
ythi
ngi
nthat
house.Letmehavet
hisr
oom
Me:
Okay
.
Musa;
Thanky
ou.LetMeshowof
fmyski
l
ls.
Me:
Ohy
ouhav
eot
herski
l
ls?
Musa:
Besi
dest
heoneIhav
einbedy
es.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Weshoul
dpr
obabl
ygogetdr
essed.
Musa:
let
'
sgo.

Wefi
nishedupandlef
t.Hetookmet osome
ni
cer
esturant
.TheOrangeRestaur
ant.
Beaut
if
ul.Gr
eatv
iew.

Musa:
Youf
oundahai
rst
yli
sty
et?
Me:
For
?
Musa:
Theweddi
ng
Me:
Yes.
.Nompi
.
Musa:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
Iam.
.
Musa:
OkayIguesst
hatwi
l
lgi
vemeachance
t
oseehowgoodsheis.
Me:
ohMusa!
Musa:
sor
ry.
.Ev
ery
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
Youhav
eSt
ell
a'
snumberRi
ght
?
Musa;Hey
..
.y
oucan'
tdot
hattome.You
want
edtohandl
ethewhi
teweddi
ng.
Me:
AndI
m handl
i
ngi
t.
u
Musa:
dontbi
temyheadof
f.
Me:
I'
m not
.
Musa:
Iwon'
taskAny
mor
e.
Me:y
es.Youfocusont
het
radi
ti
onal
andl
etme
f
ocusonthewhite.
Musa:
Deal
.
Me:
How'
syoursui
t?
Musa:
Youf
ocusony
ourdr
essandIf
ocuson
mysui
t.

Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutl
augh.

Me:
Okayy
ougotme.
Musa;
Let
'snott
alkaboutt
heweddi
ng
Me:
Whatwoul
dyour
athert
alkabout
?
Musa:
Ourhoney
moon.
Me:
Mmm
Musa:
Knowwher
eyouwantt
ogo?
Me:
AnAf
ri
cancount
ry.
.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:It
hinkAf
ri
cai
sbeaut
if
ulandhasamazi
ng
pl
acessowhynot
.
Musa:Okay.Youdoy
ourr
esear
cht
henwecan
deci
detogether
.
Me:
Alr
ightsi
r.
Musa:
How'
sTshegodoi
ng?
Me:
She'
sokay
.Ispoket
oherear
li
eron.
Musa:
Ihopey
out
woar
entpl
anni
ngon.
..
Me:
Nowewontgangupony
ourmot
heri
nlaw.
Musa:
good!

Wehadalov
elyni
ght
..
onl
ygothomeat23:
00
cozwet
ookadriv
eaft
erdi
nner
.
Thenextday
,Wegotr
eadyt
oleave.
.Musasent
hi
snephewtogogetHi
smotherandNomazola.

M'
smum:
Yout
woar
eleav
ingal
ready
?
Musa:
pleasesi
tdown.

Theydi
d.

Musa:
Babycome.

Isatnextt
ohi
m.

Musa;
Okay
..
.I
'
llt
ell
youwhatIt
olddad.
..

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Musa.Nomazol
a,y
ounotmywi
fe.You'
venev
er
been
M'
smum:
Musa.
..
Musa:
I'
m notdone.

Shekeptqui
et.

Musa: stopbri
ngingmef oodthatIdont
want..t
hiswomannextt omei smywi fe.Not
you.IDontknowy ou.I
nfact
,I'
m sorr
yt osay
t
his..
.Idontcareaboutyouory our"
mot heri
n
l
aw" .
Nomazol
a;Musabuty
ou.
..
.
Musa:Getitinyourhead.Im notyourHusband..
IDontremembersendingmyuncl est oyour
house.Idon'tr
ememberheadi ngtothebankt o
getmoneyf oryourl
obola.Younotmywi f
e,you
areBonginkosi
'sdad'
swi f
e.Hespenthi s
moneyony ou.
.i
fyouwantt osubmit,cookordo
what
everthatyouwanttodo.Gotohi
sgrave
anddothatther
e.Leav
emet hehel
lal
one..
[
06/
15,
07:
06]W:
POTG
#33

Musa:
weshoul
dgetgoi
ngnowbaby
.
M'
smum:
andwedon'
tgett
osaysomet
hing?
Musa:Ical
l
edthemeet
ing.Isai
dmypi
ece.
Meeti
ngadjour
ned.
.
Dad:
youcangonow.

Theysl
owl
ygotupandl
eft
.

Musa:
we'
l
lseey
ousoont
imer
.
Dad:
Sur
eson.By
eRea.

Wehugged.
Nompi
:doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
Me:
Yes.Ihav
eto.
Nompi
:I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
out
oo

Ihuggedher
.

Me:
I'
ll
seey
ousoont
hough.
Nompi
:Yes.Ican'
twai
t.

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
Cal
lmef
orsomegi
rlt
alk.
Nompi
:Iwi
l
l.YouknowIneedi
t
Me:
I'
vegoty
ou.
Nompi
:Thanky
ou.
Musa:
Okayokayl
adi
es.By
eLol
o

Hehuggedher
.

Nompi
:By
eSamoosa.
Musa;
stopcal
l
ingmet
hat
.
Nompi
:acceptt
hatni
ckname
Musa:NoIwon't
.I'
m gr
ownnow.I'
ma
busi
nessman.Whatwil
lpeopl
esay
?
Nompi
:we'
l
ldef
inet
het
erm"
nickname"f
or
t
hem.

Wegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Takecar
eoft
heol
dman
Nompi
:YouknowIal
way
sdo
Musa:
andt
heki
dst
oo.Dogood
Nompi
;Iwi
l
l.
Musa;
Good.
.shal
lwewi
fe?
Me;
Weshal
lhusband.

Nompi
andt
hei
rdadl
aughed.

Dad:
All
oft
hiscozwenotmar
ri
ed?
Musa:
Youcangogetanot
herwi
fedad.
Nompi
;Aslongasshe'
snothi
ngl
i
ket
hat
womanthatgav
ebir
thtous.
Dad:Ihavesomeone.You'
l
lmeetherony
our
wedding.
Musa:
Can'
twemeetbef
ore?
Dad:
Okay
.I'
l
lbr
ingherwi
tht
hen.
Musa:
seey
out
hen.
Me:
Takecar
e.
Dad:
yout
ooWi
fe.

Wegi
ggledandMusaopenedt
hedoorf
orme
t
ogetI
n

Nompi
:dr
ivesaf
elyhusband.
Musa:
Stayl
onel
ysi
ngl
eone.
Nompi
:Ouch.
Musa;
Eina!By
e.
Nompi
:By
e.

Wef
inal
l
ylef
t.

Me;
feel
good?
Musa:
mor et
hanev
er.I
t'
sli
keabur
denhas
Beenl
i
ftedof
fmyshoul
ders.
Me;
Sot
hiswasn'
twhatIwant
edbuti
fItmakes
y
ouf
eel
bet
tert
hanokay
.
Musa:
Itdoes.Sai
dev
ery
thi
ngIwant
edt
oget
of
fmychest.
Me:
That
'sal
l
?
Musa:
I'
m happybaby
.Tr
ustmeIam.

Ist
aredathi
m.

Musa:
pleasebel
i
eveme.
Me:
Okay
..
.Oht
hosear
ecut
e.Babyst
op.

Hepul
l
edov
er.

Me:
Ili
ket
hose

Itwasa"
Afr
ican"mar
ketsor
toft
hing.They
soldr
eal
l
ynicethi
ngs
Musa:
Youget
ti
ngmor
ethi
ngs?
Me:
t hehousey
es.Thatwoul
dber
eal
l
ycut
ein
t
helounge.
.

Ir
eachedf
ormypur
se.

Me:
I'
m get
ti
ngt
hose.
.
Musa:
I'
m notst
oppi
ngy
ou.
Me:
Wantt
ocomewi
thme?
Musa:
Ihav
eachoi
ce?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Yesy
oudo.Come.
Musa:
Okay
.
Wegotoutoft hecarandwentt oseewhatwas
what.Igotthepi
eces,IgotTshegoascarf,got
Bongasomest ri
ngswhi chhecall
ed"br
acelets"
.
Hecollect
edthose.Gotmum t hesamepieces
cozIknewshe'dwantt hem andIgotmyhubby
averycutekeyri
ng.OhandgotTshepoan
Afr
icanpri
ntshir
t.Heli
kedt hose.

Musa:
Arewedone?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Siy
abongabhut
'
wam
"pl
easur
e"
Musa:
Let
'sgo.
Me:
Wegoi
ng.
Musa:
Ithoughty
ou'
l
lnev
erst
op.
.
Me:Youbettergetusedtoit
..
yougoi
ngt
ost
art
gr
oceryshoppingtoget
her.
Musa:
No.
Me:
yes.

Heopenedthedoorf
ormet
henwentt
oputt
he
t
hingsatt
heback.

Musa:
Thenextst
opi
sfory
ourf
oodokay
?
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Nomor
eshoppi
ng.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Ijustwantt
ogett
oGor
don
Me:
youwantt
ogett
oyourdog?
Musa:
Yes.He'
spr
obabl
yhungr
y
Me:
Ifeel
li
key
oul
ovet
hatdogmor
ethanme.
Musa:
That
'snott
rue.
Me:Andweboughti tt
oget
hersoitcameaf
ter
me.Idontunder
standhowitget
smor el
ove

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
jeal
ousydoesn'
tl
ookgoodony
ou
Me:
Mxm.
Musa:
we'
l
ltakei
tsl
owt
hen.
Me:
Good.
Musa:
Buthei
sst
arv
ing.
Me:
Wel
efthi
m enoughf
ood.
Musa:
youhat
ehi
m donty
ou?
Me:
Ichosehi
m di
dn'
tI?
Musa:
He'
spar
toft
hef
ami
l
y.Tr
eathi
mri
ght
.
Il
aughed.

Me:
I'
m get
ti
ngaf
emal
edog.May
bei
twi
l
llov
e
memore
Musa:
Youdot
hat
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Musa:
Theny
ou'
l
lleav
eGor
donal
one.
Me:
arewer
eal
l
yar
gui
ngov
eradog?

Wegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
wow.
.
Musa:
Iguesswear
e..
Me:l
et'
snot..SoI'
m goi
ngt
oaskTshegot
o
comesleepover
.
Musa:
SoI
'
m goi
ngt
ofeel
lef
tout
?
Me:
Noy
ouwon'
t.
Musa:
Iam.
Me:
Imi
ssher
.
Musa:
Okayf
ine.We'
l
lgopi
ckherup.
Me:
thanky
ou.

Itext
edher.Shewasexcit
edtooandIpromised
herthatMusaandIwouldn'
tbetouchyt
ouchy.

Musa:
Sot
hismeans,
I'
m sl
eepi
ngEar
lyt
oni
ght
.
Me:
youcanj
oinusi
f.
..
.
Musa:
I'
ll
sleepear
ly.

Ipi
nchedhi
m

Musa:
Ouch!
Me:
sil
l
y!
Musa:
Thathur
t.
Me:
Good!
Musa:
Thi
sisabuse.
Me:
Hav
emear
rest
edt
hen.
Musa:
whosechi
l
dar
eyou?
Me:
yougonkeepaski
ngmet
hat
?
Musa:
Yes.Cozi
tsl
i
key
ouwer
eadopt
edor
somet
hing.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:I'
l
lkeept
ell
i
ngy
ou.
.cutf
rom adi
ff
erent
cl
oth.
.

Wekeptlaughi
ngandt
alki
ngtil
lwegothome,
mum'shousetofet
chTshego.Westayedwi
th
herf oraboutanhourt henwentt oourhouse.
TshegoandIsl eptverylat e,shejusywant ed
met otellheraboutMpumal angaand" pl
ain
dumb"t hatwashernewname.Tr ustmysi ster
todot hat .Thenex tday, Idroppedherof fat
wor kandwentf ormycl asses.Fi veto
graduat i
ng. .Icoul
dn'twai t.Honestly,
school
andIwer en' tt
hebestoff ri
ends.From primary
butIhadal way sbeenambi ti
ousandev en
thoughIknewonecoul dsucceedwi thout
school ,Iwant edsomet hingt of al
lbackon.
Afterclass, IdrovetoBonga' s.Hewasn' tat
wor k.Monday swer ehisr elaxingdays.SoI
knewhewasonsomeXboxmodewi thabeer
ont hetabl e.Iknockedloudl y.

Bonga:
YoChi
l
l!

Hef
inal
l
yopened.
Bonga:
Hey
.
Me:
Youokay
?
Bonga:
Youwor
kfort
hepol
i
ceser
vicesnow?
Me:
Nope.Howar
eyou?
Bonga:
I'
m goody
ou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.SoIgoty
ousomet
hing.
..
.

Igav
ehi
m hi
sst
ri
ngs.

Me:
Youcal
lthem br
acel
ets.
Bonga:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
what
'
supwi
thy
ou?
Bonga:
youMusa'
ssecondwi
fe?
Me:
What
?Who.
..
Bonga:
Itdoesn'
tmat
terwhot
oldme.Your
eal
l
y
goi
ngtostoopThatl
ow?
Me:Excuseme?Bongawhot
hehel
ldoy
ou
t
hinky
ouar e?
Bonga:
yousuddenl
ydon'
tknowy
ourwor
th?
Me:
youneedt
o..
.
Bonga:
Getout
!
[
06/
15,
07:
07]W:
POTG
#34

Me:
Youknowwhat
?Yourst
upi
dasscangett
o
t
henear
esthel
l
.
Bonga:
Getout
!

Itookmykeysandstor
medout.Fuckhi
m!To
hellwi
thhi
m act
ual
ly
.Iwentst
rai
ghthomeand
sl
ept.Iwaswokenupbyacall
ataround15:
00.

Me:
Tshepo.
Tshepo:
Hey
.Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
I'
m home.
.
Tshepo:
CanIcome?

Ihear
dahoot
er.

Me:
ist
haty
ou?
Tshepo:
Yes.Opent
hegat
ei
Me:
Wow!

Il
aughedthenopenedupf
orhi
m.Mi
nut
esl
ater
,
hecamein.

Tshepo:
Nicehouse
Me:
Youkeepsay
ingt
hat
Tshepo:
Wel
ltakencar
eof
?
Me:
Iam.HeyCuz.
Tshepo:
Heyhey
.
Me:
OhIgoty
ouagi
ft
.

Iwentt
ofet
chhi
sshi
rt
.

Tshepo:
yaaas!
Me:
youl
i
kei
t?
Tshepo:
Yes.Thanky
ou.Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Il
aughed

Me:
Not
hing.I
m onl
ybei
ngni
ce
Tshepo:
Youar
e?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:
HowwasMpumal
anga?
Me:Itwas.
..
wai
tdi
dyouseeBongat
his
weekend?
Tshepo:
yeswhy
?
Me:
Yout
oldhi
m aboutt
hiswi
fet
hing?
Tshepo: Yessortof.HeaskedifIhadseenyou
cozy ourTelkom phonewasengagedandhe
wast ryi
ngt ogetaholdofyou.That'
showit
sortofcameoutt haty
ouwereinMpumal anga
goi
ngt osor toutthi
s"wif
e"si
tuati
on.Wedidn'
t
gointodet ai
l.
Me:
Oh.
Tshepo:
Why
?
Me:He'
smadatme.Say
swhyam Iset
tl
ingf
or
l
ess.
Tshepo:
How'
sthathi
sbusi
ness.I
tsy
ourl
i
fe
mos..
Me:
Bonga'
smyf
ri
end.
Tshepo:
Whydi
dn'
theask?
Me:
Beat
sme.
Tshepo:
He'
scr
azy
.
Me:I
t'
sunli
kehi
m.May
behe'
sgoi
ngt
hrough
somet
hing

Hechuckl
ed

Tshepo:
YeahRi
ght
Me:
Keng?
Tshepo:
Not
hing.CanIhav
eabeer
?
Me:
okay
.

Iwentt
ogethi
mthatandsnacks.

Tshepo:
SoHow'
sthe"
fi
rstwi
fe?
"
Me:
Rur
al.
Tshepo:
that
'sobv
ious.
Me:Idontt
hinksheunder
standst
hatMusa
doesn'
twanther
.
Tshepo:
Shewon'
t
.
Me:
Huh?

Het
ookasi
pofhi
sbeer
.

Tshepo:
she'
sbeenbr
ainwashed.I
nherhead
she'
smarri
edtoMusa.
Me:
Ithi
nki
t'
sal
lgoodnow.
Tshepo:
Yout
hinkso?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:
ify
ouhappyI
'
m happy
Me:
Iam.
Tshepo:I
sshepr
ett
ythough?Mi
ghtmakeher
y
four
thbabymama.
Il
aughed.

Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Tshepo:
poorgi
rlneedssomeAker
e?
Me:
siesTshepoman!
Tshepo:
Howhasshebeensur
viv
ing?
Me:
yousoundl
i
keTshego.
.
Tshepo:
DoI
?
Me:
yesy
oudo.
Tshepo:
Thatmeanswer
ight
.She'
spr
obabl
ya
vi
rgi
nagain.
.
Me:
you'
l
lseehersoon
Tshepo:
Soonbet
terbesoon.Ineedasl
ow
chi
ck

Il
aughed.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Tshepo:Imi
ssedy
out
oo.St
opt
ryi
ngt
ochange
thetopi
c.
Me:
I'
m not
.
Tshepo:
Right
,Iwasst
il
lsay
ing.
..
Ineedasl
ow
chi
ck.
Me:
Slow?
Tshepo:
Yes.Phel
aR350pl
usgr
anti
sal
ot
Me:
Tshepo!
Tshepo:
I'
mjustsay
ing.
Me:Tel
lme,
youLookngni
cet
oday
..
.wher
eyou
f
rom?
Tshepo:
Ihadwentf
ormysecondi
nter
viewat
somecompany.
Me:
Ohwow!And?
Tshepo:
whatdoy
oumean"
and?
"
Me:
Didy
ougeti
t?
Tshepo:
Obv
ious.
Me:
What
?I'
m soHappyf
ory
ou.
.
Tshepo:
Tol
dyouIgott
his.
Me:
Soy
ourbaby
mamas?
Tshepo:
theygotj
obsnow.

Il
aughed.

Me:
OhTshepo!
Tshepo:
Ical
l
edameet
ing.
Me:
Forwhat
?
Tshepo:Itol
dthem thatI'
m goingtofi
nd
anotherj
ob.Thati
fIgeti tandtheyqui
tI'
m
goingtohavethem arrestedf
orchil
d
negli
gence
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
t!
Tshepo:
Iwoul
d.

Tshepot
hough.

Tshepo:
andI
'
m addi
ngR50t
otheR350.
Me:
Tshepo!
Tshepo:
Stopcal
l
ingmyname.I
tsani
ncr
ease
Me:
YeahI
tisbut
..
.
Tshepo:nobut.
..Theyal
readyr
ippi
ngof
fthe
governmentkagrant.
Me:
Cozy
oul
edt
hem t
her
e.
Tshepo:
no.Theyar
ejustl
azy
.
Me:
I'
m gi
vi
ngupony
ou.
.
Tshepo:
Good.Getmey
ourunwant
edsi
ster
wif
e.
Me:
Musawoul
dbegl
adt
ohandherov
ert
oyou.
Tshepo:
Obv
iousobv
ious.
Ishookmyheadandsmi
l
ed.

Tshepo:
kemont
leNe?

Il
aughed.

Tshepo:
I'
m aski
ng.
Me:
no.
Tshepo:
Youj
eal
ous.I
'
m st
il
lyourl
adofhonor
ri
ght?
Me:
yesy
ouar
e.El
l
aismymai
dofhonor
.
Tshepo:
WhynotTshego?
Me:
she'
snev
erbeenmar
ri
ed.
Tshepo:
Evenwor
se,
Ell
aisadi
vor
cee
Me:
Tshepogetov
ery
ourhat
e.
Tshepo:
Sheabor
tedmychi
l
d..Doy
ouknow?
Me:
Hai
Tshepoman!
Tshepo:
Askher
.
Me:
That
'sal
i
e.
Tshepo:
Askher
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lnot
.Thatwoul
dbei
nsul
ti
ngt
oHer
.
Tshepo:
Ohsoi
tsokayt
hatshehur
tme?
Me:
WhydontIbel
i
evey
ou?
Tshepo:Isai
daskYourf
ri
end.Giveheradri
nk,
askherwhileshesi
psonitandseeifshewon'
t
choke.Ihopeshedi
esatt
hat.
Me:
That
'ssomean.
Tshepo:
yout
hink?
Me:
yes.
Tshepo:
good.Let
'st
alkaboutsomet
hingel
se.
Me:Okay
..
.soMusa'
sAunti
sthr
owi
ngusa
par
ty
Tshepo:
when?
Me:
Thi
sweekend.
Tshepo:
engagementpar
ty?
Me:
No.Pr
e-weddi
ngpar
tysor
tof
..
Tshepo:
Ya.Engagementpar
ty
Me:Wemar r
iedTshepo!Howcani
tbecal
l
ed
anengagementpar
ty?
Tshepo:
Okayf
inewhat
ever
.

Hestay
edforonehourandl
eft
..Musaar
ri
ved
t
hir
tyminut
eslat
er.

Musa:
Wif
e.
Me;
Husband.
Musa:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m okay
.
Hecamet
oki
ssme.

Musa:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Me:
Itwasv
eryni
ce.Your
s?
Musa:
long.Gl
adI
'
m home.How'
sBonga?

Isi
ghed.

Musa:
Youdi
dntgo?
Me:
Idi
d.Wehadaf
ight
.
Musa:
About
?
Me:
Itsnoti
mpor
tant
.
Musa:Welli
fyougoi
ngt
osi
ghl
i
ket
hati
t
meansiti
s.
Me:
Okay
..
.abouthi
ssexual
par
tner
s
Musa:
Youneedtol
eav
ehi
m.Youcan'
tfor
cea
gr
ownmantogrowup.
Me:
Iguessyour
ight
.Letmegetst
art
edwi
th
t
hecooki
ng.
Musa:No.I
'l
ldot
hat
..Af
tert
hedayIhad.
..
I
needt
his.
Me:
okayt
hen.
.

Hewentt ochangeandIwentt ositwi

thhi
mi n
thekit
chenandspoket ohim whil
ewecooked.
WellhespokeandIl aughedmostoftheti
me.
Wehadv erychil
lednightandwhenIcameback
from myclassesthenextday,Bongawas
parkedoutsi
de.

Me:Arenty
ousupposetobei
nhel
l
?Whatar
e
youst
ill
doi
ngonearth?
Bonga:
Reahey
.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Bonga:
Look,
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Okayby
e.
Bonga:
ReaIshoul
dhav
easked.
Me:Buty oudi
dnt
.Sincei
tbother
sy ouso
much..
.hewasforcedtogetmarr
iedwhenhe
was18cozt hegi
rlwaspregnant
,she
miscar
riedat5months.Musadoesn'twanther
.
Happy?Leave!
Bonga:
Im sor
ry.
.
Me:
Youal
readysai
dthat
.
Bonga:
Look,
Ireact
edt
hewayIdi
dbecauseI
car
e.
Me:
Whathappenedt
oaski
ngbef
oreAssumi
ng?
Bonga: I
'm sorr
ybutIcoul dn'thelpButreactthe
wayIdi d.LookRea...
Ilovey ou.Iavoidbeing
aroundy ouandMusabecauseIcan' thelpbut
getjeal
ous.Ev er
yti
mey out wot ouchorkissI
j
ustwantt obei nhisshoesanddot hat
.Iknow
I'
ml at
ebuty oubeingwi thhim mademer eal
ize
thatIactuall
yloveyou.It
'sdeepandIcan' thelp
i
tnow.
[
06/
15,
07:
07]W:
POTG
#35

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
what
?
Bonga:
that
sthet
rut
h
Me:Youhadt
owai
tti
l
lIwast
akent
otel
lmeal
l
oft
his?

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
LookBongaI
'
m sor
ryy
ouf
eel
thatwaybut
..
.
Bonga:
Youmar
ri
edandexpect
ingMusa'
sChi
l
d
Me:
Yes
Bonga:
Iknow.

WhatwasIsupposet
osay
?

Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay.
Bonga:
Ijusthadt
ogeti
tof
fmychest
.
Me:NowIdontknowifIshoul
dinv
itey
out
othe
pr
e-weddi
ngpar
tyornot.

Idi
dntknowwhatt
osayordo.

Bonga:
I'
ll
hav
etof
indawayt
odeal
wit
hthi
s.

Ikeptqui
et.

Bonga:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me;
Met
oo.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat

Bonga:
Ishoul
dpr
obabl
ygetbackt
owor
k..
Me:
Besaf
e.
Bonga:
Takecar
e.
Me:
Shar
p.
Bonga:
Shar
p.

Iwatchedashedr
oveof
fandr
eachedf
ormy
phone.

Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Youokay
?
Me;
Iam.CanIcome?
Musa:
Tot
heof
fi
ce?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
I'
dlov
ethat
.
Me;
Okay
.I'
l
lseey
ouj
ustknow.
Musa:
Okaybaby
.

Ifi
xedussomethi
ngreal
quickpackedi
tina
basketanddr
ovetohi
soffi
ce.
.

"
MrsMabasa"

Il
ookedatherconf
used.

"
Ohmyapol
ogi
es.I
'
m Fr
ida"
Me:
Ohsor
ry.HeyFr
ida.
Fr
ida:
Howar
eyouMr
sMa.
..
Me:
justReaorKel
l
ywi
l
lbef
ine.
Fr
ida:
OhI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Fr
ida:
He'
sexpect
ingy
ou.
Me:
Thanky
ou.

Iwalkedsl
owlyt
ohisof fi
ce.
.hadonlybeen
ther
eoncewhenhef orgothi
sphoneandIwas
welcomedbysomegi r
l whowasn'tFri
da.
Probabl
yastandinorsomet hi
ng.Iknocked
soft
ly.

Musa:
Beenwai
ti
ng.Comei
nBaby
.

Iwal
kedi
n.
Musa:
Heybeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Heyy
ou
Musa:
Youl
ookv
erysexy
.
Me:
Ido?
Musa;
Yes.
.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou.
Musa:
Itsapl
easur
e
Me:
Hungr
y?
Musa:
Ver
y.Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
AndImi
ssedYourcal
m sel
ftoo.
Musa:
Yousur
eyouOkay
?
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
Howwasschool
?
Me:
Itwasokay
.
Musa:
Real
l
y?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
Baby
?
Musa:
Tal
ktome.
Me: solet'
ssaysomeoneyou'veknownfor
quitesometimedecl
aresherlovefory
ounow
wheny outakenandexpecti
ng..Howdoy ou
reacttothat?

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
Hef
inal
l
ytol
dyouhowhef
eel
s?
Me:
Huh?
Musa;
Bonga?
Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?
Musa:
Let
'ssee.
..
Ihav
eey
es.I
'
m aguy
.
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Musa:
Itwasn'
tmypl
acet
o.I
'
veseenhowhe
l
ooksaty
ou.Atus.
Me:
Ifoundi
twei
rd.
Musa:
Why
?It
snor
mal
..
Me:
Foryou.
.I
'
veneverseenhi
m asany
thi
ng
mor
ethanafri
end.
Musa:
Howwi
l
lyouhandl
eitnow?

Musawassomet
hingel
set
hough.

Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Musa:
CanInotgeti
nvol
ved?
Me;
Babe.
..
Musa: Nobaby .Iwasn' ttherewhent he
f
riendshipbegan.It ol
dy out hisbefor
e, i
t'
supto
youhowy ouplanonr espect ingourrelati
onshi
p
r
egar di
ngy ourfr
iendshi pwi t
hBongaandI
won'tli
et oyou..
.you'v
eshownmenot hingbut
r
espect .Notoncehav eIev erfel
tli
key ou
bel
i
ttl
emeorany thi
ngoft hatsor
t.Sowhatyou
dofr
om t
hispointisreal
l
yupt oyoubaby.The
bal
li
sInyourcourt.

Thatmadesense.

Me:Ihearyou.Ij
usthat
ethatt
hingswi
l
l
awkwardnow.
Musa:
Yout
wowi
l
ljusthav
etobeadul
tsabout
i
t.

Isi
ghed.

Musa:
You'
l
lbeOkay
.
Me:
Your
eal
l
ynotget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved?
Musa:
nowi
fey
.
Imadeaf
ace.

Musa:
Thatwon'
thappen.For
geti
t.
Me:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Musa:
Justl
i
ket
hatbaby
.
Me:
Okay
Musa:
AuntNomv
ulacal
l
ed.
Me:
And?
Musa:
she'
sbookedal
odgef
ort
hepar
ty
Me:
Anent
ir
elodge?

Henodded.

Me:
Why
?
Musa:Youaski
ngt
hewrongpersonbaby
.She
want
sy out
ohaveaguest
li
st.
Wel
aughedatt
hat
.

Me:
SoIhav
e6peopl
eonmyguest
li
st.
Musa:l
et'
sseewhatIhave,
Bonginkosi
,Nompi,
dad,
her3kids,
Fezi
l
e,auntandherhusband.9
Me:
That
'si
t?
Musa:
Yesma'
am.
Me:
Col
l
eagues?
Musa:
Nah.
Me:
Baby
,acquai
ntances?
Musa:
Idontwantt
hem atmypar
ty.

Wesi
gned.

Me:
Wer
eal
l
ydonthav
eli
vesdowe?
Heshookhi
shead

Me:
Sowehav
e15guest
s?
Musa:
18i
ncl
udi
ngTshepo'
ski
ds.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Okayandt
hem.
Musa:
younoti
nvi
ti
nghi
ssi
ster
?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Baby
..
.
Me:
I'
m ser
iousmyl
ove.
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:
sot
hat
'sourguest
li
stdone.
Musa:
yesi
tis.Soshoul
dwecal
lher
?
Me:
Yesweshoul
d.

Hedi
all
edhernumber
.

Aunt
:Musawenkosi
Mabasa.
Musa:
Aunt
yHowar
eyou?
Aunt:
I'
mfine.
.y
ouandy
ourwi
fehav
ethe
guest
li
str
eady?
Musa:
Yesma'
am.
Aunt
:thatwasqui
ck
Musa:
Yesi
twas.
.she'
sher
ewi
thMeact
ual
l
y.
Aunt
:Ohhel
l
oMsKel
l
y.
Me:
Hel
l
oAunt
y.
Aunt:Sohowmanypeopl eshoul
dItel
lthem t
o
caterf
orsotheycanguessti
matehowmuchI
needtogivet
hem
Musa;
Just18
Aunt
:what
?
Musa;
just18Guest
sma'
am.
Aunt
:Reabi
l
wenoMusa.
MusaandI
:Yesma'
am?
Aunt:Yout
woneedt
obuyy
our
sel
vesl
i
veswi
th
al
lthemoneyy
ouhave

Me:
Babyzi
p.
Musa:
Iam.Youdontf
it
.
Me:
Ido.MusaZi
p.

Itwasthedayoft heparty
.Wewer einourroom
attheguesthousegetti
ngready
.Mum andAunt
Nomv ulahadinvi
tedthei
rownfriends.
.Tshepo
didtoo.Musa'scousi
nsBonginkosiandFezil
e
i
nv i
tedthei
rfr
iendstooandsomeofMusa's
rel
ativ
escamewi t
hhisdadfr
om Mpumalanga
thenightbef
ore.AndTshegocamewith
Richard.

Musa:It
snotzi
..
.babyy
ouhav
e3dr
essesher
e.
Justt
ryanot
herone.
Me:
Iwantt
hisone.
Musa:
yho!

Het
ookouthi
sphoneanddi
all
edTshego.

Musa:
heyTshego.
..
pleasecomet
oour
r
oom..
..
okayt
hankyou.

Hehungup.
Musa:I
'
llseey
ouwheny oudone.
.I
'
llbewai
ti
ng
f
oryouattherecept
ionokay?
Me:
yougi
vi
nguponme?
Musa:
yesIam.Onl
yfort
oday
.Il
ovey
ou.

Heki
ssedmeandlef
tther
oom.
.Tshegocame
i
nminutesl
ater
.

Me:
Hesay
sitdoesn'
tzi
p.
Tshego;
letmet
ry

Shemanagedt
ozi
pit
.

Me:
Itol
dhi
mitf
it
s.
Tshego:
itwontsoon.
Me:
Dontbel
i
ket
hat
.
Wehear
daknock.

Me:
Comei
n.

Shecamein.Redtwopi
ece,
sunhat
,heel
sanda
bagunderherar
mpit
.

"
Gir
ls"
Me:
Hi,
doweknowy
ou?
"
Yout
wohav
egr
own"
Tshego:
Im sor
ryma'
am.Doweknowy
ou?
"
Im Gl
ori
a,Kgal
alel
o'
ssi
ster
"
Me:
Mum hasasi
sternamedGl
ori
a?
Gl
ori
a:Yesshedoes.
Tshego:
Ohni
cet
omeety
ou.
Gl
ori
a:Yout
wol
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Tshego:
Thanky
ou.
Glor
ia:Iknowyoutwodontknowmewellbut
youatewhatIate.Dr
ankwhatIdr
ank.
..
.
Me:
Sor
ry?
Gl
ori
a:TshegoandReabi
l
we.
..
Imy
ourmot
her
.
[
06/
15,
07:
08]W:
POTG
#36

Tshego:
Sor
ryma'
am,
wedon'
thav
eti
mef
or
thi
s.
Me:
Exact
ly.Pl
easegetoutoft
hisr
oom
Gl
ori
a:ReaBabyl
i
...
Tshego:
Out
!
Me:
Youhear
dher
.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Gl
ori
a:okay
.I'
l
lgo.
Me:
Good.
Gl
ori
a:hav
eagr
eatpar
ty
Tshego:
Thanksby
e.

Shel
eftourr
oom.

Tshego:
Nonsense!
Me:Doesmum ev
enhav
easi
sterbyt
hename
ofGl
ori
a?
Tshego;
no.
Me;
imagi
net
hat
!
Tshego;
Webet
ternott
ell
heraboutt
his.
Me:
Okay .Let
'sgo.Musai
swai
ti
ngf
ormeat
t
herecepti
on.
Tshego:
Yes.Let
sgo.
Wedidwhatwehadt
oandIf
oundMusa
wai
ti
ng.

Tshego;
I'
ll
seey
ouguy
sout
side.
Musa:
Thanksbyt
heway
Tshego:
nopr
obl
em.I
'
llseey
ouguy
sout
side.
Musa:
Sur
e.

Shest
eppedout
.

Musa:
tal
ktome.
Me:
Huh?
Musa:
Whatpi
ssedy
ouof
f?
Me:
youknowmet
hatwel
lnowdon'
tyou?
Musa:
Ihav
eto.Tal
ktome.
Me:
Wehav
eourguest
s..
.
Musa:
theycanwai
t.
.comeon.

Weheadedbackt
oourr
oom

Me:Somel adycamehere.Shewasi
nred.She
sai
dthatshe'sourmot
her.
Musa:
YouandTshego'
smum?
Me:
yes
Musa:
Babydon'
tyout
hink.
..
Me:No.Musaplease.Let
'sgooutt
her
eand
hav
efun.It
oldhertoleav
e.
Musa:
Rea,
youshoul
dhav
eat
leastl
i
stened.
Me:Butmum hasneverment
ionedher
.She'
s
j
usttr
yingt
ocompli
cateourl
i
v es.
Musa:
Okayl
et'
sgot
hen.YouLookbeaut
if
ulby
t
heway.
Me:
Inadr
essy
ousai
ddoesn'
tfi
tri
ght
?
Hel
aughed.
..

Musa:InadressIsai
dyoudon'
tfi
tin.Show
gr
ati
tudenow.
Me:Thankyouhusband.
.y
oulookdapperint
his
sui
ttoo.Maybeweshoul
dntgooutthere.
Musa:
Wantust
ogot
oourr
oom?

Inodded.

Musa:
ThenAuntNomv
ulaki
l
lsusr
ight
?
Me:
Wegetanot
herr
oom t
hen.
Musa:That'
snotabadplan.Af
teral
lshe
bookedtheent
ir
elodge.
Me:
Exact
lysoshe'
dgett
ir
edof
..
..
"
Hai
bo!
"

Wet
urned

Aunt:
Wewai ti
ngforyoutocomeout
side,
you
busytouchi
ngandkissi
ng.
Musa:
Wewer
en'
tki
ssi
ng
Aunt
:youar
ecl
oseenought
odot
hat
.Let
'
sgo.
Musa:
Rightbehi
ndy
ouAunt
y.
Aunt
;Ibet
terhearf
ootst
epsbehi
ndme.

Shewal
kedoutf
ir
st.

Me:
Let
'sgo.

Hesi
ghed.
Musa:
Mxm!

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Musa:
Youhav
eat
imerr
ight
?
Me:
Youwantt
oti
mepeopl
e'
sspeeches?
Musa:
Yes.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
thesoonerwef
ini
sht
hebet
terbaby
.
Me:
wel
lyoucant
ryt
hatbut
..
.

"
Musawenkosi
!Reabi
l
we"
Musa:
Okayl
etsgo.

Het
ookmyhandandwest
eppedout
.

Musa:
yousur
ethoseshoesar
ecomf
ort
abl
e?
Me:
YesIam.
Musa:
Wontmakey
ourf
eet
..
.
Me:
Babyst
opwor
ryi
ng.
.Theyar
efi
ne.

Wewalkedt
othegarden.That
'
swhere
ev
ery
onewas..
thesetupwasbeaut
if
ul.

Musa:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obeal
ongoner
ight
?
Me:
Iti
s.
Theywer eal
ll
ooki
ngatusaswewalkedtoour
tabl
e..It
ri
edtonotmakeanyey
econtactwi
th
Bonga.

Musa:
Can'
twegobackt
oourhouse?

Ilaughed.Musawasshyhowev erhewasalsoa
people'
spersonbutonlyinbusiness.I
twasup
tohim...
We'dhaveourweddi ngfarawayonan
i
slandwi t
hjusthi
schil
dwhowasst i
ll
inmy
bell
yandt hepast
or.Justthat.

Me:
Nope.Weal
readyher
e.
Aunt
:MusaandRea.
..

Ourey
esunl
ockedandwel
ookedather
.

Aunt
:ther
ear
epeopl
ear
oundy
ou.Us.
Laught
er.

Aunt
:wecanal
lsi
tdown.

Wedid.Sheint
roducedherselftoeveryone
t
here,wel
comedt hem andcalledoneofMum' s
f
ri
endstocomedoanopeni ngpr ayer.
.Tshepo
wastheMC.Hi skidsl
ookedador able.Label
f
rom headtotoe.Daddydidntplaylikethat
!He
l
ovedhiski
dsv er
ymuch.
Wewentt hr
oughthespeeches.Musawas
restl
ess.Hesaidhefel
tli
kehewasi na
presentat
ion.

Me:
Babest
opi
t.
Musa:
Dad'
sthel
astspeakerr
ight
?
Me:
Thepr
ogr
am say
sso.
Musa;
Okaygood.At
leasthedoesn'
tsaymuch.
Me:
arey
our
eal
l
ythatbor
ed?
Musa:
Ifeel
li
keI
'
minaboar
dmeet
ing
Me:
Wel
lyoui
nagar
den.
.

Fezile'
smum whowashi sauntfrom t
hedad' s
sidef i
nal
l
yf i
nishedandhisdad'
sspeechl asted
fortwomi nutesanditwasfinal
l
yov er.Tshepo
gavet hefi
nalannouncementofwher ethefood
willbeservedanddr i
nks.
.

Me:
Happy
?
Musa:
Mor
ethanhappy
.Canwegohomenow?

Il
aughed.

Me:
Noy
oucannot
.Weal
lspendi
ngt
heni
ght
her
e.
Musa:Ihat
ebeingcont
rol
l
ed.
.NowI
'
mfor
ced
t
otalktoever
yone?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:I
'
m notusedt
othi
s.Myweekendsar
e
dedi
cat
edtooneper
son.
Me:AndIknowthatbaby
.Stopsulki
ngweher
e
now.
.Lookonthebri
ghtsi
de..
I'
m her
e.
Musa:
Andwei
nagar
dennotatourhouse.

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:yes.Unf
ort
unat
ely
..Bongi
nkosi
'
scal
l
ing
you.
Musa:
yousee?

Hewaswav
ingathi
m.
Me:
justgo.
Musa:andyoushoul
dgot
alkt
oBonga.You
cantav
oidhi
mf or
ever
.
Me:
Yeah.
..
weshoul
dpr
obabl
ygohome.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Beawomanabouti
t.
Me:
asi
fIhav
eachoi
ce.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Quickki
ssandhewentt
oBongi
nkosi
.Iwentt
o
fi
ndBonga.

Me:
Heyy
ou
Bonga:
HeyR.Yougood?
Me:
Iam heyy
ou?
Bonga:
Im Okay
.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou.Youl
ookgoodt
oo.
Bonga:
LookRea,
IknowIdr
oppedabombshel
l
onyou.
Me:
Yesy
oudi
d.
Bonga: butIwasjustexpr
essi
ngmyself.Thi
ngs
don'thavetobet hi
sawakwardbet
weenus
though.Youwi t
hMusaandIwasl ate.Iknow.
Canwet ryt
odeal wit
hthi
s?
Me:
Iguesswecan.
Bonga:
thanky
ou.
Me:Wecantr
ytomaket hingsgobackt
o
nor
mal
.Ift
hatspossi
ble.
Bonga:
Wecant
ry.
.
Me:
Let
sdot
hat
.
Thepart
ywasf un.Weallspentt
henightatthe
guest
houseandlefti
nthemor ni
ng.Ataround
14:
00,TshegoandIdecidedtogohome, she
hadcomewi t
hMusaandIf r
om thel
odge.

Tshego:
Didyouseewher
eshewentt
o
aft
erwar
ds?
Me:
No.Shemusthav
elef
t.
Tshego:
KaTwopi
eceer
ed
Me:
Shepi
ssedmeof
f.
Tshego:
Met
oo.

Wef i
nal
lygothome.Gr
eet
edmum agai
nand
askedhertosi
tdown

Me:
Youhav
easi
sterbyt
henameofGl
ori
a?
Mum:
Glor
ia?
Me:
Yes.
Mum:
whathappened?
Tshego;
SomewomannamedGl ori
acameto
thel
odgeyest
erdayandsai
dshe'sourmot
her.
Mum:
Mmabat
ho!

Shecameout
.

Me:
That
sher
.
Gl
ori
a:Hel
l
ogi
rl
s.

Wekeptqui
et.

Mum: y
ourfatherandIhadadaught
erofour
ownthatpassedonwhenshewas3.Ioncegot
i
ntoanaccidentandIwasscar
edforli
fe.Iwas
tol
dIwouldn'
tbeabletohavekidsagain.So
yourf
atherandIaskedGlor
iaifshecouldhel
p.
ShehadTshegofirstand2yearslat
er,
shehad
you.
Me:
what
?
Tshego:Youaskedyoursist
ert
ohavechi
l
dren
foryou.Whycouldn'
tyouaskhert
obea
surr
ogateinst
ead?
Mum:
Wedi
dn'
tknowaboutt
hatt
hen.
Me:Wow!Sowhenyousaidyouhateddad
whenyouwer
epregnantwi
thTshego.
..
Mum:Iwast
ryi
ngtost
opy
ouf
rom ki
l
li
ngt
hat
chi
l
dyoucar
ryi
ng.
Me:YoualwaysgoingonabouthowIshoul
dn't
keepthi
ngsfr
om you.HowIneedtobeprayed
for
..
.HowIshouldn'
tgi
vefal
setest
imoni
esy et
youdid.
Tshego:
Youneedt
opr
ayf
ory
our
sel
f.I
nfact
,
fast
.
Gl
ori
a:Tshego.
..
Tshego:
Idon'
tknowy
oudon'
ttal
ktome.
Me:From nowon,Iconsi
dermysel
f
motherl
ess.
.Don'
tcomet omywedding,don'
t
comet omyhouseandstayawayfrom My
husband.

[
06/
15,
07:
08]W:
POTG
#37

Mum:
Rea.
..
Me:
Tshegoy
oust
ayi
ng?
Tshego:
No.I
'
llcal
lRi
char
d.
Me:
I'
ll
dropy
ouof
fther
e.

Wegotupandshewentt
opackhert
hings.
Mum:
Tshego.
..

Wewalkedoutandl
eft
.West
oppedatsome
par
ktotal
k.

Me:
WhatIdontgeti
s..
.whydi
dn'
tshet
ell
us?
Tshego:
Beat
sMe.Youwer
ehar
sht
hough.
Me:
NoIwasn'
t.
Tshego;Youwer
e.Rea,y
ouhav
eev
eryRi
ghtt
o
beangrybutt
hatwas.
..
Me:
toohar
sh?
Tshego:
Yes.
Me:Theonlyharshthi
ngi
sthef
actt
hatshe
keptt
hetr
uthfrom us.
Tshego:
Andhowwef
oundout
.
Me:
Exact
ly.
.Sowhati
fthi
sGl
ori
acamewhen
mu.
..
Kgal
alel
ohadal
readypassedon?
Tshego:
OkayIgett
hat
.
Me:
Ijustwantt
ogohomenow.
Tshego:
Let
sgo

Wewentbacktothecar,wewer
equi
etal
lthe
wayt
oRichar
d'splace.

Tshego:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row
Me:
Okaysi
s.
Tshego:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Ihuggedher
.

Tshego:
Tryt
ocal
m Down
Me:
whyar
eyousocal
m?
Tshego:CozI '
mtryi
ngtoprocessthi
s.AndI'
m
cal
m ony ourbehalf
.Thatchi
ldyoucarr
ying
needstobet akencareof
.Calm down
Me:
Okay
.
Tshego:
that
'si
t.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyoul
ater
.
Tshego;
Okayt
hen.

Iwat
chedherwal
kinandIl
eft
.WhenIgot
home,Musawaswatchi
ngasoccermat
ch.

Me:
Hey
.
Musa;
Heybaby
.

Iwentt
othebedr
oom t
ochangeandIdeci
ded
toj
ustr
estmybody.Mi
nut
eslat
er,Hecamein.
Musa:
"hey
?"
Me:
Howar
eyoubaby
?
Musa:
WhatI
sit
?Ismum f
ine?
Me:
She'
sOkay
Musa:Di
dyougett
heanswer
syouwer
e
l
ooki
ngfor?
Me:
Shesay
sGl
ori
a'
sourmot
her
.
Musa:
oh.

Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
"oh?
"
Musa:
Howdoest
hatmakey
ouf
eel
?
Me:
Musa?
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
youknewaboutt
hisdi
dn'
tyou?

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Musawenkosi
Leor
nadoMabasa!I
mtal
ki
ng
t
oyou.
Musa:dontt
alkt
omel
i
ket
hat
..
.You'
l
lshoutat
yourki
dnotme.
Me:
Youknew?
Musa:
Idi
d.
Me:
Wow!Real
l
y?
Musa:
yesr
eal
l
y.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:Youst
il
lkeepi
ngsecr
etsf
rom me?Hav
en'
t
you.
..
Musa:
Thi
swasn'
tmysecr
ett
otel
l
.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:Yes.I
twasn'
tandy
ouknowi
t.Your
motherconf
idedme
Me:
She'
snotmymot
her
.
Musa;
Reabi
l
we!

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
she'
sst
il
lyourmot
her
.

Si
l
ence.

Musa:
Thi
sshoul
dn'
tev
enchangeany
thi
ng.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:yes.Shemadesureyouwell
fed,cl
othed,
educat
ed,shemadesureyouhavearoofover
yourhead.Youarewhaty
ouar
enowbecause
ofher.Aren'
tyou?

Ikeptst
il
l.

Musa:
Aren'
tyou?

Idi
dn'
tanswerhi
m.

Musa:
Rea,
dropthi
sdr
amaofy
our
sandgot
alk
t
oyourmot
her.

Hegotupf
rom t
hebed.
..

Musa;
Ohanddomeaf avour
,keepcalm..
for
t
hesakeofmychildcozi
fsomethinghappens
t
ohim,youdead.I
'
m seri
ous.
Hewalkedoutofourbedr
oom andIputmy
headdown.Mum keptcal
li
ngandIdidn'
t
answerhercal
l
s.Ifi
nal
lymanagedt
of al
lasl
eep
andwaswokenupbyMusa.

Musa:
Ell
a'
sher
e.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng.

Iwenttobrushmyt eet
handwashmyf
acet
hen
wenttothelounge.

Me:
HeyEl
l
a.
El
l
a:Hey
.
Me:
let
'sgot
othepat
io.
El
l
a:Okay
.
Igotusdr
inksAndwewentout
.

El
l
a:Beaut
if
ul.
Me:
Huh?
El
l
a:y
ourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul.
.
Me:
Thanky
ouEl
l
a.
El
l
a:Ionl
ycameher
eonce.
Me:
Youal
way
sbusyt
hat
'swhy
El
l
a:t
hat
'snott
rue.
Me:
Iti
s.
El
l
a:y
ouokay
?
Me:
IAm y
ou?
El
l
a:I
mfi
ne.
Me:
Youov
erMoses?
El
l
a:y
ourpar
tymadememi
sshi
m
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
El
l
a:t
heyar
eexpect
ingachi
l
dtoget
her
.
Me:
What
?
El
l
a:I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
.
El
l
a:I
tsof
fi
cial
..
wear
eov
er.
Me:
You'
l
lfi
ndsomeoneel
se.
El
l
a:Real
l
y?
Me:
yes.
El
l
a:ReaTshepor
eal
l
yhat
esmedoesn'
the?

It
ookasi
pofmydr
ink.

Me:
whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?

Shekeptqui
et.
Me:Tshepodoesn'
that
esomeoneunl
esst
hey
di
dsomet hi
ngtohi
m
El
l
a:Youknowwewer
edat
ingr
ight
?

Igi
ggl
ed.
.

Me:It
hinkwe'
vebeenf
ri
endssi
ncewewer
e7
or8El
la.

Shesmi
l
ed.

El
l
a:Yes.Sor
ry.
.soIf
ell
pregnantwi
thhi
schi
l
d.
Me:
And?
El
l
a:Ihadanabor
ti
on.
Me:
SoTshepowasn'
tl
yi
ng?
El
l
a:Het
oldy
ou?
Me:
yesbutIdi
dn'
tbel
i
evehi
m
El
l
a:Hewast
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
h
Me:
why
?
El
l
a:Hewasn'
tready
.
Me:
Yout
hinkso?
El
l
a:AndIwasn'
ttoo.
Me:
Yout
ri
edapol
ogi
zi
ngt
ohi
m?
El
l
a:Hewonthav
eit
.
Me:
that
'sbad.
El
l
a:Iknow.
.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktohi
m
Ell
a:Thankyoubutany
wayI'
m notheref
or
that
..
.I'
m Heret
oseeyou.Youokay?
Me:
Iam.

Wehadagoodt i
meandsheleftataround
17:
00.Musawassleepi
ngonthecouchafterI
wal
kedEll
aoutandIhadafewmi ssedcal
ls
f
rom Tshego.

Me:
Tshego.
Tshego:
Beencal
l
ingy
ou.
Me:Iknow..Iwasout
sidewi
thEl
l
aandmy
phoneisonsil
ent.
Tshego:
ohokay
.Youcal
m?
Me:
Iam.
Tshego;
Hav
eyougi
vent
hissomet
hought
?
Me:
Nope.
Tshego:
Youbl
ocki
ngi
tout
?
Me:
Iam
Tshego:
youcan'
tdot
hat
Me:
IknowbutI
'
mtr
ying.
Tshego:
mum'
sbeencal
l
ingnonst
op.
Me:
Answer
ed?
Tshego:
Nope.Isentherat
extt
hough.
.t
oldher
togiv
eusSpace.
Me:
Youknowshewontbackdown
Tshego:
Abombshel
lhasbeendr
oppedonus.
Me;AlotofThosehav
ebeendr
oppedonme
t
hesepastweeks.
Tshego:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Tshego:
Comeseemet
omor
rowaf
tercl
ass.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Tshego:
Lov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

IwenttowatchsomeTVi nourbedroom and

aboutanhourlat
er,
Musacamei n,wentto
cl
eanupandsatacr ossme
Musa:
yourmothercall
edwhil
ey ouwereout
wi
thEl
la.Say
sy ouignori
nghercall
s.
Me:
Iam
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
CozIdon'
twantt
otal
ktoher
.
Musa:
Ser
iousl
y?Di
dn'
tIasky
out
odr
opt
he
dr
ama?
Me;
Musadon'
t.
..
Musa:
Reabi
l
wecal
lyourmot
herback.
Me:no.
.It
oldhertost
ayawayf
rom y
ou.
.why
di
dshecallyou?
Musa;Shetol
dmey ousaidt
hattoo.Li
sten,
don'
tinv
olv
emei nyourf
ight
s..Pi
ckupthat
phoneandtal
ktoher.
Me:
Isai
d"No!
"
Musa;Okaythen.
..
I'
m notgoingtol
i
vewi
than
i
rr
ati
onalandanungr at
eful
wi f
e.
Me:
Excuseme?
Musa:I'mleavi
ngy ouherealone.I
'l
lcomeback
wheny ou'
vegottenbackt oyoursensesand
deci
dedt obeanadul taboutthi
ngs!You
star
ti
ngt oannoythehelloutofme!
[
06/
15,
07:
08]W:
POTG
#38

Me:
Ohy
out
aki
nghersi
denow?
Musa:
Iam.Cosy
ounotbei
ngr
ati
onal
.
Me:Youweren'
trat
ionalwhenyouref
usedt
o
f
orgi
veyourmum.Ist oodbyyou.
.
Musa:
That
'sdi
ff
erent
.
Me:
Isi
t?
Musa:
Iti
s.
Me:
Howso?
Musa: Shef
orcedmeintodoingsomethi
ngI
didn'
twanttodo.Whatdidyourmum do?Lov
e
you?
Me:youcanl
eav
e..
youthi
nkI'
m madeofst
eel
r
ight
?Youthi
nkIdonthur
t?
Musa:
Idi
dntsayt
hat
.
Me:Youcanl eaveMusa.Takeev
ery
t hi
ngyou
haveandleave.Youmarri
edmymot hernotme
ri
ght?Leave.
Musa:
Reat
hat
's.
..
Me:
Leav
e.

Hegotupandpackedwhatheneededt
o

Me:nowyoucancomebackherewhenyou'
ve
l
earntt
osupportyourwi
feandr
eal
i
zedt
hatI'
m
notmadeofsteel
.

Hetookhi
scarkey sandleft.Tohel
lwithhim!I
wenttot
akeabat hthensleptaft
erwards.Went
t
oschoolthenextdayandgotacal lfr
om
Bongatomeetupforl
unch.Wasr
esi
stantat
fi
rstbutf
igur
edwhyNot.

Bonga:
Andt
henwena?
Me:
Huh?
Bonga:
keng?

HewastheBongaIknewormay
behewas
pr
etendi
ngbutIcoul
dn'
ttel
l
.

Me:
Huh?
Bonga:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Ohsor
ry.
.
Bonga:
Whati
sit
?

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Bonga:
Okayi
tsbad.
Me:
iti
s.
Bonga:
What
'si
t?
Me:
Somum'
snotmymum.
Bonga:
What
?
Me:Sother
e'st
hisl
adyt
hatcamet
othelodge
onSat
urdayandsai
dshe'
sourmot
her.
Bonga;
Tshegoi
sal
sonoty
ourmum'
sdaught
er?
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
Thatmusthur
t.
Me:
Itdoes.
Bonga:
Whydi
dtheykeept
hisf
rom y
ou?

It
oldhi
m.

Bonga:
Butshei
sst
il
lyourmot
her
.
Me:
Yousay
?
Bonga:
Yes.Andy
oushoul
dn'
thav
esai
dthatt
o
her
.
Me:
Youal
sot
aki
nghersi
de?
Bonga:Noy ouknowIwoul dnev erdo
that
..
li
stentowhatI'm say
ing.
..Yousupposeto
hurt
,yousupposet ocryandbeangr ybutyou
can'
tturnyourbackonsomeonewho' shadit
for23years.ShelovedyouandsheSt il
ldoes.
Justaskherforsomet imethengi v
eitsome
ti
me.

Ikeptqui
et.

Bonga:
for
giv
ehert
hough.
Me:
Icanonl
ytr
y.
Bonga;
She'
stheonl
ymot
hery
ou'
veknown
Me:
That
'st
ruebut
..
.
Bonga:Talkt
oherandaskforsometi
me.
Nothi
nghastochangethough.Youcandeci
de
whetheryouwanty
ournewmot heri
nyourli
fe
ornot.

Il
aughed.

Me:
IDon'
tev
ent
hinkabouther
.
Bonga;
Youwontbutshe'
sback
Me:
Iknow.

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Bonga:
you'
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
Yout
hink?
Bonga:
Yes.Tr
ustme.
.canYoueaty
ourf
ood
now?
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Bonga:
how'
sTshegot
aki
ngi
t?
Me:
Youknowher
.
Bonga:
Taki
ngi
tasi
tcomes?
Me:
Yessi
r.
Bonga:y
ouneedt okeepcal
mthough.Fort
he
sakeofthatchi
l
d
Me:
Yousoundl
i
keTshego.
Bonga:
thenI
'
m Ri
ght
.

Wehadlunchandwel ef
t.Ihadt
ogot
o
Tshego'
sworkpl
ace.

Tshego:
Didy
oueatAny
thi
ng?
Me:
justhadl
unchwi
thBonga?
Tshego;
Ever
ythi
ngi
sbackt
onor
mal
now?
Me:
wet
ryi
ng.
Tshego:
Thatmusthav
ebeendi
ff
icul
t.
Me:
Itwasn'
ttoday
Tshego:
Yout
wodeci
dedt
obeadul
tsabouti
t?
Me:
Yeswedi
d.Youspoket
omum?
Tshego:
Idi
d.Thi
smor
ning.
Me;
And?
Tshego:
Shesoundsdev
ast
ated.
Me:
oh.
Tshego:
Thi
nkweshoul
dgoseeHer
.
Me:
Ijustwantt
obeal
onef
orawhi
l
e.
Tshego:
Under
standabl
e.
Me:
soMusamov
edout
.
Tshego:
What
?
Me:
Het
ookhi
smot
heri
nlaw'
ssi
de.

Shegi
ggl
ed.
Me:
ohandheknew.
Tshego:
What
?
Me:
Yep.
Tshego:
Wow.
Me:
hesai
ditwasn'
thi
ssecr
ett
otel
l
.
Tshego:
He'
sri
ght
.
Me:
Iguess.
Tshego:sohe'
smadaty
oucozy
ouwon'
t
for
givemum?
Me: l
ook,Idon'
tneedt
of or
givemum.I '
mjust
hurtsohe'smadatthefactthatIdon'
twantt
o
tal
ktohery et
.
Tshego:Maybehedoesn'
twanty
outomessup
yourrel
ati
onshi
pwi
thmum coshisi
s.
Me:
Doesn'
tmatt
er.He'
ssupposet
osuppor
t
menotmoveout
.
Tshego:
May behecouldn'
tkeepupwithyour
dramaanymore.Youtendtoover
reactand
becomeirr
ati
onalatt
imes.
Me:
Real
l
y?

Shenodded

Me:
ser
iousl
y?

Shegi
ggl
ed.
.

Tshego:
Iwoul
dnev
erl
i
etoy
ou
Me:
May
beIdi
dov
err
eact
.
Tshego:
Yesandy
ouwer
eir
rat
ional
?
Me:No.No.I
'
mjustdeal
i
ngwi
tht
hist
heonl
y
wayIknowhow.
Tshego:
Okaywe'
l
llety
oube
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Tshego:
Pleasur
e
Me:
Ineedt
ogosl
eepnow.
Tshego:
no.GoseeTshepo.
Me:
Why
?
Tshego:cozhecal
l
edmeandsaidheneedst
o
seeyoucozYounotanswer
ingy
ourot
her
phone.
Me:
OhIl
efti
tathome.
Tshego:
Goseehi
m.
Me:
wel
lIdonthav
eachoi
ce.
Tshego:
yesy
oudon'
t.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
Tshego:
dot
hat
..
exer
cise.
Me:
Forwhat
?
Tshego:
Youneedt
obeact
ive.
Me:
Tshegoby
e.
Tshego:
Okayby
e.

Ihuggedher

Tshego:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oosos.
Tshego:
Takecar
e.
Me:
Yout
oo.
Tshego:
Andtr
ytober
ati
onal
.Musacanonl
y
takesomuch.
Me:Nah.He'
ll
comebackwhenher
eal
i
zeshe
waswrong.
Tshego:
Youar
esost
ubbor
n
Me:
Ithel
ps.
Tshego:
OkayReaby
e..
.y
ou'
l
lgetmef
ir
ed
Me:
Okaysor
ryby
e
Tshego;
bye
Idr
ovet
oTshepo'
s.

Tshepo:
Ihav
ebeencal
l
ing.
Me:
IknowI
'
m sor
ry.
Tshepo;
hear
dthewomant
hatgav
ebi
rt
htoy
ou
andTshegoi
sback.
Me:
Youknowaboutt
hat
?
Tshepo:
I'
veal
way
sknown
Me:
Youhav
e?
Tshepo:
Yes.
Me:
Tshepobut
..
.
Tshepo:
Buti
twasntmypl
acecuz.

Ikeptqui
et.
Tshepo:
dontbemad.
Me:
I'
m not
.
Tshepo:
andy
oubet
ternotchangeaker
e?
Me:
Sor
ry?
Tshepo:
dontnegl
ecty
ourmum now.
.
Me:
butTshepo.
..
Tshepo:yout
endt
olosey
ourmi
ndwheny
ou
hurt
ing.
.
Me:Okay
..
.Tshegosai
dYouwer
elooki
ngf
or
Me
Tshepo:
Iwant
edt
ocheckony
ou.
Me:
oht
hankscuz
Tshepo:
Andy
ourpar
tywasv
eryni
ce
Me:wel
lthanky
oubutal
lcr
edi
tgoest
othe
aunt
.
Tshepo:
Okayokayy
es.
Me:
Ispoket
oEl
l
a.
Hesi
ghed.

Me:
She.
..
Tshepo:
no.
.don'
ttel
lmeaboutEl
l
a.
Me:
Okay
.
Tshepo:
accompanyMet
othemal
l
,Isawsome
ki
cks.

Ispent3daysgoi
ngtoschool,st
udyi
ngand
sl
eeping.Myphonewasofftheenti
retime.
Musacamet ocheckonmebutf oundalldoor
s
l
ockedandIdidn'
topenupforhim.IhadsureI
l
eftthekeysi
nbothdoorssohewoul dntbe
abletousehi
s.Onthefour
thday,ataround
17:00,
ther
ewasaknock.

Me:
CanIbel
eftal
one?
Theper
sonknockedagai
n.Ist
oodupangr
il
yto
gogeti
t.

Me:OhMyGod!CanGodj ustt
akeme!
?Whati
s
t
his?Ser
iousl
y?whatdoy
ouwant?

If
eltt
est
ed.
..
honest
ly

Nomazol
a:my..
..
wel
lourmotheri
nlawsai
dI
shoul
dcomehereandhelpy
ouwiththe
weddi
ngarr
angements.
[
06/
15,
07:
09]W:
POTG
#39

Me:
Excuseme?
Noma:
Youhear
dme.
Me:youbet
tergobackt
oWher
eyoucome
f
rom
Noma:
Att
hishour
?It
s18:
30
Me:
Flyt
her
ethen.
Noma:
ReaI'
mjusther
etohel
p.I
'
vebeensent
bymymot
herinl
aw.

Honest
ly,
Ihadnost
rengt
hforher
.

Me:Idon't
..
.Look,
y ounotsl
eepi
nginhere.
There'
salit
tl
ehutjustbehi
ndthi
shouse.Just
gotherepl
ease.
Noma:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Me;Beoutofmyhai
rtomor
row.Iwanty
ou
gone.
Noma:
Wher
e'sMusa?
Me:CanYoupleasego..
I'
l
lor
dersomepi
zzaf
or
yousoyoudon'
tsleeponanemptyst
omach.
Noma:
Okay
Me;
okayby
e

IwasInamood.Thenauseahadmet heenti
re
day.Myfeetwereswoll
en,
Iwascomingdown
wit
hacol dandIcoul
dn'
teventakemeds.Ihad
beendri
nkingwarm wat
ersincemor
ningcozI
di
dn'tev
enknowwhatt odri
nk

Noma:
Butwher
e's.
..
Me:YhoNomazola!Youar
eworki
ngonmy
ner
ves!Idon'
tev
enwantyouher
e.

Shemadeherwayt ot
hehutShe'
dfigur
eitout
.
Event
uall
y.Iorder
edherpi
zzaandtookitt
oher
whenitarr
ived.

Me:
doy
ouneedmor
ebl
anket
s?
Noma:t
hesear
efi
net
hanky
ou.Whyar
eyouso
ki
nd?
Me: Someofuscomef rom ni
cehomes.Homes
thatteachki
ndness.Homest hatt
eachhowone
shouldhavehospit
ali
ty.TLC.

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
Enj
oyy
ourpi
zza.Idi
dn'
tpoi
soni
t.
.

Iwentbackt
othehouseandfoundMusa
si
tt
ingonthecouch.Hegav
emeaf ri
ght
.
Musa:
MrsMabasahowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Musa:
Youdon'
tl
ookf
ine.
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Musa:
Thi
sismyhouseaswel
l
.
Me:
youher
etof
etchasecondbag?
Musa:
No
Me:
okay
.Wel
lgoodni
ght
.

Iwasi
nnomoodf
oranot
herMusaAndRea
ar
gument
.

Musa:
Rea.
.

Ist
opped.

Me:Musa,I
'
m havi
ngmoodswings,
thenausea
i
sannoyi
ngthel
iv
ingl
i
ghtoutofme..
.pl
ease!
Musa:
I'
m nother
etof
ight
.
Me:
Then?
Musa:
I'
m her
etocheckony
ou.
Me:
MusaIsai
dI'
mfi
ne.
Musa:
Whyy
oushout
ing?
Me:CozI'
mtel
li
ngy
ouIwantt
ogot osl
eepand
youher
ekeepi
ngmefr
om r
est
ing.
Musa:
Cany
ousi
tdown?

Idi
d.

Musa:
look,
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
For
?
Musa:
Forr
ushi
ngy
ou.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Reacomeonpl
ease.
Me:
whatam Isupposet
osay
?
Musa:Iam sorr
ybabyl ook,
Idontwanty
outo
rui
ntherel
ati
onshipyouhav ewit
hYourmum.
Youtendtobeirrat
ionalatt
imes.
Me:
OkayMusa.
Musa:
Your
eal
l
ydontwantt
otal
kdoy
ou?
Me:
I'
dreal
l
yli
ket
osl
eep.
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:
goodni
ght
.Lockt
hedoor
sony
ourwayout

Iwentt obedandslept.WhenIwokeupat
around2am t ogetwater,ther
ewaslight
comi ngfr
om thelounge.TheTVwasonand
Musawasf astasl
eepont hecouch.Iswi
tched
i
tof fandwokehi m up.

Me:
Comet
obed.

Il
efthimther
esti
llget
tingupfr
om thecouch.
Minutesl
ater
,hecamet obed.Usual
lyI
'dwrap
myselfar
oundhim butIfacedt
heothersi
de.

Musa:
Rea?
Me:
Musa?
Musa:
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ry
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Canwet
alk?
Me:
at2am?
Musa:
Please.
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Musa:Iwasnttr
yingt
orushyoubutyouwere
ver
yharshtoyourmotherdonty
outhink?I
wentt
oseeherandshei smiser
abl
e..
Me:GoodtoknowthatI
'
m nott
heonl
yone
who'
smiserabl
e.
Musa:
Babycomeon.

Ikeptqui
et

Musa:
takey
ourt
imeokay
?Butpl
easef
orgi
ve
her
.
Me:
Pleasef
orgi
vey
ourmot
her
.
Musa:
Honest
lyIgotov
ert
hatwhenIf
oundy
ou
Me:
Then?
Musa:
I'
mfi
newi
thhernotbei
ngi
nmyl
i
fe.
Me:
Ilov
emymot
her
.
Musa;
Iknowy
oudo.
Me:andIwasnev ermadatt
hefactthatshe'
s
notmymother.Justmadatt
hefactthatshe
di
dn'
ttel
lUsandwehadt oheari
tfrom
someoneel
se.
Musa:
Who'
syourmot
her
.
Me:
sheonl
ygav
ebi
rt
htome.

Hekeptqui
et.

Musa:
Andi
fshewant
stohav
ear
elat
ionshi
p
wi
thy
ou.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
Ireal
l
ydontknow.
Musa:
That
'sokay
.
Me:
I'
ll
got
alkt
omum l
atert
oday
.
Musa:
Pleasedo.
Me:
Yougoi
ngt
owor
k?
Musa:
Ihav
etosi
tinon3pr
esent
ati
ons.

Hewasannoy
edwhenhesai
dthat
.Imanaged
t
ogiggl
e.

Me:Ithi
nkthat
spar
tofy
ourdescr
ipt
ion
busi
nessman.
Musa:
Iwi
shi
twasn'
t.
Me:
You'
l
lhav
etobest
rong.
Musa:
Ihav
enochoi
ce.
Me:
SoIhav
etot
ell
yousomet
hing.
Musa:
Okayy
ou'
vechangedy
ourweddi
ngdr
ess?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Me:
Promi
sey
ou'
l
lst
ayi
nbed.
Musa:
Reat
alkt
ome.
Me;
Nomazol
aIsher
e.

Thesi
del
ampcameoni
naspl
i
tsecond.

Musa:
what
?
Me:
Cal
m down.
Musa:
Her
ewher
e?
Me:
Int
hehut
.
Musa:
WhatI
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Yourmothersentherher
etohel
pMewi
th
t
heweddi
ngpreps.
Musa:Theny
ouexpectmet ohavethatki
ndof
per
soninmyli
fe.Sheneedstol
eave.
Me:
She'
l
lleav
e..
Musa:
Whydi
dyoul
etherst
ay?
Me;Cozi
tWasl
ateandIhadnost
rengt
hto
f
ight
.
Musa:
Sheneedst
oleav
e.
Me:
shewi
l
l.
.cany
oucal
m downnow?
Musa:
fine.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Musa:whatdoIhav
etodot
ogett
hesepeopl
e
of
fourbacks?
Me:
Itwi
l
lbef
ine.
Musa;
Yousay
?
Me:
Lif
eal
way
swor
ksi
tsel
fout
Musa:
forhersakei
tshoul
d..
I'
m about5t
o
commit
ti
ngacr i
me.
Me:
Justsl
eep.
Musa:
Youdon'
twantt
owr
apy
our
sel
far
ound
me?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
I'
m st
il
lmadat
..
.

Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m.

Musa:
Staymadbaby
..

Iwrappedmy sel
far
oundhim andf
inal
l
yslept
again.Thenextmor
ning,
hewenttowor kand
whenIwokeupat7am,
Nomawassweepi
ng
out
side.

Me:
youdon'
tthi
nky
oumaki
ngnoi
se?
Noma:
I'
mjustsweepi
ng.
.Yousl
eept
il
lthi
slat
e?
Me:
Wear
eal
l
owedt
o..
Noma:
I'
ll
comeandcl
eant
hehouse.
Me; ohnoDar
li
ng,
noonecl
eansmyhouse
exceptme.

Ihadf
ir
edt
hehel
pert
hatMusahi
red.

Noma:
But
..
.
Me;
Buty
ouneedt
oleav
e.
Noma;I
'm st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ort
hem t
osendme
money
..
Me:
I'
ll
beki
ndenought
ogi
vey
out
hatmoney
cozmyhusbandandIdontwantyouher
e.The
nextt
axi
leav
esat14:
00or15:00

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:Sogetreadyi
nt hemeanti
me.I
'
llbeki
nd
enoughtonotst
arveyou.I
'
llmakeyou
somethi
ngtoeat.

Il
efthert
here,wentt
obathandmadef
ood.20
minutesl
ater
,Tshegoknocked.

Me:
heysi
ssy
.
Tshego:hey.Gott
hedayof
fsot
houghtwhynot
spenditwit
ht hel
i
lsi
s.
Me:
Sohappyt
oseey
ou.
Tshego:
Youhav
eanewhel
per
?
Me:
Nope.That
'st
he"
fi
rstwi
fe"
Tshego;
Yho.
Me:
Iknow.
Tshego:
letmehel
pyou.Si
tdown.

Ilethert
akeoverandwehadourbr eakfastwit
h
Nomawhol i
stenedt oourcrazytalkandwas
confusedhalfofthetime.Ataround11, It
old
TshegothatIneededt ogot othemal lquickl
y
togogetaf ewt hi
ngsandshesai dshe'dkeep
aney eonNoma.Shewasn' ttobet rust
ed.I
spentabout30mi nutesthereandwhenIgot
backTshegowasal one.

Me:
Wher
e'smysi
sterwi
fe?
Tshego;
Gone.
Me:
ToMpumal
anga?
Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:Nope.Yourcousi
ncamehereand
whisper
edsweetnothingstot
hepoorgi
rlnow
she'
sgone.
Me:
wai
t.
..Tshepocameher
e?
Tshego:Yes.Togi
veyouthatUSB,
sai
dyou
askedformov i
esafewweeksago.
Me:
Ohy
es.
Tshego:
soi
tsat
radeofgoodst
hing.

Il
aughed

Me:
Tshego!He'
sal
way
swant
edher
Tshego:youknowhe'
sagogett
er.Thatpoor
gi
rl
'sgone!Tshepoj
ustsav
edt
hedaysi s.
[
06/
15,
07:
09]W:
POTG
#40

Il
aughed.

Me:
Tshepoi
ssomet
hingel
se.
Tshego:
lethi
m be.
.t
hatgi
rlneedssome.
Me:
Iguessshedoes.
Tshego:
Youj
ustr
elax.Toobady
oucan'
tdr
ink
wine.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
.Sot
ell
mei
smum atwor
k?
Tshego:
Nope.
Me:
Canwegot
her
e?
Tshego:
Yeswecan.
.

Ipackedwhat
everIboughti
nandwedr
ove
ther
e.
Me:
isGl
ori
ather
e?
Tshego:
Lastt
imeIchecked.
Me:
oh.
Tshego:
Youdontwantt
oseeher
?
Me:
Nope.
Tshego;
why
?
Me:
Idontwantar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
.
Tshego:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Yep.I'
m onl
ygoi
ngt
her
etof
ixt
hingswi
th
mymother
.
Tshego:
Final
l
ygotbackt
oyoursenses.
Me:
Idi
d.
Tshego:
Iwonder
..
Me:
Musa.
Tshego:
Justhi
m?
Me;
yesj
usthi
m.
Igi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Musai
slov
ed.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Hemakessensesomet
imes.
Tshego:
No.Heal
way
smakessense.Yougota
wiseguy.
Me:
Idi
d.Sohow'
sRi
char
ddoi
ng?
Tshego:
Hewant
stomar
ryme.
Me:
That
'sgood.
Tshego:
Yout
hink?
Me:
Yes.Youdon'
tthi
nki
tis?
Tshego:
I'
m ov
erRi
char
d
Me:
Eh!
Tshego:
Im ser
ious.
.
Me:
Whatar
en'
tyout
ell
i
ngme?
Tshego:
ThatImetanewguy
Me:
Mygoodness!What
?
Tshego:
Yep.
Me:
When?
Tshego:
Afewweeksago
Me:
Wher
e?How?Why
?What
?DoIknowhi
m?

Shel
aughed.
.

Tshego:
onequest
ionatat
ime.Wemetatwor
k.
Me:
Youwor
kwi
thhi
m?
Tshego:
No.Hecamet
ogetmeds.
.
Me:
oh
Tshego:Hegavemehi
scardandwhenI
knockedoff
,If
oundhi
m wai
ti
ngformeout
side.
Me:
Yougoboy
!

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
He'
samannotaboy
..
Me:
What
'shi
sname?
Tshego:
Bokang.
Me:
from?
Tshego:
Prot
ea
Me:
KoSowet
o?
Tshego:
Yes.
Me:
All
thewayf
rom t
heEastRandt
oSowet
o.
Tshego:
yesMa'
am.
Me:
Whatdoeshedo?
Tshego:
He'
saf
inanci
aladv
isor
.
Me:
Sowhatwaswr
ongwi
thhi
m?
Tshego:
Somanyquest
ions.
Me:
I'
m aski
ng.
Tshego:
Chestpai
ns.
Me: hehadhi
shear
tbr
okeni
taf
fect
edhi
s
chest?

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
okayI
'
m done.
Me:
I'
m Justaski
ng
Tshego:hewashear
tbrokenyesbutt
hatwasn'
t
thecauseoft
hechestpains.
.
Me:
okaysogoon.
Tshego:
Ispentt
heni
ghtathi
spl
ace
Me:
When?
Tshego:
Yest
erday
.
Me:
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?
Tshego:
He'
samazi
ng.
..

Shehadst
arsI
nherey
es.

Me:
Didy
out
ell
Richar
d?
Tshego:
no.
Me:
Youshoul
d.
Tshego:
I'
ll
justkeepmydi
stance.
Me:
Not
hatwon'
twor
k.Justt
ell
him.
Tshego:
Yout
hinkso?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:
Idontwantt
obr
eakhi
shear
t.
Me: Ohtr
ustmey
ouwi
l
l.Whenhef
indsouty
ou
cheati
ng.
Tshego:
I'
m notcheat
ing.
.
Me:Wellhe'
llbehear
tbr
okenwhenhef
indsout
youunf
aithf
ul
Tshego:
That
'st
hesamet
hing.
.
Me:
Youwantmet
omakei
tlookni
ceaker
e?
Tshego:
sil
l
ygi
rl
.
Me:
justt
ell
him.
Tshego:
Okay
.
Me:
OrIwi
l
l.
Tshego:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Me:
Iwoul
d.
Tshego:
Fine!
Me:
dot
heRi
ghtt
hing.
Tshego:
yesReabi
l
we!
Me:
Iknowbet
ter
.
Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
Ofcour seyoudo.Youwereonce
chokedforcheati
ngbythatPr
inceguyofyour
s.
Me:
Don'
tremi
ndme.
Tshego:
Wher
eishe?
Me:
hehasachi
l
dnow.
Tshego:
hel
ovedy
out
hough.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tev
enl
ovehi
m.
Tshego:You'v
enev
erl
ovedanyofy
our
boyfr
iends.
Me:
yes.Il
ovemyhusbandt
hough.
.Ver
ymuch.
.

Justt
henmyphoner
ang.

Me:
Speakoft
heAngel
.
Shel
ookedatMeandgi
ggl
ed.

Me:
MrLeor
nado.
Musa:
MsKel
l
y.Howar
eyouma'
am?
Me:
Iam f
ine.Howar
eyouSi
r?
Musa:Iam f
ine.How'
sthel
i
ttl
echampt
reat
ing
yout
oday?
Me:
he'
sbehav
ing.
Musa:
that
sgood.Youdr
ivi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
Yes.TshegoandIar
egoi
ngt
omum'
s.
Musa:Okaythat'
sgoodt
ohear
.IsNomazol
a
outofourhouse?
Me:
yesshei
s.
Musa:
great
.Youhadsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
yessi
r.
Musa:
That'sgoodMsKel
ly
.Iwasgoi
ngt
o
comether
eandf eedy
oumysel
f.
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Noneedt
o.
Musa:Okaythenmyl
ove.I
'
llcal
lyoui
nanhour
orsookay?
Me:
Okaybaby
.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Ihungup.

Tshego:
yout
woar
ecut
e.
Me:
Weknow.
Tshego:
Hai
Voet
sek.
Me:Whenam Imeeti
ngt
henewbr
otheri
nlaw?
Ihopehe'
snotbor
ing
Tshego:
What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?

Shewasgi
ggl
i
ng.

Me: I
tmeansRichar
disbori
ng.Howdidyou
keepupwithhisdul
lper
sonal
it
y..Youguy
s
probabl
ypray
edbeforeandaft
er..
..
Tshego:
Shutup!
Me:
sex!Isai
dit

Welaughedaboutthi
sandthatt
il
lwegothome.
Mum wasv er
yhappytoseeme,Irani
ntoher
ar
mst heminuteIsawher
.

Mum:
I'
m sosor
rybaby
..
Me:Metoomama.I
'
m deepl
ysor
ry.Pl
ease
f
orgi
veme.
Mum:
youdon'
thav
etoapol
ogi
ze
Me:
Ishoul
dn'
thav
esai
d..
.
Mum:
Iknowy
oudi
dn'
tmeani
t.

Itf
eltsogoodt
obewi
thher
.Gl
ori
awasl
ooki
ng
atus.

Me:
Dumel
ang.
Gl
ori
a:Hel
l
oRea

It
urnedmyey
esbackt
omymum.

Me:mama,t
hisdoesn'
tchangeany
thi
ng.You
t
heonlymot
herI'
veknownandIloveyouso
much
Mum:
Ilov
eyout
oobaby
.
Me:
Andal
so,
I'
m comi
ngdownwi
thacol
d.I
don'
tknowwhatt
odr
ink.

SheandTshegol
aughed.Gl
ori
awassmi
l
ing.

Mum:
Ginger
,I'
l
lmakesomef
ory
ou.
Me:
Thanky
ouma
Mum:
Yout
wohadsomet
hingt
oeat
?
TshegoandI
:Nope.

Onlycozshehadcookedpor
ri
dgeanditwas
thebest
.Wewouldeatitf
orbreakf
ast
,lunch
andsupper.

Mum:
Iknowy
oul
yi
ngbutdi
shupRea.

Igotupanddi
shedup.
Mum:
How'
sMusadoi
ng?
Me:
he'
sokay
.
Mum:
Andhow'
syournewboy
fri
enddoi
ng?

TshegoandIl
ookedateachot
her
.Whatdi
dn'
t
sheknow!

Mum:Iknowaboutyournewboyf
ri
end.Hear
d
yout
alki
ngt
ohim onthephoneafewdaysago.
Tshego:
He'
sokayma.
Mum:
Tshegof
atsowher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ght
?
Tshego:
Iwasher
ema.
Mum:
Wher
e?
Tshego:
Her
eathome.
Me:
She'
sly
ing.
Mum:
Iknowshei
s.Youcohabi
ti
ng?
Tshego:
mum no!
Mum:
Iwantt
oseehi
m
Tshego:
Pleasedon'
tscar
ehi
m away
.
Me:
Am Ii
nvi
tedt
othemi
dni
ghtpr
ayer
?

Thet
hreeofuslaughed.Gl
ori
aexcusedher
self
fr
om usandwespentt her
estoft
hedaywith
mum.WhenIwentback, If
oundTshepowit
h
Nomainhiscar
.

Me:
ohhel
l
o.
Tshepo:
hey
.Wecamet
ogetherbags.
.
Me:
Herbags?
Noma:
Yes.
Me:Youwontat
axi
now.Ar
eyout
aki
ngher
home?
Tshepo:
yes.
Me:
Youneedt
ost
artwor
kingt
omor
row
Tshepo.Youf
orgotabouty
ournewj
ob?
Tshepo:
Youst
art
ingt
osoundLi
keamot
her
now.
Me:
Wel
lDuh!
Noma:
NoRea,

Shesmi
l
edatTshepot
henl
ookedbackatme.

Noma:IfNomasontocomesherelookingfor
me,tel
lhery
oudon'tknowwhereIam.I '
m not
goi
ngbacktoMpumal anga.I
'
vedecidedtostay
her
ewithTshepo.
Tshepo:
Yournewl
yfoundhappi
ness.
.Tel
lher
myNomaZo.

Shesmil
edagai
n.Thatwasqui
ckert
hant
he
wordi
tsel
f.
Noma: I
'm gl
ady oucameintoMusa'slif
e.He
l
ovesyou.AndI '
m gladyoucamei nt
omyl i
fe,
I
'v
efinall
yfoundmyhappi ness.Don'
tletMusa'
s
mum close..
.She'spoi
son.
[
06/
15,
07:
09]W:
POTG
#41

Me:
Ohokay
.

Iwasst
il
ltr
yingt
oletI
tsi
nki
n.

Noma:
Thanksf
ory
ourhospi
tal
i
ty.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
Noma:
Bye.
Tshepo:
Lat
erCuz
.Let
'sgomyNomaZo.

Heopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m andshewentI
n.
Af
terhecl
osedt
hedoorandcamet
ome.

Tshepo:
thanky
ou!
Me:
Forwhat
?
Tshepo;
Forbr
ingi
nghert
ome.
Me:
Oh.
Tshepo:
Im goi
ngt
owi
feher
.
Me:
youar
e?
Tshepo:
yesby
e.
Me:
ByeCuz.
Tshepo:
List
en,
Ineedy
out
akehershoppi
ng
okay?
Me:
me?
Tshepo:
Please
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Tshepo:
Thanks.I
'
llsendy
out
hemoney
.
Me:
cool
.
Tshepo:
Shar
p.
Me:
ByeIneedt
osl
eep.

Ihuggedhi
m andtheyleft
.IWentt
osl
eepand
wokeupataround16:00.Musawaschangi
ng
i
ntosomethi
ngcomf ort
able.

Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Heybaby
Me:
howar
eyoumyl
ove?
Musa:
I'
m okay
.Yousl
eepal
ott
heseday
s.
Me:
I'
m al
way
sti
red.
Musa:
byt
het
imey
ou7mont
hspr
egnant
..
.
Me:I
'
llbeasbi
gasanel
ephantandI
'
llsl
eepf
or
2day
sf l
at
Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
YouSeem abi
tli
ght
ert
oday
.
Me:
Iam.
Musa:
Itakei
tyoumadepeacewi
thmum?

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Idi
d.Ineedt
ogobr
ushmyt
eet
h.
Musa:
okaydot
hat
.

Iwentt
odot
hatt
henf
oundhi
mint
heki
tchen.

Me:
doesmycooki
ngst
il
lsuck?
Musa:
Nope
Me:
Youal
way
scooki
ng
Musa:
Cozy
oual
way
scl
eani
ng.
Me:
what
'
sthatsupposet
omean?
Musa:Dowhatyoulove.IdowhatIl
ove.It
old
youIf
indt
hist
herapeuti
c.
Me:
evert
houghtofopeni
ngar
est
aur
ant
?

Hel
ookedatme,
amusedIt
hink.

Musa:
Act
ual
l
yno.
..
Me:Youhav ewel
ltr
avel
l
ed,atedif
fer
entf
ood,
youl
ookupr eci
pesandacethatso
maybe.
..
justmaybe.
Musa:
That
'sagoodi
dea.
Me:oryoucanj
ustaddt
hoset
oyourl
ounge'
s
menu.
Musa:
Mmm.
..
Me:
mmm.
..
Whatt
ast
esni
ce?
Musa:
Ifeel
stupi
d.
Me:
Youshoul
d.
Musa:
Wowt
hankswi
fe.
Me:
Pleasur
ehusband.Launchi
t.
Musa:
Iwi
l
l.
Me:
Andy
ourdr
inks.
Musa:
Youl
ovet
hosedon'
tyou?
Me;Yes.Theyar
eni ce.Ory
oucanhav
e
f
ranchi
seofyourlounge
Musa:I'
vebeent
hinki
ngaboutt
hatact
ual
l
ybut
Idon'
tknowwho'l
lmanagethat

Hef
ixedey
esonme.

Me:
I'
m noti
nter
est
ed.

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Musa:
Your
eal
l
ywantnot
hingRi
ght
?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Youev
enwant
edapr
enup.
.
Me:Ex
act l
y!ToshowyouthatI
'
m notaf
teryour
money.Idontknowwhyyouforcedmeint
othis
50/
50thingofyours.

Hesi
ghed.

Musa:si
nceyouproposingall
thesei
deasdont
yout
hinkyoushoul
datleasthelpmanaget
hem?
Me;
Nope.
Musa:
Rea!
Me:
Musa!
Musa:
comeon.
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
You'
l
lhav
etoev
ent
ual
l
y.
Me:
nahIdon'
tthi
nkso.
Musa:
Fine.
Me:
Younotgonaskwher
eNomai
s?
Musa:
She'
snotmyconcer
n.
Me:
That
'shar
sh.
Musa:
Thet
rut
hishar
sh
Me:
I'
ll
justt
ell
youany
way
.

Hesi
ghedagai
n.

Me;
Hai
Musa!
Musa;
Fine,
wher
e'sy
our"
sist
erwi
fe?
"
Me:
Im wor
ri
edabouther
.

Nor
eal
l
yIwas.Thatwast
ooqui
ck.
Musa:
She'
sfi
neI
'
m sur
e.
Me:
She'
swi
thTshepo

Hel
aughed.

Musa:Tshepo'sal
way
swant
edachi
ckwho'
s
onthesl
owl ane.
Me:
Musa?
Musa:ImeanI'
m happyforher
.Thatmeans
shecanfi
nal
lybackoffandisf
reefr
om
Nomasonto'
sclaws.
Me:
Youdon'
tThi
nkt
heymov
ingt
oof
ast
?
Musa:
Nope.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
IsTshepohappy
?
Me:
youknowhowhei
s.
Musa:
Thengoodf
ort
hem baby
.
Me:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Musa:y
es.Shecanf
inal
lyhav
ear
elat
ionshi
p.
Notani
maginar
yhusband
Me:
Younotani
magi
nar
yhusband.
Musa:
Heyy
ouknowwhatImean.
Me:Ido.y
oul
ookv
eryf
inei
nThosesweat
shor
ts.
Musa:
Ilookgoodi
nany
thi
ng.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:
Andy
ouknowi
ttoo.

Icl
ear
ed.

Musa:Sincewecl eari
ngthroat
s..
.Igoty
ou
somethi
ngf orthatcol
dofy our
s.Ispoketot
he
gynaeandpr escr
ibedthese.
Hepassedmet
hemeds

Me:
thanky
ou.
Musa:
Husbanddut
iesr
ight
?
Me:
andy
ouhandl
i
ngt
hem wel
l
Musa:
Wet
ryMsKel
l
y.
Me:
Jobwel
ldoneMrLeor
nado.
Musa:
SoIwast
hinki
ng.
..
.

Hepaused.

Me:
youwantt
ogoonv
acat
ion?

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Musa:
Yes.Howdi
dyouknow?
Me:
I'
vebeenst
udy
ingy
ou.
Musa:
Whatdoy
ousay
?
Me:
Wel
lIneedi
t.
Musa:
AndIneedi
ttoo.
.
Me:
When?
Musa:
Thi
sweekend.
Me:
Musat
hat
'st
omor
row.
Musa:
Iknow.
Me:Buthow..
.yousneakyman!You'
veal
ready
bookedever
ythi
ng?
Musa;
Ourf
li
ghtl
eav
esat10.
Me:
to?
Musa;
SaoTomeandPr
inci
pei
slands
Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Musa:
Yesma'
am
Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutscr
eam.

Musa:
Pleasecal
m down.
Me;
butdon'
tweneedv
i.
..
Musa: That'ssorted.
.I'
vebeenplanni
ngthi
sfor
somet ime.Wej ustneedtogoforour
vacci
nationsf oryell
owfeverandMalari
ainthe
morningt henwegoodt ogo.
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hisbecause?
Musa:
BecauseIwant
edy
out
oscr
eam l
i
key
ou
di
dnow.
Me:
wow!
Musa:
Makesy
ouhappy
?
Me:
That
'sanunder
stat
ement
Musa:
bor
ntopl
easey
ou.
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou
Musa:youknowwher
eyouwantt
ogof
orour
honey
moon?
Me:
SãoTomé&Pr
ínci
pei
slands.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Weal
readygoi
ngt
her
e
Me:
Idon'
tknowbaby
.
Musa:
Afr
ica?
Me:
yes.It
oldy
ou.
..
it
sbeaut
if
ul.
Musa:
Okayt
henpl
easedeci
de.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Soon.
Musa:
Dot
hat
.Her
eyougo.
Hegavemet hel
i
ttl
ebookl
ett
hathad
ev
eryt
hingt
herewastoknowaboutt
hepl
ace.

Me:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
Musa:
Iknowri
ght?Iact
uall
ydidn'
tknowabout
t
hecount
ryt
il
lIsawitonyournotebook.
Me:Yousosneakyt
hough.Whatwer
eyou
l
ooki
ngfori
nmynot ebook?
Musa:
Youl
efti
topen.
Me:
Oh!
Musa:
Exact
ly.

Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.

Me:
I'
ll
geti
t.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Gl
ori
a:CanIcomei
n?
Me:
Yessur
e.

Shewasi
nav
erypr
ett
ydr
ess.Wedgesanda
ni
cebag.

Gl
ori
a:Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.Comet
hrough.

Shecamei
n.

Gl
ori
a:Beaut
if
ulhouse.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Baby
..
.
Musacamei
ntot
hel
ounge.

Me:
MeetMsGl
ori
a.Thi
sismyhusband,
Musa.

Sheshookhi
shand.

Musa:
Nicet
omeety
ouma'
am
Gl
ori
a:Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo.
Musa:
canIof
fery
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Gl
ori
a:Yespl
ease.
Musa:
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ke?
Gl
ori
a:Somer
edwi
newoul
dbeni
ce.

Ohokay
.

Musa:
okayMa'
am.
HewantedtolaughcozheknewIwouldwaitt
il
l
wegottobedandst ar
tcompl
aini
ngabouti
t.
HegotHerdrinkandIhel
dontohim sohe
coul
dn'
tleav
emeal onewit
hher.

Glori
a:Rea,IknowIdidn'
tr ai
seyoubutIwoul d
real
lyli
ketomendf ences.I'veal
readyspoken
toTshegoandshedoesn' tmi nd,Iwouldreal
l
y
l
ikeyout ocomeandv isi
tus. .
.myhusbandand
yourtwobrothersandsister.Gettoknoweach
other,
thisweekend.
Me:Unfor
tunat
ely,
myhusbandandIhav
e
al
readymadeplansofourown.
Glor
ia:
Ohgreatthen.I
'
llcal
ltheot
her
sandwe
canjoi
nyouguys.

Sheal
readyhadherphoneoutandwasdi
all
i
ng
someone..
.
Me:
Noy
ou.
..
Glori
a:Tshi
diDarl
i
ng,tel
lyourbrot
herst
oget
ready.Wehavingafamil
yholidaywit
hyourt
wo
sist
ers.
[
06/
15,
07:
10]W:
POTG
#42

MusaandIl
ookedateachot
her
.

Musa:
youhandl
ethi
s

Hesaidsof
tl
ythengotupandwentbackt
othe
ki
tchen.

Gl
ori
a:YesTshi
di.
..
Okay
.By
e
Shehungup.

Glori
a:SoyouandMusacant el
luswhichhotel
orlodgeyoubookedi
ntothenIcanpayforour
rooms.Whereyouguysgoing?Capetown?
Durban?
Me:
Nei
ther
.
Gl
ori
a:ohy
oust
ayi
ngi
n?
Me:
No.
Gl
ori
a:Reawhati
sit
?
Me:Wear
etr
avel
l
ingoutofthecount
ry.We
goi
ngt
oSaoTomeandPr i
ncipe.
Gl
ori
a:Wher
e'st
hat
?
Me:
Cent
ral
Afr
ica.
Gl
ori
a:Oh.
.
Me:Yes.Andwereal
l
yneedtospendt
ime
t
ogethersowenotavai
l
abl
ethi
sweekend.
.
Gl
ori
a:Iwasr
eal
l
yhopi
ngy
oucoul
dcome
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.LandIhav
epl
ansAl
ready
.
Gl
ori
a;Howaboutnextweekend?
Me:
Okay
.
Gl
ori
a:I
sthatf
ine?
Me:
yes.We'
l
ldr
ivedownt
o..
.
Gl
ori
a:Rust
enbur
g.
Me;
Yes.We'
l
ldoj
ustt
hat
Gl
ori
a:okayt
hen.
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Glor
ia:
Okayletmel
eav
ethen.I
'
m sur
eyout
wo
needtopack.
Me;
Wedo.
Gl
ori
a:Musa!

Hecame
Musa:
Yesma'
am.
.

Hi
shandwasal
readyonmywai
st.

Gl
ori
a:hav
efuni
nTopeandPr
inci
pal
Me:
SaoTomeandPr
inci
pe.

HepokedmeandIbi
tmyl
owerl
i
ptost
op
mysel
f.

Gl
ori
a:ohpar
donme.I
'
llseey
ounextweek
Musa:
what
'shappeni
ngnextweek?
Gl
ori
a:y
out
woar
ecomi
ngdownt
oRust
enbur
g.
Musa;
oh.Okaywel
l
,saf
etr
avel
sma.
Gl
ori
a:Yout
wo.I
'
llseey
ousoon.
Wewatchedashewalkedawayandwebot
h
si
ghedatthesamet
ime.

Musa:ohkay
!Gopackf
orTopeandPr
inci
pal
wi
lly
ou?

Il
aughed

Musa:
Yourmot
her
..
.Wow.
.
Me:
Icanonl
yimagi
nehowherki
dsar
e.
Musa:
may
bet
heyar
en'
tl
iket
his?
Me:
Yout
hink?
Musa;Somet
imest
heappl
efal
l
sfarf
rom i
t'
s
t
ree.
Me:
youdohav
eapoi
nt.
Musa:
sowegoi
ngt
oRust
enbur
g?.
Me:
yes.
Musa:
nor
estf
orus.
Me:
wewi
l
lrestbaby
.
Musa:
yout
hink?

Inodded.

Me:
We'
l
lhav
egetr
estf
ort
heweddi
ng
Musa:SeeI'
m notworri
edaboutme.I'
m
worr
iedaboutyou.Thatki
dist
iri
ngyouli
ke
cr
azy..
Me:
Iknow.I
'
llcope.
Musa:
Yousur
e?
Me:
I'
m sur
ebaby
.
Musa:
wedeal
i
ngwi
thhi
ghr
oll
ersnow?
Me;
YoumeanGl
ori
a?
Musa:
:
yes.
Me:
Wine?

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Thathadme.
Me:
Ithadmet
oo.
Musa:
Atl
easty
ouknowwhoy
oudeal
i
ngwi
th.
Me:
She'snott
hety
peI'
dli
ketodeal
wit
h.She'
s
t
oooverthet
opandfor
ward.
Musa:
That
'sherper
sonal
i
ty.
.
Me;
No.
Musa:
Ohy
ou'
veanal
yzedher
?
Me:shehasmoneyandIt
hinkshel
ooksdown
onpeopl
e.
Musa:
Rea.
..
Me:
tel
l
ingy
oumybaby
.
Musa:
youdonty
oubei
ngj
udgement
almay
be?
Me:
Bel
i
eveme

Hesl
owl
yshookhi
shead.

Me: She'
sprobabl
yanurseorwasat
eacher
andusesherpr of
essi
ontol
ookdownonother
s
orfeelsl
ikeshe'
sbett
er.
Musa:
Youknowshe'
syourmot
herr
ight
?
Me:
Nope.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Shegav
ebi
rt
htoy
ou
Me:
Yes.That
'sal
l
.
Musa:youknowyou'
l
lev
ent
ual
l
yhav
etogi
vei
n
andaccepther
.
Me:
DoI
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:Tshegowi
l
lcozshe'
stheaccept
ingone.
Notme
Musa:
youar
esomet
hingel
seIt
ell
you.
Me:I'
m okaywi
tht
hepeopl
einmylifebaby
.
Theseextr
asar
egoingt
obetroubl
esome
Musa:
'ext
ras?
'
Me:Okaythenewadditi
onswel
lexcl
udi
ngmy
chi
l
d.He'sablessi
ng.

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
We'v
eneverr
eal
l
yspokenabouty
our
cr
azymoment
.
Me:
whatcr
azymoment
?
Musa:
whenyouwentl
ooki
ngf
ordoct
orst
o
hel
pyou.
..
.
Il
aughed.

Me:
Idontknowwhatwashappeni
ng.
Musa:
Loosescr
ew?
Me:yes.Yousai
ditwasapsy
chol
ogi
cal
somethi
ng.

Hel
aughed.
.

Musa:
Wel
lwasi
t?
Me:
No.Iwasmadaty
ou
Musa:
Andy
out
ookoutonmyseed?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
poorchi
l
d.
Me:
cany
oupr
omi
semesomet
hing?
Musa:
yes?
Me:
Canwebel
i
ket
hisf
orev
er?
Musa:
happy
?
Me:
yes.
Musa:wecandothat
.Asl
ongaswedon'
tl
et
nobodycomebet
weenus.
Me:
thatcanbedone.
Musa:Thennot
hing'
sst
oppi
ngusf
rom bei
ng
happy
.
Me:andwel
eav
eyoursonbehi
ndwhenwe
t
rav
el.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
youar
eahor
ri
blepar
ent
.
Me:
noI
'
m not
.
Musa:
youev
erhear
doff
ami
l
yhol
i
day
s?
Me:
No.I
'
vehear
dofReaandMusahol
i
day
s.
Musa:
Ther
e'sat
hir
donecomi
ng
Me:andhe'
sexcluded.Mum wil
lbehappyto
baby
sit
.She'
l
lteachhim howtopreach,
the
commandments..
.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Cany
oupl
easegopack?
Me:
Youget
ti
ngr
idofme?
Musa:no.Iknowy ou.Iwanty
out
opack
ev
eryt
hingyou'l
lneed.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
youwantmet
opacky
ourbag
t
oo?
Musa:
Yespl
ease.

ForanhourIdi
dthat
.Ipackedev
ery
thi
ngIhad
toandasIwasdoi
ngt
hat
,Igotacal
lfr
om
Tshepo.

Me:
Tshepo
Tshepo:
I'
vesenty
out
hemoney
.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Tshepo:
whatt
imet
omor
row?
Me:
Nott
omor
row.
Tshepo:
Whynot
?
Me:MusaandIaregoi
ngsomewheretomor
row
soI
'l
lprobabl
ybef
reeonTuesdayor
Wednesday.
Tshepo:
okayokay
Me:
Ist
hatcool
?
Tshepo:
yesi
tis.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
ouwhenIgetback?
Tshepo:
Hav
efuni
nwhat
evercount
ryy
ougoi
ng
t
o.

Il
aughed.

Me:
ThanksT.
Tshepo:
Shar
p.Lov
eyouNe?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

MusaandIhadanamazi ngweekend. .I
twas
perfectIm ev er
y way,beautif
ulisland.Well
obviously,itwasgr eat.
funact i
vitiesaswell
.We
l
andedbackonMondayatar ound19: 00and
j
ustsl ept.Thenextday ,
hedi dn'tgot oworkbut
Ihadt ogot oclass.Ihadt wothi ngshappeni
ng
i
nt henextmont h.MyGr aduati
onandmy
weddi ng.Itwasexci ti
ng.
Musacal
l
edtotel
lmethathehadt
ogocheck
onsomet
hingatt
hel
ounge.Iwasv
eryhappy
whenmycl asswasov er
.Iwentstr
aighthome
andj
ustrestedmybodywhi l
ecatchingupona
fewmissedepisodesofWAGSi nbetweenIgot
acal
lfrom mysister
.

Me:
Andhowwasy
ourweekendkoRust
enbur
g?
Tshego:
Yho!
Me:
keng?
Tshego: i
twasnotmyki ndofscene.Your
mot heri
sadi vahey .Soshe'sloaded,theyare
welloff,y
oursisterisafinancialadvi
sorli
ke
Bokang, t
heonesoni saI Ttechnici
anandt he
otherstudiedengineeri
ngnotsur ewhich.

Igi
ggl
ed

Tshego:
Thedadi
sar
eti
redpi
l
ot.
.
Me:
Hebanna!
Tshego:
Andyourmot
heri
sar
eti
rednur
se.
Pensi
onfundout

Musawasgoi
ngt
ohav
etot
akehi
swor
dsback.

Tshego:
Icoul
dntwai
ttocomeback.
..

Ihear
daknock.

Me:
List
en,
letmecal
lyouback.Ther
e'saknock.
Tshego:
Hur
ry.

Ihungupandwentt
ogett
hedoor

Me:
ohHel
l
oma.
..
Igott
hehot
testsl
ap!

M'
smum:
"hel
l
oma"f
orwhat
?
Me:
Exc.
..
M'smum: Where'
sNomazola?I'
vebeencoming
heresi
nceFr
iday.Herphonei
soff.Wher
eis
she?

Ikeptqui
et.

M'smum:I'
vealway
sknowny
ou'
rewi
cked.You
ki
l
ledandburi
edherri
ght
?

[
06/
15,
07:
10]W:
POTG
#43

Me:
Pleasel
eav
emyhouse.
M'
smum:
wher
eisNoma?
Me:
Pleasel
eav
emyhouse.
M'
smum:
Thi
sismyson'
shouse.
Me:
pleasel
eav
emyhouse.
M'
smum:
Heywena.
..
Me:
Okayy
ouknowwhat
!St
ay

I
twassomet hi
ngIdidntwantt
odobuthad
to.
..
Ipushedheroutandl
ockedthedoor
.I
qui
cklytookmyphoneanddial
ledMusa.

Musa:
heybaby
.
Me:
yourmot
heri
sher
e.

Hehung.Idi
dn'
tev
encallhim back.I
nunder25
minut
eshewasparkedoutsi
de.Iopenedthe
doorwhenIsawhi
scar.
Musa:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
M'
smum:
Musa,
yourwi
fehasnomanner
s.
Musa: Yeah.It
oldhernott
oshowyouany
respectcozyoudontdeser
veit
.Whatar
eyou
doinghere?
M'
smum:
Musawenkosi
.
Musa:
Nomasont
o,whatdoy
ouwant
?
M'
smum;
Wher
e'sNomazol
a?
Musa:
Wher
eisshe?
M'
smum:
I'
m aski
ng.
Musa:
Wel
lsoam I
.
M'
smum;
Isentherher
e.
Musa:
Towho?
M'
smum;
Toy
ouandy
ourr
udewi
fe.
Musa:
okay
.Wel
lyoudi
dn'
ttel
lus.
M'
smum:
Mus.
..
Musa;
Leav
emypr
oper
tynow.
M'
smum:
Musa.
..
Musa:
Nomasont
o!

Itwashi
sdeepcommandi
ngv
oice.Shegotup
andtookherbag.

Musa:Anddon'
tyouev
ercomeher
ewi
tht
hat
at
ti
tudeofyour
s.
M'
smum:
youki
cki
ngy
ourownmot
herout
?
Musa:
Wher
eisshe?Pl
easeshowhert
ome.

Shel
ookedatme.

Musa:
Dontl
ookather
.Leav
e!

Shel
eft
.
Musa:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.

Hewassoangr
ysoIdi
dntev
ent
ell
him about
t
hesl
ap.

Musa:
Wantt
ocomewi
thmet
othel
ounge?
Me:
Younotdone?
Musa:
No.
Me:
I'
ll
stayher
eandcook.
Musa:
We'
l
lgooutf
ordi
nner
.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
wantt
ogochange?
Me:It
hinkweshoul
dtakeaqui
ckl
yshower
t
henwecango.
Wewenttotakeashowert
ogethert
henl
eft
.He
wasst
il
langrycozhewasqui
etallt
hewayto
t
hepub.

Musa:
Youwantt
ost
ayHer
eorwantt
ogot
o
t
heoff
ice?
Me:
Off
ice.
Musa:
Dri
nk?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
yousur
e?
Me:
Yep.
Musa:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
not
hing.
Musa:
Yousur
e?
Me:
Ithi
nkIneedwat
er.
Musa:
Okay
.Her
e.
Hepassedmehi
skey
s.

Musa:
I'
ll
asksomeonet
ogety
ouy
ourwat
er.
Me:
Okay
.

Itwasbusy
.Iwenttohisof
ficeanddeci
dedI'
d
addontohist
elephonebi
ll
soIdi al
l
edTshego
aft
ersomeonebroughtmywat er
.

Tshego:
Thatt
ookf
orev
er.
..
Me:
Iwasdeal
i
ngwi
thMusa'
smot
her
.
Tshego:
Whatdoesshewantnow?
Me:
Nomazol
a.
Tshego:
Didn'
tshegobackt
oMpumal
anga?
Me:
Nope.
Tshego:
She'
swi
thTshepo?
Me:
yes
Tshego:
OhmyGod!
Me:She'
sinl
ove.
.I
m supposet
ogoshoppi
ng
wi
thherTomorr
ow.
Tshego:
she'
sal
readyget
ti
ngAnupgr
ade?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:
Tshepodoesn'
twast
eti
medoeshe?
Me:
nope.
.y
ouwer
est
il
ltel
l
ingmeabouty
our
mot
her
.
Tshego:
Ohy
es.
..

Idi
dntwantt
otal
kaboutMusa'
smum.

Tshego:OkaysoIgett
her
e..
.Okaybeaut
if
ul
house.Nicecar
s.
Me:
theki
dsl
i
vet
her
e?
Tshego:
Yest
heydo.
Me:
Okay
.
Tshego:yourmothertakesmetomybedr oom,
okayImeett hehusbandandtheki
ds.The
hel
perisnott r
eat
edlikeaper
son.Theylook
downonher .
Me:
Idi
dsay
.
Tshego;shet
ell
smey outol
dheryounot
avai
labl
e.Wherewereyou?Sai
dyouwerein
TomeandPr i
ncipal
.

Il
aughed.

Me:
SaoTomeandPr
inci
pei
slands.
Tshego:
Youwer
eincent
ral
Afr
ica?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Me:
Iwasonl
ytol
dabouti
tonThur
sday
.
Tshego:nowondery
ourphonewasof
fthe
enti
reweekend.
Me:
yessi
s.goon
Tshego:
Baext
ranj
ebat
hobal
e.
Me:
Wesai
dwe'
dgot
her
eov
ert
heweekend.
Tshego:
Thi
sweekend?
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:
Ohnoy
oucan'
t.
Me:
Why
?
Tshego:
Becausey
oucan'
t
Me:
TshegoIpr
omi
sedher
.
Tshego:
You'
l
ljusthav
etocancel
Me:
Youhav
esomet
hingpl
anned?
Tshego:
Yes.
Me:
What
?
Tshego:
Wegoi
ngdownt
oMaf
ikeng.
Me:
For
?
Tshego:
Bokang'
ssi
steri
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Me:
Whosai
dIwantt
oGot
oaweddi
ng?
Tshego:
Me.
Me:
No.
Tshego:
Youdontwantt
ospendt
imewi
thme?
Me:
soImustbet
het
hir
dwheel
nna?
Tshego:
No.You'
l
lTel
lMusat
ocomewi
th.
Me:
Okay
.I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Tshego:
justCome.You'
l
lseeGl
ori
asomeot
her
ti
me.
Me:Okayactual
l
yyes.Si
ncey
ousai
dshe'
s
ext
raI
'drat
hernot.
.
Tshego:
Soy
ou'
l
ltal
ktoMusa?
Me:
Iwi
l
lyes.
Tshego:
Great
.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
oul
aterOkay
?
Tshego:
Okaysi
s.
Ihungupandwentt
hrought
hepi
ctur
esMusa
andItookov
ert
heweekend.

"
SoIf
oundav
enuef
or.
."

Me:
Hey
.
"hi
Rea.I
sMusaher
e?"
Me:
Nope.Youar
e?
"
Nel
i
...
Nel
i
siwe"
Me:
Ohhe'
snother
e.
Nel
i
:Iwor
kher
ebyt
heway

Igi
ggl
ed.Shehadheruni
for
m onsoIdi
dnt
under
standwhyshehadto.

Me:
Icant
ell
.
Nel
i
:ohI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Itsokay
.He'
spr
obabl
yint
heki
tchen.
Nel
i
:okayt
hanky
ou.
Me:
nopr
obl
em.
Nel
i
:Youbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
Me:
Soar
eyou.
Nel
i
:Thanky
ou.

Shelef
ttheof
fi
ceandIconti
nuedgoing
thr
oughourpi
ctur
es.Anhourl
aterhewasdone
andwewentfordinner
.

Me:SoTshegowant
sust
ogot
osome
weddi
ng.
Musa:
whoseweddi
ng?
Me:
Hersi
steri
nlawi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Musa:
Richar
dhasasi
ster
?
Me:
Nope.Shemetanewguy
.
Musa:
what
?Tshego?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
That
'sunbel
i
evabl
e
Me:Iknowr
ight
?Ifshe'
sinar
elat
ionshi
pshe'
s
i
nitfort
hel
ongrun.
Musa:
Sowher
e'st
hisweddi
ng?
Me:
Maf
ikeng.
Musa:
Andt
henRust
enbur
g?
Me:
Ohbyt
heway
..
..

It
oldherwhatTshegot
oldme.

Me:
I'
m agr
eatj
udgeofchar
act
er.
Musa:
Yout
ry.
Me:Iam.AndNel
i?Whatwasgoi
ngon
bet
weenyoutwo?
Musa:
Didshe.
..
Me:
No.I
tst
hewayshel
ookedatme.
Musa:
Okaysoshewasmyoneni
ghtst
and.
Me:
ohshewasMe
Musa:
No.
Me:
Yousl
eepwi
thal
lyourcust
omer
s?

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
No.I
m sl
eepi
ngwi
thone.You.
.
Me:
Thenhowdi
dyout
womeet
?
Musa:
atsomepar
tyIwentt
owi
thBongi
nkosi
.
Me:
andhowdi
dsheendupwor
kingf
ory
ou.
Musa:
Sheneededaj
obcozshehast
woki
ds.
Me:
Areanyoft
hem y
our
s?
Musa:no.Shealr
eadyhadt
hem beforeIgot
i
ntoherpantsandIusedpr
otect
ionI'
m not
st
upi
d.
Me:
Sowhat
'sherst
ory
?She'
sint
oyou?
Musa:
Nope.She'
smar
ri
ed.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Yesma'
am.Any
mor
equest
ions?
Me:
Nope.
.wecaneatnow?
Musa:
yeswecan.

Wehadourdi nnerandthenextday,Itook
Nomashopping.Shehadaskedmet ocallher
motherinl
awt othehouseafterTshepo
knockedof
f.IranitpastMusaandhewasokay
wit
hit.

M'smum:Soyouf
inal
l
yboughtherbackf
rom
t
hepeopl
eyousol
dherto?
Musa:St
opdi
srespect
ingmywi
fe.Youl
ucky
youi
nthi
shouse.
Shekeptquiet
..3mi
nutesl
atert
her
ewasa
knock.Iwentt
ogeti
t.Shegotupfr
om t
he
couchWhenshesawNoma.

M'
smum:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Noma;
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
M'
smum:
Nomazol
ayouar
eMusa'
swi
fe.
Noma; Notanymore.Musahasawife.
..Rea
andtheyareveryhappy.Whoam It
ostandIn
thei
rway?I'
m withHim now.
M'
smum:
Nomazol
a..
.
Noma:
Youcangot
ell
them athomeIdontcar
e.
M'
smum:
Youwi
tht
hisgoodf
ornot
hingboy
?

Shedi
dn'
tev
enknowhi
m

Me:
Don'
ttal
ktomy
..
.
Ahotsl apagai nonmyf ace.Befor
eIcoul dget
myheadup, thev aseonthecoffeetablewasin
pi
ecesandMusahadhi smum byt hecollarof
herdressagai nstthewall
.Herbackhi tvery
hard,
bef oreTshepocoul dgettohim,hehad
al
readydr oppedheront hefloor
.

Musa:I
m 5toki
ll
ingyou.5to.Dot
hatt
omy
wi
feagainandy
ou'l
ll
eaveinabodybag.
[
06/
15,
07:
11]W:
POTG
#43

Iputonmyshoeandst ar
redatmysel
f.
.Thi
s
wasit,
graduat
ed,
pregnantandsoontowal
k
downtheaisl
e.

Tshego:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
El
l
a:Ver
ybeaut
if
ul.
Noma:
ver
yver
ybeaut
if
ul.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Thanky
ou.

Wehadgr owncloseoverthepast4weeks.
Wel laft
erMusa'smum slappedme.Shewasa
veryniceperson.Mum approvedandshewasa
goodj udgeofcharact
ertoo.IhadmetTshego' s
newboy f
ri
end..
..
yesWeat t
endedt heweddi ng
AndIhadmett hebrot
hersandsi ster
..
..
Gloria'
s
kids.WespokeonWhat sAppalmostev eryday.
Theywer en'
tasbadast heirmotherthough.

Noma:
Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyouTshego.
Tshego:
Okayj
ustme?
Me:
Ial
readyknow.
Tshego:
Ohy
esofcour
se.

Sher
oll
edherey
es.NomaandIl
aughed.

Tshego:
okaygoon
Noma:
SoI
'
m pr
egnant
.
Tshego:
What
?

Shest
art
edscr
eami
ng.

Me:Calm down..Mum wil

lcomeinher
e
t
hinki
ngthere'
ssomethingwrong.
Tshego:
andwecan'
tev
ent
oast
!
Me:
Wel
lther
e'sgemer
e.
Theyl
aughed.

Tshego:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ou.
El
l
a:Congr
atsNoma.
Noma:
thanky
ou
Tshego:
whatabeaut
if
ulday
.isTshepoexci
ted?
Me:
Ver
y..
Tshego:
whatdonty
ouknow?
Me:
not
hing.

Myphoner
ang.

Tshego:
Doesn'
theknowt
hati
tsbadl
uck.
..
Me:
Hecan'tseeme.Wecommuni
cat
ingov
er
t
hephone.
Ianswer
edmyphone.

Me:
MrLeor
nado
Musa:
MsKel
l
y.
Me:
Howdoy
oudosi
r?

Thet
hreel
adi
esl
eftt
her
oom.

Musa:
Whenwi
l
lyougether
e?
Me:
Inaf
ew.
Musa:
Ican'
twai
t.
Me:
Nei
thercanI
.
Musa:
Andhow'
smysondoi
ng?

Weweretol
dthegenderandi
twasexact
ly
whatwewerehopi
ngfor.
Me:
Hei
sokay
..He'
sact
ivet
oday
.
Musa:
Wel
lthat
'sgood.Justgether
e
Me:
askmeni
cel
y.
Musa:
babypl
easegether
e..
Me:
soundsbet
ter
.
Musa:
Wher
e'st
hatsi
sterofmi
ne?
Me:
she'
sbusyont
heot
hersi
de.

Iwasr
eady.Nompihaddoneanamazi
ngj
ob.
Shewasi
nt heot
herbedr
oom,st
yli
ngt
heol
dies.

Musa:
okayt
hen.
.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oobaby
.

WehungupandIcal
l
edt
hegi
rl
sin.
Tshego:
Done?
Me:
yesandI
'
mreadyt
ogo.Ar
etheol
diesdone?
Tshego:
Yep.

Mum camei
n.

Mum;
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
oumama.
Mum:
begoodt
oyourhusband.
Me:Iwi
l
lbe.May
ouknowweal
readymar
ri
ed
r
ight
?
Mum:
Thi
sseal
sit
.
Me:
Okaymama.
Mum:Begood.Submit
,befai
thf
ul,
bel
ovi
ng
andt
akecar
eofhim okay
?
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Mum:
andst
opsmoki
ngweedReabi
l
we.

Thegi
rl
slaughed.

Me:
mamaIdon'
t.
..
Mum:
Don'
tl
iet
ome.
Me:
I'
ll
stopma.
Mum:
ButIknowy
ouwont
..

Igi
ggl
ed

Mum:
Iwi
shy
oual
lthebestmybaby
.
Me:thanky
oumama.Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng
you'
vedoneforme.Il
ovey
ousomuch.
Mum:
Ilov
eyoumor
eRea.
.
Me:Andyouknowyou'
l
lal
way
sbemyoneand
onl
ymotherr
ight
?
Mum:
YesIdo.
Me:
Andy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.

Shesmi
l
ed.

Mum:
IknowMsKel
l
y

WelaughedandIhuggedher.Mum t
hough!30
mi
nuteslat
er,Iwaswalki
ngdowntheai
sle.

Bonga:
All
thebest
.
Me:
ThanksB.Yourdat
eishot
.
Bonga:
Youknowkehi
tandr
unRi
ght
?
Me:
Lit
tl
edev
il
.
Bonga:
NoI
'
m not
..
ready
?
Me:
Yes.Handmeov
ernow.
Hegi
ggl
edandf
inal
l
yhandedmeov
ert
oMusa.
Bonga:
Takecar
eofher
..
Musa:
Iwi
l
l.

Thepast
oraskedev
ery
onet
osi
tdown.

Musa:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Youl
ookhandsome.
Musa:Idot
akey
out
obemywi
fe.Wecango
now.

ThepastorandIgiggl
ed.Hebegant
he
matri
monialser
viceandwefinal
l
ygott
o
exchangevows.

Me:
Ilov
eyousomuch,
Ilov
eyouwi
thev
ery
fi
breinme.I nyouI'
vefoundabestfri
end,my
bett
erhalf,ali
fet
imepartnerandhonestl
yyou
areallIneed.
.youal
lIwantandy ouareso
amazing.NowIcansaf elysayIunderst
and
whatwasmeantwhenacer tai
nart
istsaid"
You
don'
thav etotrysohar
df ormet ol
ovey ou,
you
hadmeathel l
o".

Hesmi
l
ed.
.

Me:Il
oveyousomuchMusawenkosi
andI
'
ll
nev
erlety
ougo.

Thepast
oraskedhi
mtosayhi
s.

Musa:Ineverbel
iev
edinlove,
notgoingtoli
eto
Youbutyou,you'
vetaughtmehowt olove.
.y
ou
ar
emybest fri
endandwhenIcountmy
bl
essi
ngs,babyIcountyouami l
l
iontimes.I
'm
gl
adYoucamemywayandnot hi
ngornoone
will
evercomebetweenus.Notevendeat h.I
prayforyouever
ydayofmyli
feandy outhe
onlypersonIwantt
ogrowoldwith.Ilov
ey ou
somuchMsKel l
y.

Ihadt
ear
sinmyey
es.

Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Musa:
CanIki
ssmywi
fenow?

Igi
ggl
ed.Ev
ery
oneI
nther
oom di
dtoo.

Past
or;
Yesy
ou.
..

Hehadalreadypulledmeclose.Ulul
ati
ons
aroundusandf i
nallywewenttotakepict
ures
andhadtositthroughthespeeches.
Me:
Notant
syt
oday
?
Musa:
nope.
Me:
I'
m gl
ad.
Musa:
youf
eel
i
ngokay
?
Me:
nev
erbeenbet
ter
.

Wewer ecalledfort
he"fir
stdance"andthe
restofthedaywentwel l.Wehadt otr
avel
to
Mpumal angaforthetr
adit
ional
wedding.We
sleptatAuntNomv ul
a'
shouse.Yesshehada
houset here.Thoughwesleptverylat
ecozof
thesinging.

Me:
youokaybei
ngher
e?
Noma:
OhI
'
mver
yokay
.
Me:
Notscar
edt
haty
our
..
.
Noma:
Tohel
lwi
tht
hem.
Tshego:
Yesbabe!Yes.

Wewer
eget
ti
ngr
eady
.

Noma:
Andar
eyour
eadyf
orday2?
Me:
Yes.
.Ineedt
osl
eepf
or3day
snow.
Tshego:
You'
l
lpul
lthatof
f.
.
El
l
a:donty
ougett
ir
edofsl
eepi
ng?
Me:
nope.Let
'sdot
hisweddi
ngt
hing.

Andsowedi d.Thetraditi
onalweddingwas
ni
cer.Tshegowassoi nlovewithBokang.
Tshepowaswi t
hhisNoma.Hewasv er
yhappy.
Bongahadf oundanot herhitandrunin
Mpumal anga,MysisterandBr other
slooked
happytoo.Theywer ewi thmum andNkel ethe
wholeti
me.Gl ori
awaswi thAuntNomv ula.Her
husbandwit
hAuntNomv ul
a'
shusbandand
Tshepo'
sdad,myuncl e.Wheneveryt
hingwas
over,
wechill
edoutside.
.TshepoandBonginkosi
weredrunkandtal
kingcrazy.

Musa:
Youokay
?
Me:
Im Dehy
drat
ed.
Musa:
Okay
.

Hecal l
edNompi'
ssontogetmeabot t
leof
water.Iwassodehy
drat
edthatIhadhi
mf et
ch
measecondone.Irememberlaughi
ngatwhat
Tshepowassayingand.
..

Noma:
Hey
Me:
Hey
..
.whatam Idoi
ngher
e?Wher
e'sMusa?
Noma:theyt
oldt
hem t
ogohomeandr
est
.
Theyhadtof
orcehi
mtogo.
Me:
andy
ou?
Noma: Mysisterisondutyonthisfl
oorsoI
askedheri
fIcoul dwatchoveryou.theydont
knowIm here,theythi
nkI'
m athome.Iasked
yournewbrothertodropmeof fherecozthey
gonebacktoNor t
hWest..

Herey
eswer
ebl
oodshot
.

Me:
Butwhy?Wereyoucr
ying?Whathappened?
I
smymotherf
ine?
Noma:
She'
sfi
ne.Rea.
..
.
Me:
whatI
sit
?
Noma:
Youl
osty
ourchi
l
d.
Me:
What
?

Ilookedatmybel
l
y.IdontknowwhatIwas
thinki
ng.
Me:
Nononono!Mydoct
orsai
d..
.
Noma:
Theyf
oundNapr
oxeni
nyoursy
stem.
Me:
what
?

Icoul
dfeel
mycheekswet
.

Noma:
Ineedy
out
ocal
m downReapl
ease.
..
.

Shewast
ear
ingup.

Me:
Nomawher
e'smybabypl
ease.
..
Noma: Li
sten,Mxol
isisai
dhesawhi sgranny
putt
ingsomethinginyourwaterbef
oregivi
ngit
toNtokozotogiveitt
oy ou,
shemusthav e
askedwhoi twasfororseenyousendhimt o
getitf
oryou..Hetoldmeasy ouwerer
ushed
her
ethat
swhyI
'
m wat
chi
ngov
ery
ou.
.
Me:
Musa'
smum.
..
Noma:
Yes.
..
yesshedi
dandI
'
m sosor
ry.
[
06/
15,
07:
11]W:
POTG
#44

Noma:
I'
ll
got
ell
Musa.
..
Me;
no!
Noma:
No?
Me:
no.AndMxoshoul
dn'
tei
ther
.
Noma:
Musashoul
dknow.
Me:
He'
l
lki
l
lhert
henendupi
njai
l
.
Noma:Reawhataboutt
hei
nnocentl
i
feshej
ust
t
ook?
Me:pleasedon'tt
ell
Musa,
wejustgotmarr
ied
andyoualreadywanthi
mtogotojai
lfor
murder?
Shekeptqui
et.

Noma:
Iunder
standt
hatbut
..
.
Me:
Please.
Noma:
OkayIheary
oubutt
hisi
swr
ong.
Me:
Kar
maal
way
scomesar
ound.
Noma:
I'
m sosor
ry.
Me:
yeahmet
oo.

Ipul
l
edt hebl
anketup.Shehadbr
oughtmea
warm one.

Me:
Youcango.
Noma:
I'
m sl
eepi
ngont
hiscouch.
Me:
Noma.
..
Noma:
justgi
veupRea.
Me:
okay
.

Iputmyheaddownandal l
Iwant edt
odowas
scream andcr y.Buti
nsteadItri
edtokeepiti
n
andendedupcr y
ingsof
tlysoNomacoul dn'
t
hearmeorel seI'
dbegivenadr ugandIdidn'
t
wantt osleep.Icri
edtheentir
enightandwhen
hersistercamet ocheckonme, shesatonmy
bedandl ookedatme.

"Youneedtosl
eeptogety
ourst
rengt
hback,
pleasest
opcry
ing"

Ther
ewassoMuchofsadnessi
nherf
ace.

"Iknowithur
ts.I
'
vebeent
hroughi
ttoobut
pleaseRea"
Ikeptqui
et.

"
I'
ll
bef
orcedtodr
ugi
fIcomebackher
eand
y
ousti
l
lcryi
ng"

Nomagotmeagl
assofwat
er.
..

Me:
No.Idon'
twantt
hat
..
Noma:
Reapl
ease.
..
Me:
Nomano.Pl
easedon'
tgi
vemet
hat
..
Noma:
Reapl
ease.
.
Me:
nopl
ease.

Shegaveupandwentbackt othel
it
tl
ecouch
onthecorner
.Itur
nedtof
acet hewi
ndowAnd
cont
inuedcry
ing.I
nthemorningIt
oldhershe
shouldleaveandgor est.Itwasaf i
ghtbutshe
eventuall
ygaveinandl i
stened.Iwashel pedby
anurseandwentt otakeashower ,Nomahad
broughtinabagwi ththeni ghtbefore.Iwent
backt omycr yi
ngafterchangingi ntocleanPJs.
Iwasdesper atetoscream andl etitoutbutI
wasr eal
lytr
yingtobest rongatt hesamet i
me.

Musa:
Heydon'
tcr
y..
.

Ifel
thishandonmywai
st.Hesatont
hebed
andlookedatme.

Musa:
babypl
easedon'
tcr
y.

Ir
eal
l
yreal
l
ywant
edt
oscr
eam now.

Musa:
BabyIneedy
out
o..
.
Iletitout .Icri
edsomuchhedi dn'tevenknow
whatt odowi t
hme.Thenur sescamei ntry
ing
tocomf ortmeandoneoft hem act ual
lysaid
theyshoul dletmebe.Icr i
edsomucht hatI
wasev ent ual
lygivenpil
l
stocal m medown.I
thinkImusthav efal
lenasl
eepcozwhenI
openedmyey es,Tshego,mum, Bongaand
Tshepower einmyr oom.Mum l ooked
dev ast
at ed..

Tshego:
Hey
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Tshepo:
youdon'
twantt
otal
k?

Inodded.
Tshepo:
okay
.

Ifel
tmycheekswetagainandputmyhead
down.Tshegowasrightbesi
deme.Icoul
dhear
hersobbi
ngsoft
ly.

Mum:
Letuspr
ay.

Shest
art
edpr
ayi
ng.

Mum:
Iny
ournameIpr
ayAmen.
Bonga:I
'
m sor
ryt
hishappenedtoyouR,I
'l
l
comeandseeyouassoonasy ougettoJobur
g
Okay?

Icoul
dn'
tsayat
hing.
Bonga:
Okay
..
..
byeR.

Hewassad.Hereal
l
ywas.Iwatchedashe
wal
kedawayandminut
eslat
er,
Musacamei n.

Mum:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgi
vet
hem somespace.
Tshego:
I'
ll
comeandseey
oul
aterokay
?

Thecr
acki
nherv
oicet
hough!

Tshego:
Ilov
eyou.

Tshepowasjuststar
ing.Hewant
edt
osay
somethi
ngbutdidntknowwhat.

Mum:
Wel
ovey
ouokay
?
Theyal
ll
eft
.Musacamet
osi
tnextt
ome.

Musa:
hey
..

Icoul
dn'
t.Hewi
pedt
het
ear
sof
fmyf
ace.

Musa:
Iti
snot
..
.
Me:
he'
snotMov
ingt
oday
.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:He'snotgone.Musamay
betheymadea
mi
stake.Justt
ellt
hem t
odoanul
tra.
..
Musa:
baby
..
.
Me:
PleaseMusa.Justt
ell
them t
odoi
t.
Heshookhi
shead.Ther
ewasal
otofhur
ton
hi
sface.

Musa:
BabyIcan'
t
.
Me:pleasemychil
disnotmov i
ngt
oday.
At
leasttheyshoul
dcheckfort
hehear
tbeat
.He
mustbet i
redfr
om al
lthe.
..

Hegotup.

Me:
Musa!

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
.

Me:
Musa!
Isawthedoorcl
oseandIwascr
yingagai
n.I
hadtobecalmeddown.
.anol
dnurse,
maybein
her50'
sstayedwi
thme.Shel
ookedli
keShe
wasmum' sage.

Nur
se:
Kel
l
y..
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Nur
se:Kel
l
ymychi
l
d,he'
sgone.Youneedt
olet
i
tgo.
Me:
No.
Nurse:Pl
ease.Yourhusbandl ef
ther el
ooki
ng
miserabl
e,
hewasi nnost atetodriv
e.wewer e
l
uckyenought hatyourmotherlefthernumbers
withsoyourcousinorbrotherwhowaswi t
h
them her
ecamet of et
chhim.Thisi snot
healt
hy.Pl
ease.
Me:
Ijustwanty
out
odoanul
tr
asoundandt
ell
me.
..
Nurse:Youi
ndenial
yes.That'
sokay.One
minuteyoubel
iev
ehe'shereandthenextcl
i
cks
t
hathe'sgone.
Me:
Cany
ou.
..
Nur
se:
I'
m sor
ryIcan'
t.
Me:
Please.
Nurse:
I'
m goi
ngtoaskourpsy
chol
ogi
stt
o
comehereandtal
ktoyouokay?
Me:Idon'
twantanypsy
chol
ogi
st.Ij
ustwant
youto.
..

Shewipedt
het
earsof
fmyf
ace.Iwasntev
en
awar
eIwascry
ing.

Nur
se:Justr
estokay
?I'
l
lkeeponchecki
ngup
onyou.
Ikeptqui
et.

Nur
se:
Itwi
l
lbeokay
.

Shewassosof
tspoken.

Nur
se:
You'
l
lbeokay
..
justr
est
.

Shef
ixedmypi
l
lowf
orme.

Nur
se:
Goon.

Iputmyheaddown.

Nur
se:
That
'si
t.
Shepull
edthecott
onovermybodyandl
eftt
he
room.If
ell
asleepandwaswokenupbyNompi.
Thist
imeIwassortofawaret
hatmybaby'
s
gone.

Nompi
:Hey
.
Me:
Hey
.
Nompi
:Howar
e..
.okayl
etmenotaskt
hat
.

Il
ookedather
.

Nompi
:Mxot
oldme.
.
Me:
Didhet
ell
Musa?
Nompi:no.It
oldhim nott
o.Iwant
edt
otal
kto
youf
ir
st.Shouldhe?
Me:
No.
Nompi
:whynotRea?
Me:
Tel
lMxot
haty
ouTol
dhi
suncl
e.
Nompi
:butheneedst
oknow.
Me:
youwanthi
mtogot
ojai
lformur
der
?
Nompi
:No.
Me:noev
ildeedgoesunpuni
shedNompi
.Icant
l
osehimtoo
Nompi:Okay.Dad'
sout
sidewit
hme, hesaidhe
can'
tcomein.Youknowoldpeopleare.Iasked
himtobri
ngmeher esi
nceevery
oneel seis
homeandIhadt ocomehere.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Nompi
:Itwil
lbef
ine.
.somedaysar
ebet
tert
han
ot
her
s.I
'll
seeyoutomorrow.
Me:
Okay
.
Nompi
:Rea,
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooNompi
.
Sheleftt
heroom andIf
acedt
hewi
ndowagai
n.
Minutesl
ater
..
..

M'
smum:
Wel
lwel
l
...
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng.
..

Ir
eachedf
ort
henur
secal
lbut
tonbutIwast
oo
l
ate.

M'
smum:Youthi
nkyoucanhavemyownson
dr
opmedownandgetawaywit
hit
?
Me:
Getout
!

Iwasscr
eami
ng.

M'
smum:
Ther
e'smor
etocomeRea.Somuch
moreforasl
ongasyougoi
ngtokeepon
comingtoMpumal
anga.
.Thi
sisf
arfrom ov
er
mygirl
.
[
06/
15,
07:
12]W:
POTG
#45

Shedroppedt henursecall
but
tonandl
eftt
he
room.Ipresseditagain.
Theol
dnur
secamei
nmi
nut
esLat
er.

Nur
se:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Didy
ouseet
heol
dladyt
hatwasher
e?
Nur
se:
Yourmot
heri
nlaw?Shesai
dshe'
s.
..
Me:
she'
snot
.Pl
easedontl
etheri
nher
eagai
n
Nur
se:
Okay
.Cal
m down.
Me:
Okay
.
Nur
se:
Dri
nksomewat
er.
Me:
Idon'
twantanywat
er.
Nur
se:
Rea,
youhav
en'
t.
..
Me:
Idon'
twantwat
er.
Nur
se:
Youcan'
tbedehy
drat
ed.
Me:
ThenI
'
lldr
inkj
uice.
Nur
se:
Whati
sit
?Someonedi
dthi
stoy
ou?

Inodded.

Nur
se:
Isi
tthatwomant
hatwasher
e?

Inoddedagai
n.

Nurse:
andI
'
m sur
esheusedt
owat
ert
oget
you?
Me:
Yes.
Nur
se:
Okay.
..
I'
ll
gogetyouj
uicebuty
ougoi
ng
t
oneedtodr
inkwat
er.
Me:
Whyar
eyousoki
ndt
ome?
Nur
se:
BecauseIknowhowy
ouf
eel
i
ng.
Me:
You'
vef
eltt
hisbef
ore?

Shenodded.

Nurse:
notonce,
nott
wice.Ihadt
hree
miscar
ri
ages.
Me:
OhI
'
m sor
ry.
Nur
se:
Butaft
erthosethr
ee,
Ifi
nall
ygavebir
th
t
oahealt
hybabygir
landtwofol
lowedaft
er.
Me:
Thatmusthav
ehur
t.
Nurse: I
thurtthewayyouhurt
ing.AndasI
heardy ouscream,i
ttookmebackt othat.
.I
've
dealtwithalotofpati
ent
sthatlostt
heirbabies
buty ourscr
eam, t
herewasacr acki
nyourv oice
thatpi
ercedt
hroughmyhear
tandIj
ustf
eel
the
needtobehereforyou

Ikeptqui
et.

Nur
se:
You'
l
lbef
ineKel
l
y.I
tget
sbet
ter
.
Me:
Doesi
t?
Nurse:Yes.Andthatwomant
hatdi
dthi
stoy
ou
won'tl
i
v eInpeace.
Me:
She'
skeenonhur
ti
ngme.

Shesmi
l
ed.
.

Nur
se:
isshey
ourhusband'
smot
her
?
Me:
yes
Nur
se:
Didy
out
ell
him?
Me:
No.
Nur
se:
Whynot
?
Me:het
endst
ogetv
eryi
mpul
siv
ewheni
t
comest
ome.
Nurse:hedoeslookli
kehe'
l
ldoany
thi
ngt
o
pr
otectyoufrom hur
ti
ng.
Me:
soi
fIdot
ell
him,
he'
l
lki
l
lhi
sownmot
her
.
Nurse:Andyoucan'
tl
osebot
hyourchi
l
dand
yourhusbandri
ght
?

Inodded.Shewassoeasyt
otal
kto.

Nur
se:
Iunder
stand.
Me:
Yout
heonl
yonet
hatdoes.
Nur
se:
theyonl
ywantt
hebestf
ory
ou.
Me:
andIonl
ywantt
hebestf
ormyhusband.

Shesmi
l
ed.
Nur
se:
that
'sv
erycl
ear
.Pl
easeeat
.
Me:
Ma'
am.
..
Nur
se:
Dor
ah.
Me:
MmeDor
ah,
Ican'
t.
Nur
se:
pleaseRea.Youneedy
ourst
rengt
hback.
Me:
Okay
.

Shepull
edthetableclosert
omeandIate.
.She
askedoneofthey oungnursest
ogogetmy
j
uicefr
om t
hecaf eteri
a.

Nur
se:
that
sit
.Youcanr
estnow.
Me:
okay
.

Irest
ed.WhenIwokeup,i
twasalr
eadydar
k
outsi
de.Musawassit
ti
ngonthecouch.
Musa:
Hey
.
Me:
Hey
.

Hecamet
osi
tonmybed

Musa:
Youf
eel
bet
ter
?
Me:
Ido.Iwantt
ogohome.
Musa:Thedoct
orssai
dy oushoul
dbeabl
eto
gohomeTomor r
owafter11.
Me:
okay
.
Musa:
Yousur
eyouf
ine?
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?

Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
Musa:
It'
snotaboutme.
Me:
It'
saboutus.Hewasy
oursont
oo.
Musa:
Iknowt
hatbaby
.
Me;
Youneedt
ost
artshowi
ngy
ouremot
ions.

Iactual
l
yfel
tBett
er.
.Itwasal
lthankst
oMme
DorahandIfel
tabitstr
onger
.

Musa:
Im okay
.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
No.

Ikeptqui
et.Thehur
twassl
owl
ycov
eri
nghi
s
faceagai
n.

Musa:Iwasl
ookingforwar
dtohavi
ngason.To
hav
ingafami
ly.Iwaslooki
ngfor
wardt
oyou
bei
ngamot
hert
omychi
l
d.

Iwant
edt
ocr
yagai
n.

Musa:Youdon'tknowhowmuchi thurtme
whenIcal
ledNeliandt
oldhertocall
thevenue
shef
oundf ory
ourbabyshowerandcancel
.

Sothat
'swhyshecameintotheoff
icet
alki
ng
aboutavenue.Sheal
mostleti
tsl
i
p.

Musa: butmor ethanany t

hing,i
thur
tstosee
youhur t
.Af t
ery oufoundoutaboutNoma,I
madeapr omi setomy sel
fthatt
heonlytears
you'l
lhaveony ourfacewi l
lbeofthejoythat
I
'm goingtogi vey ou.SowhenIgotupandl ef
t
i
nt heafternooni twasbecauseIf el
tli
keIfail
ed
you.
Mycheekswer
ewetagai
n

Musa:
I'
m sosor
rybaby
.

Hewasr
eal
l
yhur
t.

Musa:
Iam sosor
ry.

It
ri
edtogetr
idoftheLumpi
nmyt
hroatby
swal
lowi
nghard.

Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
oo

Wesati
nsi
l
encef
orsomet
ime.
Musa:
CanIsl
eepher
e?
Me:
wel
lyoucan'
t.
Musa:
whynot
?
Me:
Theywontl
ety
ou.
Musa:
Yousur
eyou'
l
lbef
ine?
Me:
YesI
'
llbef
ine.

Hesi
ghed.

Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.

Heki
ssedmyfor
eheadandlef
ttheroom.Iput
myheaddownagai
nandslept
..I
nthemorning
MmeDorahwasback.

MmeD:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
bet
ter
.
MmeD:
I'
m gl
ad.
Me:
younotondut
ytoday
?
MmeD: NoI'
m not.
.It
houghtIshoul
dComeand
seeyoubeforetheydi
schargeyouandmake
sur
ey oueat

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Idi
deat
.
MmeD:AndIseey
oucl
eanedupr
eal
l
ywel
l
t
oday
.
Me:
Ican'
twai
ttogohome.
MmeD:Iknowyoucan'
t.Youl
i
veher
ein
Mpumal
anga?
Me:
No.Myt
radi
ti
onal
weddi
ngwasonSunday
.
MmeD:
ohmychi
l
dI'
m sor
ry.
.
Il
ookedather
.

Me:
It'
sokay
.

Iwast
ryi
ngt
oconsol
emy
sel
f.

MmeD:
nowondery
ouwer
esomi
ser
abl
e.
Me:
yougav
emest
rengt
hyest
erday
.
MmeD:
Im gl
adIdi
d.Gi
vemey
ournumber
.

ShepassedmeherphoneandIputt
hem i
n.I
cal
ledmyphonesoIcoul
dgethernumber
s.

Me:
her
eyougoma.Youev
ercomet
oGaut
eng?
MmeD:
Yes.I
'
llt
ell
youwhenI
m ar
ound.
Me:
pleasedo.
MmeD:
Iwi
l
l.Takecar
eokay
?
Me:
Okaymama.

Igotupandhuggedhert hensheleft
.The
doctorcametofi
nall
ysignthedischargefor
ms.
AllIhadtodowaswait.Tshegocamewi t
h
Nompi andBokang

Me:
Ohno.Nov
isi
tor
sI'
m outoft
hispl
ace.

Tshegol
aughed.
.

Tshego:
youLookbet
ter
.
Me:
Ifeel
bet
tert
oday
.
Tshego:
That
'st
hef
ir
stst
ept
oheal
i
ng.
Bokang:
Tal
kmor
ecr
azy
.
Me:I'
mj ustt
ryi
nghar
dtonott
hinkaboutwhat
happened.
Nompi
;That
'sgood.
Me:
It'
snoteasyt
hough.
Tshego:
Itwontbe.
Me:
True.

Iwast
ryi
ngt
obl
ocki
tout
.

Nompi
:Isev
ery
thi
ngpacked?
Me:
yes.
Tshego:
Goodcozweher
etof
etchy
ou
Bokang:
wenotv
isi
tor
s.
Me:
Wher
e'smyhusband?
Tshego:
Athome.
Me:
whydi
dnthecome?
Tshego;
He'
sti
red.
Me:
Musai
snev
ert
oot
ir
edf
orme.

Theyl
ookedatme.

Me:
wher
eisMusa?
Nompi
:Mxol
i
sit
oldhi
m Rea.
Me:
IthoughtIt
oldy
ou.
..
Nompi :Hemusthavetoldhim aft
erhecame
backlastnight
.Isawthem tal
kingoutsi
deat
around21:00andbeforeIcouldgettohim he
wasalreadyinNomasonto'shouse.
Me:
What
?Wher
eishe?
Tshego:
He'
sinj
ail
.
Me:
NoTshego.
..Di
dhe.
..

Icoul
dn'
tsayi
t.
Nompi :She'
snotdead.Hedidbeathert
oa
pulpthough.Brokenr
ib,
disl
ocat
edarm,
batter
edmout handeyes.Aswellasani
njur
yto
thespine.
[
06/
15,
07:
12]W:
POTG
#46

Isatdownont
hebed.

Me:
What
?
Nompi
:I'
m sor
ry.
..It
hought
..
.
Me:
WhatnowNompi
?Myhusbandi
sinj
ail
.
Tshego:
Cal
m down.
Me:
NoTshegodon'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down!
Tshego:
Reabi
l
we!
Shesnapped.

Tshego:
Isai
dcal
m down!Let
'
sgo.

Ideci
dedtokeepquietcozal
lIwantedtodo
wascry.Wegotmymedsandwentbackt o
Musa'sdad'
shouse.Mum wasstil
lther
ewit
h
Noma.

Noma:
Hey
.
Me;
Hi.
Noma:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Ijustneedt
oseeMusa.
Mum:
youwi
l
l.
Me:
Noma.
Mum:
youneedt
orest
.
Me:
I'
ver
es.
..
AuntNomv
ula:
your
eal
l
ytor
estRea.Goon.
Noma:
come.

SheandTshegof
oll
owedmet ot
hebedr
oom.
Ther
ewasMusa'sscentev
ery
where.

Me:
Tshegopl
ease.
Tshego:
Reapl
easer
est
.
Me:
Wher
e'sMusa'
sdad?
Noma:
hewentt
oseehi
m
Me:
Ineedt
oseehi
m
Noma:
He'
l
lbeout
.
Tshego:
andsoon.
Me:Nomawhydi
dn'
tyoupr
eventt
hisf
rom
happeni
ng?
Noma:Itol
dMxot onotsayany
thi
ngbuthe
obv
iousl
ydidntl
i
sten.
Tshego:
Ithi
nki
t'
sfort
hebest
.
Me:
arey
oul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
fTshego?
Tshego:
don'
tgetmewr
ong.
..
Me:
Myhusbandi
sinj
ail
.
Tshego:
Iknowthatbutweknowwhodi
dthi
s
andshecangetpuni
shed.
Me:
how'
sthatgoi
ngt
obr
ingmychi
l
dback?

Theykeptqui
et.

Me:Idon'
tcar eaboutMusa'smot herget
ti
ng
puni
shed.Ijustl
ostmychild.Ican'tl
osemy
husbandtoo.

Si
l
ence.

Noma:
Okay
..
.
Shef
inal
l
ysai
d.

Noma:
Wecan.
..
Me:
canIbel
eftal
one?
Tshego:
Okay
.
Noma:
Shoul
dwebr
ingy
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Tshego:
Yousur
e?
Me:
I'
mfi
neTshego.
Tshego:
Okayt
hen.
Me:
Pleasel
eav
e
Tshego:
okay
.

Theyl
efttheroom andIputmyheadDownand
cr
iedsoft
ly.
Myphoner
ang.

Me:
Hi.

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Bonga:
HeyR,
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.
Bonga:
Youdon'
tsoundokay
.
Me:
I'
m notact
ual
l
y.
Bonga:
Whati
sit
?Rea,
youneedt
o..
.
Me:
not
hing.
Bonga:
Rea.
..
Me:
BongacanInott
alkabouti
tnow?
Bonga:
Okay
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Bonga:
arey
ououtofhospi
tal
?
Me;
YesIam
Bonga:
Okay
.Don'
tthi
nkabouti
ttoomuch.
Me:
Okay
.
Bonga:
takecar
e.
Me:
ThanksB.
Bonga:
Bye.
Me:
bye.

Ihungupandwentbackt omycr yi
ngand
worrying.Ifi
nall
yfel
lasl
eep.Ionlywokeupt
he
nextday .ThePill
shadmedr owsyandmessed
up.Thebat hroom doorwasclosedandIhad
l
eftitopen.IgotupAndwhenIgoti n,
Musa
wast akingashower .

Icl
osedt
het
ap.
Musa:
Hey
..
.
Me:
Musa,
Arey
oucr
azy
?
Musa:
No.
Me:
whati
sWr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Musa:
whatki
ndofaquest
ioni
sthat
?

Hedr
iedhi
msel
fupandgotout
.

Me:
WHATI
SWRONGWI
THYOU?
Musa:
not
hing.
Me:
Whydi
dyoubeatherup?
Musa:
Cozsheki
l
ledmychi
l
d.
Me:
Musa.
..
.
Musa:
look,
IJustwantt
osl
eep.
Me:
Musal
ookatme.
Hel
ookedatme.

Me:
Ijustl
ostmyson.Idon'
twantt
olosey
ou
t
oo.
Musa:
I'
m her
e.
Me:
that
snott
hepoi
nt.
Musa:
thenwhati
sit
?
Me:
Musa, l
ook.
..
youneedt
ost
opbei
ng
i
mpulsi
ve.
Musa:
Impul
siv
e?
Me:
Yes.Youcoul
dhav
eki
l
ledher
.
Musa:
Thatwast
hepoi
nt.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Youdon'
tgeti
tdoy
ou?
Musa:
Igeti
t.
Me:Noy oudon't.Nkosenhlei
sgone.Heis
gone.Goingaroundbeatingyourmotherup
won'tbr
inghim back.Musacomeon!

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Comeon!

Hesi
ghed.

Musa:
okay
,I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
real
l
y?
Musa:OkayyesIwasi
mpulsi
vebuty
ouneedt
o
under
standt
hatIwasangr
y.
Me:
AndIgett
hatbutpl
easedontdoi
tagai
n
Hekeptqui
et.

Musa:
CanIsl
eep?
Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:
Ican'
tpr
omi
set
hatRea.

Hegoti
ntobed.

Musa:
come.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
osl
eep.
Musa:
Youneedt
orest
.
Me:
Ijustwantt
oGohome.
Musa:CanIAt
leastr
estf
oraf
ewhour
s?We
canl
eaveatar
ound16:00
Me:
Okay
.
Iguessheneededthat.Iwenttotakeashower
andIfoundmyselfcr
yingagain.Aft
ercleani
ng
myselfupIwenttogreetever
yonet henwentto
si
twithmum inthegarden.

Mum:
Wegoi
ngbackhomet
oday
..
Me:
Ohokay
..
Mum:
wil
lyoubef
ine?
Me:
Yes.Weal
sol
eav
ingl
ateron.
Mum:
Reaar
eyousur
eyouf
ine?

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat

Mum: Youhav
ebagsundery
ourey
es.
.wer
eyou
cr
yingagai
n?

Inodded.
Me:
Mama?
Mum:
Nana?
Me:
cany
oucomest
aywi
thusf
ort
woweek
Mum:
Woul
dyoul
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Mum:
Okayt
hen.
Me:Sothatmeansy
ou'
l
lgobackwi
thusl
ater
t
oday?
Mum: no.Ineedt
ogopacksoI'
l
lleav
ewith
BokangandTshego.YouandMusacancome
andfetchme.
Me:
Okayt
henma,
thatmakessense.
Mum:
Wil
lMusabeabl
etodr
ive?
Me:yes.Heneedstogetoutofher
ema.He'
l
l
endupkil
li
nghisownmot her
.
Mum:
That
'st
rue.
Ispoketoherforabout30minut
esandthey
l
eft.SodidTshepoandNoma.Iwentbackto
thebedroom andfoundMusaonthephone.

Musa:yes..Fr
om nextweek.
.we'
l
lbot
hcome
t
hrough..
..
thanksbye.

Hehungup.

Me:
Arenty
ousupposet
obesl
eepi
ng?
Musa:NoIcoul
dn'
t.I
'
vebookedusi
nforsome
sessi
ons.

Inodded

Musa:
doy
ouwantt
otakeawal
k?
Me:
yespl
ease.

Wewentoutf oral ong3hourwal kandwhen

wecameback, wef r
eshenedupandl eft.We
fetchedmum whenwegott oJobur g, got
takeaway sthenheadedt oourhouse.Weal l
sleptv er
yearlyandatar ound23: 00,Iwentt o
getj ui
ceevent houghIwant edwat er.Isl owl
y
wal kedtoThenur sery.Ilookedatall thebaby
stuffwehadboughtf orhim andIcriedasIhel d
ont otheTeddyIhadboughthi m wit
hhi si ni
ti
als.
Isatont hefloorandcr iedsoftl
y,sti
llstopping
my selffr
om scr eami ngagai ncozIdi dn'twant
towakeany oneup.Ihear dt hedooropenaf ew
mi nuteslat
er,hecamet ositnexttomeandput
hisar msaroundme.

Musa:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgobackt
obed.
Isatst
il
landaf
terIhadcal
meddown,
Itooka
deepbreat
h.

Me:
Musa?
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
canIgoforst
eri
li
zati
on?Idon'
tthi
nkIwant
t
ohavechi
l
drenanymore.
[
06/
15,
07:
13]W:
POTG
#47

Musa:
weshoul
dgobackt
obed.
Me:
Iwantt
ost
ayher
e.
Musa:
Reapl
ease.
..That
'senoughcr
yingnow.
.

Hegotupandhel
douthi
shand.

Musa:
ComeBaby
.
Hehelpedmeup, t
ookt
het
eddyf
rom myhands
andputiti
nthecot.

Musa:
Comeon.

Wewal
kedt
oourbedr
oom.
.

Me:
Your
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
oignor
ewhatIsai
d?
Musa:
Youst
il
lhur
ti
ng.
Me:
AndIdon'
twantt
ohur
tagai
n.
Musa:
youwon'
t.
Me:
Andy
ouknowt
hishow?
Musa:
CozNot
hingornoonewi
l
lhur
tyouagai
n.

Ikeptqui
et.
Musa:
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngof
?
Me:Whati
fyourmotherhadsomet
hingt
odo
wi
thNomazola'
smiscarr
iage?
Musa:
Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sed.
Me:
Ormay
beI
m par
anoi
d
Musa:
May
bey
ouar
eri
ght
.
Me:
yout
hink?
Musa:
Yes.

Ideci
dedt
okeepqui
etagai
n.

Musa:
Youdon'
tfeel
li
kegoi
ngawayagai
n?
Me:
Notnow.
Musa:
OkayIunder
stand.
Me:
May
beaf
tert
hesessi
ons.
Musa:Okay.
..I
'
m goingt
okeepthenur
ser
y
cl
osedunti
lIgetsomeonewho'
l
l t
aket
heset
oa
char
it
yokay?

IKeptqui
et.

Musa:
Babyt
alkt
ome
Me:
Your
eadyt
ofor
getaboutourson?
Musa:Thesethingshur
tyou.Theymakey
ou
Sad.Wecan'tkeepthem.

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
goodni
ghtMusa.
Musa:
Baby
..
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Musa:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Itur
nedmybackandcl osedmyeyes.Iwas
thi
nkingofmysonandf el
lasl
eepIdon'
tknow
when.Iwokeupataround8andmum had
madepor r
idge.

Mum;
Rea.
Me:
Howar
eyouma?
Mum:
I'
mfi
nebabyhowar
eyou?
Me;
Someday
sar
ebet
tert
hanot
her
s..

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
howdi
dyousl
eepma?
Mum: Isl
eptwel
l.Iwon'
taskhowy
ousl
ept
,the
answerisi
nyoureyes.
Me:
Wher
e'sMusa?
Mum:
Hewentt
othegy
m.

Thatmeantthi
swaswei ghi
ngdownonhim as
well
.Musahardlyhi
tthegym unl
esshewas
st
ressedorsad.

Me;
oh.
.
Mum;
Eat
.
Me;
MadoIhav
eto?
Mum:
Yes.

Ist
aredatt
hepor
ri
dge.

Mum:
pleaseeat
.
Me:Al
lIwanttodoisjustsi
tonmyownma
wi
thmyownt hought
s.
Mum:
Rea,
eat
.
It
ookt
hespoon.

Mum:I
'l
ll
etyousi
tony
ourownassoonasy
ou
f
ini
shy
ourfood.
Ihadnochoicebuttoeat.Thenur ser
ywas
l
ockedsoIwentt ositout
side.Itwasrefr
eshi
ng.
Anhourlat
er,Tshepo'
scarpar kedoutsi
de.He
wasalone.

Tshepo:
Cuz.
Me:
HeyTshepo.
Tshepo:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m okayhowar
eyou?
Tshepo:
I'
mfi
ne.Whyar
eyououther
eony
our
own?
Me:
Ijustwant
edt
obeal
one.
Tshepo:
Wher
e'sMusa?
Me:
Gym.
Tshepo:
Soy
oual
one?
.
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y.Youraunti
sint
hehouse
Tshepo:
oht
hat
'sgood.
Me:
Aren'
tyousupposet
obeatwor
k?
Tshepo:It
ookt
hedayof
fsoIcoul
dcomechi
l
l
wit
hy ou.
Me:
Youser
ious?
Tshepo:
Yes.Wedon'
twanty
oual
ldepr
essed
ri
ght?

Ismi
l
ed

Me:
easi
ersai
dthandone.
Tshepo:
Youknowy ou'
l
lbef
iner
ight
?Itdoesn'
t
happenover
night
.
Inodded

Tshepo:
Andy
oucant
ryagai
n.

Ishookmyhead.

Me:
no.
Tshepo:
"no?
"
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt
ohav
eki
dsany
mor
e.
Tshepo:
That
'shur
ttal
ki
ng.
Me:
may
be.
Tshepo:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.

Ideci
dedt
okeepqui
et.
Tshepo:
Youwantsomeweed?

Il
aughed.

Me:
No.
Tshepo:
Yousur
e?
Me:
Yes
Tshepo:
You'
l
lwat
chmet
hen.
.
Me:
that
'sokay
..
Tshepo:
soy
our
eal
l
yqui
t?
Me:
Nope.Nev
er!Butdon'
ttel
lyouraunt
.

Hel
aughed.

Tshepo:
andMusa?
Me:
Het
hinksI
'
m of
fitt
oo.Idon'
tsmoke
ar
oundhi
m.Respect
.
Tshepo:
Okaysowhenar
eyouj
oini
ngmeagai
n?

Il
aughed.

Me:Tshepost
opt
ryi
ngt
ogetmebackonweed
now.
Tshepo:
Itnumbst
hepai
n.
Me:
Forhowl
ong?
Tshepo:
You'
l
lkeepsmoki
ngunt
ily
ouokay
.
Me:
youcr
azy
.I'
m anoccasi
onal
smoker
.
Tshepo:
okayf
ine.I
'
lll
ety
oube.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Tshepo:
Pleasur
e.
Me:
youshoul
dpr
obabl
ygogr
eety
ouraunt
.
Tshepo:
andYou?
Me:
Goi
ngt
otakeabat
h.
Tshepo:
Okayhur
ry
Me:
YesIwi
l
l.
.

Webot
hwentintot
hehouse.Iwenttot
akea
bat
hwhil
eTshepospoketohi
saunt.Musa
camei
nwhil
eIwasget t
ingdr
essed.

Musa:
Heybaby
.
Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
Im okayy
ou?
Musa:
I'
mfi
ne.
Me:
Howwasgy
m?
Musa:
Hel
pedmekeepmymi
ndof
fthi
ngs.
Me:Yousti
ll
havey
ourmot
her
'scasehangi
ng
ov
eryourhead?
Musa:
Noma'
am
Me:
So?
Musa:
Shedr
oppedt
hechar
ges?
Me:
issheoutofHospi
tal
?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Nompi
sai
dshecan'
ttal
kormov
eso.
..
Musa:Wehandl
edi
t.Shedr
oppedt
hechar
ges.
Shecandi
enow.

Hedidn'
twantt otal
kaboutitanymor e.The
t
onesaiditall
.Ifi
nishedget
tingdressedand
wenttomakehi m somethi
ngt oeat.Tshepo
wassort
edt hatIknew.

Tshepo:
Kopaskhaf
ti
n.
Me:
por
ri
dge?
Tshepo:
Yes.
.
Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Somet
hingsdon'
tchange.
Tshego:
Any
thi
ngni
ceIt
ake.
Me:
clear
ly.
..

Ihadagoodt i
mewi thhi
m,mum andMusa.I
wasl aughinghalfoftheti
me.Tshepoandhis
auntwer ecutfrom thesameclot
h.Helef
tat
around15: 00,
Musahadt ogocheckonhis
tr
anspor tbusi
nesses.Somethi
ngwasgoingon.

Me:
CanIgor
est
?
Mum:
yesy
ouhav
eto.
Me:pleasewakemeat17:
00soIcanst
art
cooki
ng.
Mum:
Readon'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Me:
I'
m notabadcookany
mor
e.
Mum:
AndIt
hankMusaf
ort
hat

IGi
ggledandwentt osleepl eavingmum
watchi
ngDumi sa..that'
sall wewer egoi
ngto
watchifwewer egoi ngt ochill
wi t
hheri
nthat
l
ounge.shewasal sopr eachingonSundayso
shehadtoprepar ef ort
hat .Iwaswokenupby
noi
sescomingf rom t hekitchen.

"That
'snothowyoudoitKgal
alel
o,She'
snot
supposetobeeati
ngt
hat"
Mum:
whoi
nvi
tedy
ouher
e?
"
that
'snott
hepoi
nt"

Isl
owl
ywal
kedt
owar
dst
hem.
Mum:
Glor
ia,
I'
ll
askagai
n..
.whoi
nvi
tedy
ouher
e?
Gl
ori
a:She'
smydaught
er.
.Idon'
tneedani
nvi
te.
Mum:
Whyar
eyouher
e?
Gl
ori
a:Tot
akecar
eofmychi
l
d.
Mum:
whynow?
Glori
a:Af
terIgav
eyout
hoseki
ds,
wesai
dWe'
d
co-par
ent
.
Mum: Didyoudot hat?Didyoucare?Remember
whenIcal l
edy ou, tol
dyouweshoul dlet
TshegoandReaknowt hattheyhav et
wo
mot hersandy ousai dyounotinterest
ed, you
l
ivingli
fewithSt anleyandyourkids?For gett
ing
thattwooft hoseki dsaren'
tyours.Whydoy ou
wantt oco-parentnowwhent heyar eoldand
mar ri
ed?
Gl
ori
a:Kgal
alel
othosear
emychi
l
drent
oo.
.
Mum:Not
heyar
enot.WhydoIgett
hef
eel
i
ng
t
haty
ouher
etocauset
roubl
e?
Shegi
ggl
ed.

Gl
ori
a:Theyar
enotmychi
ldr
en?Real
l
ynow?
NeedIremi
ndyouwher
eyourchi
l
dis?Dead!

Thatpi
ercedthroughmyhear
tandIknewi
t
pi
ercedthroughmum too.

Gl
ori
a:Nowasaqual
i
fiednur
se,
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou
t
onotcookt
hat
.
Me:Andasherqual
i
fieddaughter
,I'
m gi
vi
ng
youexact
lyt
wominutestoleav
ehersoni n
l
aw'shouse.
[
06/
15,
07:
13]W:
POTG
#48
Gl
ori
a:ReaDar
li
ng.
..
Me:
Leav
e!
Gl
ori
a:Nochi
l
dlook.
..
Me:
Idontwantt
olookatany
thi
ng.Leav
e!

Shet
ookherbagf
rom t
hechai
r.

Me:
Out
!

Sheslowl
ywal
kedout
.Iwentt
ocl
oset
hedoor
behi
ndher.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Mum:
ItsOkay
.
Me:
I'
ll
makesur
eshenev
ercomesher
eagai
n.
Mum:
Nobaby
gir
lyoudonthav
eto.
..
Me:
Iwantt
o.Shehasnor
ightt
otal
ktoy
oul
i
ke
t
hat
.
Mum:
thanksbaby
.
Me:
SeewhyIdontwantar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
?
Mum:
Ido.
Me:AndIt
oldyourdaughtert
hatshehas"
look
downonpeopl
e"issues.

Shel
aughed.

Mum:
Imadesandwi
ches.Hav
esome.
Me:
Mama?
Mum:
Rea?
Me:It
hinkI'
m goi
ngt
otakey
oubackhomecoz
youov
erfeedi
ngme
Mum:
justeat
!
Igotthechi
ckenMay
osandwi
ches.
.Shemade
thebest.

Me:
So.
..
Mum:
whatnewsdoy
ouhav
enow?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Quest
ions.
Mum:
Goon.
Me:
Thoset
hreeki
dsar
en'
ther
s?
Mum:
Onl
yonei
s.
Me:
Who?
Mum:
Thapel
o.
Me:
Soni
aandGeor
gear
en'
therki
ds?
Mum:No.Herhusbandwasmarr
iedbef
oreso
heandt
heexwifehadtheset
wothenThapel
o
camef
rom t
hei
runi
on.
Me:
Oh
Mum:
Yes.
Me:Thapel
oisafewmont
hsy
oungert
hanme.
11monthsri
ght
?
Mum:
Yes
Me:
wel
lthatwasqui
ck.

Shel
aughed.

Mum:
Backt
henwedi
dn'
thav
eti
met
owast
e.
Me:
nowIknow.Ni
cesandwi
chesma.
Mum:
glady
ouLi
ket
hem Rea.
Me:
funnyhowt
hisl
i
fet
hingwor
ksr
ight
?
Mum:
Why
?
Me:Ihadt ogetmarri
edandgetpregnantt
o
gr
owcl osertoyou.Gl
ori
aalsohadtocomei nt
o
t
hepict
uresowecouldbel
ikethi
s.Ial
way
s
t
houghtyoul
ovedTshegomore.

Shel
aughed.

Mum:
that
'snott
rue
Me:
NowIknowma
Mum:
probl
em i
s,y
ouwer
ewi
l
dRea

Il
aughed.
.

Mum: That
'swhyI
'
m happysomeonef
inal
l
y
deci
dedtomarryy
ou.Musawasablet
ocalm
youdownabit.
Me: Iguessi
t'
str
ueWhatt
heysay
..
."
opposi
tes
at
tract"
Mum:
iny
ourcasey
es.YourdadandIwer
e
bot
hcal
m.

Ial
mostchokedonthesandwich.Iqui
ckl
y
pushedi
tdownwiththedr
inkIhadinhand.

Mum:
kengwena?

Il
aughed.

Me:
Dadwascal
m.You,
ma.
..
nope.
Mum:
Iam cal
m.
Me:Okaymama.Iwastaughtt
onotf
ightor
ar
guewithmyel
ders.
Mum:
Youwer
etaughtwel
l
.

Ismi
l
edandat
eup,
hersoncameback.
Musa:
mama,
howar
eyou?
Mum:
I'
m okayMusa.Howar
eyou?
Musa:
I'
mfi
nema.
.
Me:
Youwantsome?
Musa:
yespl
ease.

Igothi
mthesandwi
ches.

Me:
Wecangor
ight
?
Mum:
YesRea.
Me:
thanky
ou.

Wewentout
side.
.

Musa:
Goodt
oseey
ouget
ti
ngal
ongwi
thy
our
mum.
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
I'
m notabadchi
l
d.
Musa:
Youar
ear
ebel
l
iousonet
hough
Me:
wowt
hanksbabe.
Musa:
itsgoodt
oseey
ousmi
l
e.
Me:
Itf
eel
sgoodt
osmi
l
e.
Musa:Sowhathappenedwhi
l
eIwassor
ti
ng
outt
hemess?
Me:
Glor
iawasher
e.
Musa:
Okay
?
Me:
shewasbeingveryr
udeandi
nsensi
ti
vet
o
mum soIt
oldhert
oleav
e.
Musa:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Yes
Musa:
okaybesi
desherl
ooki
ngdownonot
her
s
t
her
e'ssomet
hingel
se.
..Tal
ktome.
Me:
Ther
e'snot
hing.
Musa:
Rea.
..

Isi
ghed.

Me:
okay
..
Musa:
Goon.
Me:Ijustr
eal
lydon'
tli
keher
.Ther
e'ssomet
hing
aboutherIj
ustdon'
tknowwhat!
Musa:
youknowshegav
ebi
rt
htoy
our
ight
?
Me:t
hatdoesn'
tmeanany
thi
ng.Lookaty
ouf
or
i
nst
ance.
..
Musa:No.Iusedt
ol ovemymothert
il
lshe
becamethedevi
lthatshei
snow.

Hespokewi
thdi
sgust
.
Musa:
Yousee?
Me:
Isee.
Musa: SomaybegettoknowMmeGl or
iaf
irst
.
Teachhernottolookdownonpeopl
e.Maybe
that
'sheronl
yproblem.
Me:
Glor
ia.No"
Mme"needed.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
youhav
eissues.
Me:
NoIdon'
t.
Musa:
Youdo.
Me:
Wer
eyouabl
etosor
touty
ourmess?
Musa:
yesIdi
d..
Me:
That'
sgood.andwhenar
eyougoi
ngback
t
owork?
Musa:
Aft
ert
woweeks.
Me:
Musa.
..
Musa;
No,
Ineedabr
eak.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
andmay
bewecangetaway
.
Me:
Your
eal
l
ywantt
ogodon'
tyou?
Musa:
Ireal
l
ythi
nkweneedi
t.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa;Butwecangoweekaf
ternextcozwe
st
art
ingwit
hther
apy.
Me:
Okayt
hat
'sf
ine.
Musa:
AndIgett
ochooseapl
ace.
Me:
Anei
ghbor
ingcount
ry.
Musa:
Ohcomeon.
Me:
2hour
sMax.
Musa:No.I
'
m choosi
ngsoy
oudontgett
o
r
estr
ictme.
Me:
Finey
ou'
l
lgoal
onet
hen.
.
Musa:That
'sokay
.Yougotoyourneighbor
ing
count
ryandIgotowher
everIwanttogo.
Me:
that
'snothowi
twor
ks.
Musa:
NoI
'
vemadet
hingssi
mpl
e.
Me:
Okayf
ine.Choose.

Hechuckl
ed.

Musa:
Can'
tl
iv
ewi
thouty
out
oo.
Me:
what
ever
Musa:
Yout
oo.

Theweekswentbyr eal
l
yfast.Wehadour
sessi
onsfort
hefir
stweekt henwentforthe
getaway
.West i
l
lafewmor et her
apysessions
thatwehadtogoforthough.Aget awaywas
whatweneeded.Ihadaccept edthatmychil
d
wasgoneandIwasheal i
ng.Musahadbeen
str
aightupwithourther
apistwhenitcameto
hi
smommyi ssues."Wecanski pthatpar
t,I
'
m
notgoingtoforgi
veher"t
hat'swhathesai
d.
Justli
kethat
.

Me:
Wakeup.

I
twast
hedayaf
terwel
anded.

Musa:
Whatt
imei
sIt
?
Me:
14:
30
Musa:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Okayl
etmesl
eep.
.
Me:
Musawakeup.
Musa:
I'
mti
redbaby
.
Me:
Youpr
omi
sedt
otakemeoutf
orl
unch.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Youwokemeupf
orf
ood?
Me:
Yesandwehav
ether
apyat18:
00
Musa:
Ical
l
edi
ntopost
pone.
Me:
why
?
Musa:
cozwet
ir
ed.
Me:
Cozy
out
ir
ed.
.
Musa:
Thatt
oo.
Me:
okaycomeon.Let
'sgo.
Musa:
wai
t.
..
Me:
Musa!
Musa:
HowaboutIcookt
henwedonthav
eto
goout
.
Me:
Yeahbuty
oucan'
tcookI
nbed.

Hegotupannoy
ed.
.

Me:
wecangoshowernow.
Musa:
DoIhav
eachoi
ce?
Me:
No.
Musa:
exact
ly

Wewentt ot
akeashowerandhest
art
ed
cooki
ngwhil
eIwasti
dyi
ngupthehouse.Heset
upinthegar
den.

Me:
Wel
lthi
sisni
ce.
Musa:
Ihadt
omakei
tni
ce.
Me:
Canweeatnow?
Musa:
Gracepl
ease.

Wesaidgraceandfeasted.Whenwewer edone,
wewashedt hedi
shestogetherandwent
t
hroughourgetawayandweddi ngpi
ctur
es

Me:
Seey
oul
ookv
eryhandsomei
nthatpi
ctur
e.
Musa:
Iam handsome.
.
Me:
Noy
out
ry,
can'
tyouj
ustsay
..
.

"
Knockknock"

Me:
Wenother
e.
Musa:
Comei
n!

Shecamei
n.
Me:
NoIt
oldy
ou.
..
Musa:
MmeGl
ori
ahowar
eyou?

Heshutupmeupt
hatway
.

Glor
ia:
I'
mfi
ne.Rea,Iapol
ogi
zedtomysi
ster
nowIwantt
oapologizetoYou.
Me;
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Gl
ori
a:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
.Canwest
artaf
resh?

Il
ookedatMusa.

Musa:
Hav
easeatma.

Shedi
d.
Gl
ori
a:Icoul
dmaybespendafewday
sher
e
t
henwecant akei
tfr
om t
her
e.
Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
t.
..
Musa:
Feel
freema.
Glor
ia:Ohthanky
ouMusa.
I'
l
lgogetmybags
fr
om thecar.
Musa:
Ohnodon'
twor
ryabouti
t.I
'
llgett
hem.

Shegav
ehi
m herkey
sandhewentout
.

Me:
CanIgety
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?Wi
ne
may
be?
Gl
ori
a:Jui
ce.
Me:
Okay
.

Iwentt
othekit
chenandwai
tedf
orMusat
o
comewithherbags.
Me:
Andnow?
Musa:
Wil
lyour
elax?
Me:
No.
Musa:
Pleaset
rustme.
Me:
Musawhatdi
dyousee?
Musa:
Not
hing.
Me:
Musawenkosi
!
Musa:Rulenumberoneint
hiscall
edli
fe:
"
Neverplayaplay
er"
,taket
hatj
uicetoyour
mothernow..
[
06/
15,
07:
14]W:
POTG
#49

Me:
Idon'
twantheri
nmyhouse.
Musa:
dontwor
ry.
Me:
Idontl
i
ket
hisOnebi
t.
Iwaschangi ngintomynight
wear.Ihadt
osit
fordinnerwithGlori
aandwatchMusabeing
fri
endlywit
hher .

Me:
Iwantherout
.
Musa:
Shewi
l
lbe.
Me:
Whatmakesy
ousosur
e?
Musa:
thef
actt
hatIpi
ckedupsomet
hing.
Me:
whatexact
ly?
Musa:
She'
l
lbeoutofy
ourhai
rSoon.
Me:
shebet
terbe.
Musa:
Shewi
l
l.
Me:
orel
seI
'
m cal
l
ingSoni
atocomegether
!
Musa:
Who'
sSoni
a?
Me:
Tshi
di.
.herdaught
er.
Musa:
Ohy
oursi
ster
..
Me:
noshe'
snotmysi
ster
.
Musa:
Okayshe'
l
lbeoutofy
ourhai
rsoon.
Comenow.

Icr
awl
edi
ntobed.

Musa:
Stopcompl
aini
ng.
Me:
Wel
lIwi
shIcoul
d.
Musa:
Justputy
ourheaddown.

Idi
d.

Musa:
let
'
srestnow.
Me:
Okay
.Im goi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thoneey
eopen.
.

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Musa:
Itsgoodt
ohav
eyouback.
Me:
Yeahr
ight
.
Musa:
Nowsl
eepwi
thbot
hey
escl
osed.
Me:
OkayI
'
llt
ry.
Musa:
come.

Hepul
l
edmecl
oser

Me:
Whatdoy
out
hinkshe'
s.
..
Musa:
Rea,
let
'ssl
eep.
Me:
Yougoi
ngt
owor
ktomor
row?
Musa:
I'
m st
il
lti
red.
Me:
ThankGod!

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Musa:
Icantshi
eldy
ouf
orev
er.
Me:
Youmyhusbandr
ight
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
theny
ouneedt
o.
Musa:
Okayf
ine.
.I
'
llwor
kfr
om home.
Me:
I'
dli
ket
hat
.
Musa.Iknowy
ouwi
l
l.
.pl
easedon'
tdi
str
actme.
Me:
Idontdot
hat
.
Musa;
Real
l
y?
Me;
Idon'
t.
Musa:yousi
ng,
rap,
makemel
aughWhenI
'
m
wor
king.
Me:Iwastol
daperson'
sat
tent
ionspanl
ast
s
f
orabout20minut
es.
Musa:
thenI
'
m nothuman.
Me:
clear
ly.
Musa:
promi
sey
ouwon'
t.
Me;
Iwon'
t.
Musa:
Good.
Me:
CanIst
aywi
thy
oui
nthest
udyt
hough?
Musa:
No
Me:
Isai
d"canI
?"
Musa:
AndIsai
d"no"
Me:
tome?
Musa:
toy
ou.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Musa:
yes.
Me:Someofuswer
ecel
i
bat
efor23y
ear
sand
wecansi
mply.
..

Hel
aughed.
Musa:
Oh?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
youwer
etol
dtosubmi
t.
Me:
towho?
Musa:
Yourhusband?
Me:
Ihav
eahusband?
Musa:
Ouch.
Me:
Shame.
.goodni
ght
.

It
ri
edgetti
ngawayf
rom hi
m andhepul
l
edme
cl
oseragai
n.

Musa:
Goodni
ghtMr
sMabasa.
Me:
Goodni
ghtMusawenkosi

Hegi
ggl
edsof
tl
y.
Musa:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.l
et'
ssl
eep.

HekeptquietandwesleptIknewheHada
smileonhisfacecozhehadheldontomea
l
itt
leti
ghter
..Thenextmor
ningWewokeup
earl
y.Wellhewokemeupear lyt
ojoi
nhi
mfora
smoothie.

Me:
Thi
stast
esni
ce.
Musa:
Soy
ougoi
ngbackt
obei
ngcel
i
bat
e?

Il
aughed.

Me;
Im goi
ngbackt
obed.
It
ri
edtogetof
fthecount
erbutheputmeback
onit
.

Me:Sot
hisy
ourwayoft
ryi
ngt
ochangemy
mi
nd?
Musa:
No,
Imj
ust
..
..

Hesmi
l
ed.

Me:
youknowt
hat
'snotgoi
ngt
owor
kri
ght
?
Musa:
Iwasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
omakeaconv
ersat
ion.
Me;i
fIcantbewi
thy
oui
nyourst
udyt
henno
sexf
oryou.
Musa:
I'
ll
justgobackt
othatspotIusedt
oget
gi
rl
sfr
om..
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Musa;
Oh?
Me;
ThenI
'
lll
ookf
orsomeonet
oot
hen.
Musa:
Okayt
henLet
'scompr
omi
se.

Igi
ggl
ed.
.

Me:
I'
m aconquer
or
Musa:
youdon'
tpl
ayf
airdoy
ou?
Me:
Lif
eisunf
air
.
Musa:
Fine.Youcanchi
l
lwi
thMei
ntheof
fi
ce.
Me:
See?
Musa:sonowIneedt
onegot
iat
etosl
eepwi
th
you?
Me:ThesamewayIhavet
omaket
hreat
ssoI
canchi
l
lwit
hyouri
ght
?
Musa:
I'
ll
bewor
king.
Me:
AndI
'
llwat
chmov
ies.
Musa:
Keepqui
etokay
?
Me:
I..
.
Gl
ori
a:goodmor
ning.
Musa:
Mor
ningMme.
Gl
ori
a:Howar
eyou?
Musa:
I'
mfi
ne.
.howAr
eyouma'
am?
Gl
ori
a:I
'
m Fi
ne.Rea.
Me:
Dumel
ang.
Gl
ori
a:Youokay
?
Me;
I'
mfi
ne.Cof
fee?
Gl
ori
a:Her
bal
teapl
ease.
Me:
Okay
.

Imadehersome.

Gl
ori
a:Younotwor
kingMusa?
Musa:
Noma'
am
Gl
ori
a:Whatdoy
oudoagai
n?
Musa:
Iownapub.
Gl
ori
a:Onl
y?
Musa:
Andabout5t
axi
s.

Li
es!

Gl
ori
a:Oh.Thati
sni
ce.
Musa:
Iti
s.
Glor
ia:Thatmustbemaki
ngy
oual
otofmoney
ri
ght?
Musa:
enought
osust
ainmywi
feandI
.
Gl
ori
a:Isee.Rea,
nowthaty
ou'
vegr
aduat
ed
whatdoyouplanondoi
ng?
Me:
I'
ll
beahousewi
fe.

Musabi
thi
slowerl
i
p.
Musa:
she'
sjobhunt
ingma
Gl
ori
a:Youhadmewor
ri
edt
her
eforasecond.
Me:
Ifi
tal
lfai
l
sthenI
'
llbeahousewi
fe.
Gl
ori
a:Godf
orbi
dthathappens.

Igav
eher
,hert
ea.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
ost
artcl
eani
ng
Gl
ori
a:Nobr
eakf
astf
ory
ourhusband?
Me:
Hehashi
sbr
eakf
astat9:
30.I
tsonl
y7:
56
Gl
ori
a:Ohokay
.
Me:
yesma'
am.buthel
pyour
sel
ftowhat
ever
Glori
a:oht
hankyou.
.I
'
llhav
emyt
eai
nthe
gardensol
ong.
Me:
okay
.
Shel
eftus

Musa:Youreal
lygoi
ngt
ocl
eanahousey
ou
cl
eanedyester
day?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
I'
ll
bei
nmyof
fi
ce.
Me;
AndI
'
llbewi
thy
ousoon.
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:
Youbet
ternotl
ockt
hedoor
.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
fine.
Me:
Good.
Hewenttohisst
udyandIst
art
edt
idy
ingup.
.I
gotacal
lfr
om Bonga.

Me:
Ear
lysowena!
Bonga:
Youback?
Me:
YesI
'
m back
Bonga:
Gir
ldoy
out
rav
el
Me:
Ihav
eto.
Bonga:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngToday
?
Me:
not
hingact
ual
l
y.Why
?
Bonga:
ThoughtIshoul
dcomeandseey
ou
Me:
Thatwoul
dbeni
ce.
Bonga:
say14:
00?
Me:
Sur
e.
Bonga:
Seey
out
hen.
Me:
Cool
,Ihav
eanot
hercal
lpl
easehangUp
Bonga:
Shar
p.

Hedi
dandIanswer
edt
hecal
l
Tshi
di:
Reabi
l
weKel
l
yMabasaFi
nal
l
y!
Me:
Mat
shi
disoSoni
aRammut
la.
Tshi
di:
Ihav
ebeencal
l
ingy
ouf
orday
s.
Me:OhmysouthAf r
icannumberwasoutof
ser
vice.
.Wasoutofthecount
ry.what
'
sUp?
Tshi
di;
Hav
eyouseenmum?
Me:
Glor
ia?
Tshi
di;
Yes.
Me;
Why
?
Tshidi
;she'
sbeengonef
orday
s.Shel
efther
car.
Me:Whatdoy
oumeanshel
efthercar
?She
cameher
ewit
hone
Tshi
di:
GoCheck.
Iwentt
othegar
age.

Me;
ItsAr
edOpel
.
..

Sothat'
swhatMusasai
dwhenhesai
d"Ipi
cked
somethi
ng"

Me:
Itdoesnthav
ear
egi
str
ati
onnumber
.
Tshi
di:t
hatmustbehergetawaycar
.Reaki
ck
heroutpl
easeorgethel
p..
.
Me:
Why
?
Tshi
di;
She'
sbr
oke.
Me:
What
?
Tshi
di:Sheattempt
edtokil
ldadcozshegot
herhandsonhi swi
llt
ogetmoneywhichwas
ver
ystupid.She'
sal
sopartofsomemoney
l
aunderingscheme.Theywer eabletotr
aceal
l
theaccountsthatmoneywasputi ntoandnow
thepoli
cearelookingforherandacoupleof
fri
ends.Rea,cal
lthepoli
ceorkickherout
beforeyoualsogetint
ot hi
smess.
[
06/
15,
07:
14]W:
POTG
#50

Me:
okay
.Okay
..
.
Tshi
di:
Car
eful
.
Me:
okayby
e.

Iwentt
othest
udy
.

Me:
Baby
?
Musa:
hast
hedi
str
act
ionst
art
edal
ready
?
Me:
no.
.y
ouneedt
ocal
lyourpol
i
cef
ri
ends.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:Gl
ori
aisontherun.She'
swantedfor
moneyl
aunder
ingandattemptedmurder
.
Musa:
okayli
stent
ome.
..
gooutt
her
eandbe
f
ri
endl
ytoher
Me:
What
?
Musa:Reaj
ustl
i
stentomeplease.Justgo
makeyoutwobreakf
astandI
'
llt
alkto
Bongi
nkosi
.

Hewasal
readyr
eachi
ngf
orhi
sphone.

Me:
Okay
Musa:
Goon.

Isl
owl
ygotupanddi
dwhathet
oldmet
odo.
Me:
composur
egi
rl
!

It
oldmy
sel
fasIwast
aki
ngt
hef
oodt
oher
.

Me:
Her
eyougo.
Gl
ori
a:oht
hanky
ou.
Me:pleasur
e.Coul
dn'
tl
ety
oust
arv
ecozweeat
l
ate.
Gl
ori
a:di
dyouhav
eAny
thi
ngt
oeat
?
Me:
No.Justasmoot
hie.
Gl
ori
a:Wel
lthat
'snotr
ight
.
Me:
I'
veadopt
edMusa'
shabi
ts.
Gl
ori
a;y
out
woneedt
ochanget
hat
..

If
akedasmi
l
e.
Gl
ori
a:Reapl
easesi
t.

Idi
d.

Glor
ia;I
'mv
erysor
ryt
hatIshowednoi
nter
esti
n
yourli
fe
Me:
Oh.
Gl
ori
a:Iwasy
oungandr
eckl
ess.

Ikeptqui
et.

Gl
ori
a:Mysi
sterdi
dagoodj
ob.
Me:
Yesshedi
d.
Gl
ori
a:I
'
m pr
oudofy
ouandTshego.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Gl
oria:sowher edi
dyouandMusago?Tot
he
pr
incipali
slandsagai
n?
Me:no.Wedi dn'
tgotothePrinci
peisl
ands.We
wereinfacti
nGhana.Af r
iendofhisgot
marri
edlastyearsowethoughtweshouldgo
andvisi
thim andthewi
fe.
Gl
ori
a:Youhadagoodt
ime?
Me:
Wedi
d.
Gl
ori
a;Yout
wot
rav
elal
ot
Me;
hel
i
kest
rav
ell
i
ng.
Gl
ori
a:Andy
ou?
Me:
Idot
oo.
Glor
ia:
Soyoutwohav
epl
annedy
our
honeymoonyet
?
Me:
Nowehav
en'
t.
.
Gl
ori
a:gooutofAf
ri
ca.
Me:
Notnow.Ther
e'ssomuchmor
etoexpl
ore
i
nAfr
ica.
Gl
ori
a:Oht
hat
'st
rue.
.
WhywasMusat
aki
ngsol
ong?

Gl
ori
a:Wel
lIcanhel
pyou.
Me:
Howl
ongdoy
oupl
anonst
ayi
ng?
Gl
ori
a:Justaf
ewweeksi
fthat
'
sokaywi
thy
ou
Me:
Ohwon'
tyourhusbandandki
ds.
..
Gl
ori
a:Not
heyunder
stand.
.
Me:
oh
Gl
ori
a:y
ouf
inewi
tht
hat
?
Me:Yes.I
'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tni
cet
oyoui
nthe
begi
nni
ng.
Gl
ori
a:Musthav
ebeent
hehor
mones.
Me:
Andt
hehur
t.
Gl
ori
a:Yesi
twas.
Me:
yourgar
deni
nRust
enbur
glooksv
eryl
ovel
y.
Gl
ori
a:sodoesy
our
s.
Me:
Ilov
egar
deni
ng.
Glor
ia:soI'
m sur
eyouusedt
otakecar
eof
Kgal
alelo'
s?
Me:
YesIdi
d.
Gl
ori
a:I
t'
shor
ri
blenow.
Me:SheandTshegodon'
thavet
ime.They
av
rual
kydon'
tknowanythi
ngabouti
t.Theynot
ev
enwill
i
ngtolearn.
.

Acarpar
kedoutside.I
twasBongi
nkosi
and
t
woofhisfr
iends.Musacameout.
Thef
ri
endswer
enoti
npol
i
ceuni
for
m.

Bongi
nkosi
:Dumel
ang.

Wegr
eethi
m back.Thef
ri
endsgr
eet
edt
oo.
Me:Thi
sisMusa' scousinBonginkosi
andthese
ar
ehisfr
iends.They'
lli
ntroducethemsel
ves.
Gl
ori
a:Okay
.Howar
eyoudoi
ngboy
s?
"
Wear
egr
eat
,her
etomakeanar
rest
"

Theyshowedhert
hei
rbadges.

"Youareunderar
restf
ort
heatt
emptedmurder
ofyourhusbandandmoneyl
aunder
ing.
..
"

Gl
ori
a:Reabi
l
wey
ousol
dmeout
?

Ikeptqui
et.

Gl
ori
a:I
'
llt
ell
myf
ri
endst
ocomef
ory
ou.
"
thatwi
l
lbeusedagai
nsty
oui
nthecour
tof
l
aw"

Shekeptqui
et.

Bongi
nkosi
:Yourf
ri
endsAr
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
oui
n
j
ail
.
"
Star
tmov
ingma'
am"

Shewashandcuf
fedbutdi
dn'
twantt
omov
e.

"
Ma'
am.
..
"

Shecli
ckedhertongueandwewat
chedast
hey
tookheraway.

Musa:Bongi
nkosi
..
.Hercarandt
hings.Iwant
t
hem outofRea'
shouse.
Bongi
nkosi
:carkey
sandbags.
Me:
I'
ll
goandf
etcht
hem.

Gotev
ery
thi
ngandgav
eitt
ohi
m.

Me:
Thanks
Bongi
nkosi
:Pl
easur
e
Musa:
lat
erNeboy
Bongi
nkosi
:sur
esur
e.

Hedr
oveouti
nGlori
a'
scarandIt
ookadeep
br
eat
haft
erhelef
t

Musa:
youokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
nenow.
.
Musa:
Wel
ldoneonnotmessi
ngup.
Me:
yout
ooky
oursweett
ime.
Musa:
sti
l
lgott
hem her
e.
Me:
Ishoul
dpr
obabl
ycal
lTshi
di
Musa:
dot
hat
.

Iwentt
ocal
lherandshewasv
eryr
eli
eved.

Tshi
di:
Okayt
alkt
oyoul
ater
..
Me:
Okaybabe.
Tshi
di:
Glady
ousaf
e.
Me:
All
thankst
oyou.
.
Tshi
di:
itsapl
easur
e.Hadt
opr
otecty
ou.
.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou..

Ihungupaf
terour"
byes"andwentt
oMusa.
Me:
Soy
ouknowhowcr
imi
nal
sdeal
now.
Musa:Youcan'
tgof r
om aMercedest
oanOpel
i
njustdaysandsounddesper
atebaby
.Ev en
worsewit
hnor egi
str
ati
onpl
ateandatracker
.
Me:
youcheckedt
hat
?
Musa:Idid.YouknowBongadi dsaythathe
heardGlori
aargui
ngwi t
hsomeoneont he
phoneont hedayofthewhiteweddi
ngbuthe
sai
ditinawayt hatwouldn'
tmakeyout hi
nki
t
wassomet hingcr
iminal
.
Me:
hedi
d?
Musa:Yeshesaidshewasj ustbehindthe
mobil
etoil
ets,
argui
ngwithsomeone.Must
havebeenthefri
endsordealersorwhatever
.
Sowhenshecameher ewi t
ht hatcarputt
wo
andtwo..
Me:
unbel
i
evabl
e!
Musa:
womenar
esneaky
.
Me:
hey
,I'
m notpar
toft
hat
.
Musa:
yout
hesneaki
est.
Me:
suchl
i
es.I
m hungr
y.
Musa:
youwantt
ogoout
?
Me:
Younotwor
kingany
mor
e?
Musa:
thatcanwai
t.
.
Me;
Amanwhopr
ior
it
izes.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
youknowy
oucomef
ir
st.Comeon.

ItookthefoodIhadmadeGl
ori
aandwentt
o
gi
v ethem t
oGordonwhowasmorehappyt
o
eatsausages.

Musa:
Ohy
ouf
eedi
ngmydogt
oday
?
Me:
Ifeedi
tev
ery
dayI
'
m Notabadmot
hert
o
t
hisdogofy
our
s..
Musa:
Yout
ry.
Me:
Weshoul
dgethi
m agi
rl
fr
iend.
Musa:No.
nextthi
nghaveal
otofpuppi
esi
n
her
erunni
ngaround.
..
Me:
okayf
ine.Youhav
eapoi
nt.
Musa:
canwegobat
hnow?
Me:
yes.

Wespental otofti
meinthebat
htubt
henwent
outforbr
eakfast
.Bongacametoseemeinthe
aft
ernoonandleftatar
ound17:
00or18:
00.

Musa:
Yout
wohadagoodt
ime?
Me:
Yeswedi
d..
Musa:
mm
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Musa:
not
hingbaby
..
Me:
Sayi
t.
Musa:I
tscr
azyhowyout
wogoonl
i
kenot
hing
wassai
dinthel
astmont
hs.
.
Me:Weadul
tsabouti
t.Bongawi
llgetanewgi
rl
andr
eal
i
zethatIwasnevermeantforhi
m.
Musa:
theannoy
ancei
nthatv
oice.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:fri
endsshouldremai
nfr
iends.Nonextl
evel
t
hing.I
tcomplicat
esli
fe.
Musa:
Doesi
t?
Me:
yesi
tdoes.Wantt
ohel
pmecook?
Musa:Andthi
sisy
out
ermi
nat
ingt
he
conv
ersat
ion?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
okay
.It
hinkweshoul
dor
dert
akeaway
s.
Me:
Why
?
Musa:
Idon'
tfeel
li
keacookedmeal
..
Me:
Youdon'
tfeel
li
kemycooked.
..
Musa:
stopput
ti
ngwor
dsi
nmymout
h.
Me:
okaygett
hem t
hen

Hecall
edi
nandorder
edpizza.Wesl
eptr
eal
l
y
l
ateandatar
ound04:
00,
Tshegocall
ed

Me:
Kebol
oyi
baeng?
Tshego:Mum'
sbeenat
tacked.Wer
ushi
ngher
toBrent
hur
st.

Shehungup.Iqui
ckl
ywokeMusa,wejustwor
e
tr
acksui
tsandhespedt
her
e.Tshegowaswith
Tshepo.
Me:
issheokay
?
Musa:
Whathappened?
Tshepo:Tshegosayssheonl
yheardscreams
andwhenshewentt othebedr
oom, Rakgadi
wasbleedingonherheadandherat
tackers
weregone

Shel
ookeddev
ast
ated.

Me:
hey
..
.She'
l
lbef
ine
Tshego:
Yout
hinkso?
Me:
mum'
sst
rongTshego.
Tshego:
Okay

Weallsatinsi
l
enceandthedoct
orsassur
edus
t
hatshe'l
lbefi
ne.Justaf
ewheadinj
uri
esand
herwaisthadbeenbruised.TshegoandIdidnt
wanttomov e.Wewer etoldshewassl eepi
ng
sowewer ewi l
li
ngtowaittil
lshewokeup.We
wait
edt i
l
lhalfpast8andatar ound9,Igota
cal
l.

Me:
hel
l
o?
"
It
sGl
ori
a"
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Glori
a:Li
stenRea,ify
oudontwanttolosey
our
preci
ousmot her
,youwil
ltel
lMusatogetusout
ofhere.Idon'
tcarehowhedoesitbuthebett
er
doit.

[
06/
15,
13:
22]W:
POTG
#51
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Glor
ia:
I'
vealr
eadyst
art
ed.Geti
tdone!Byt
he
endoftoday
,Ishoul
dbeout.

Shehungup.Il
ookedatMusawhowasal
ready
l
ooki
ngatme.

Musa:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Glor
iaj
ustcal
l
ed.
Tshego:
What
?
Tshepo:
Cal
m downTshego
Me:Shesai
difyoudon'
tgetheroutherfr
iends
wi
ll
domor ethanwhatshedi
dt omum. .
Tshepo:
Glor
iadi
dthi
s?

Inodded.
Musa:
I'
ll
tal
ktoBongi
nkosi
togetsecur
it
y.
Me:
Andt
henwhat
?
Tshepo:
Yourphoner
ecor
dedt
hecal
lri
ght
?
Me:
Yes.
Tshepo:Keept
her
ecor
ding.I
tmi
ghtcomei
n
handy.
Musa:
AndI
'
llaskBongi
nkosi
tol
ooki
ntot
his.
Me:Butthepeopl
ethatat
tackedmum ar
est
il
l
outt
here.
Tshepo:
Readontst
ress.
Me:
Tshepo.
..
Musa: Okayfi
nel
ook,wecangetthedoctor
sto
dischar
gemum todaythen.SheandTshego
cancomel iv
ewit
hus.
Tshepo:Rakgadi
'
shousewi
l
lbewat
ched
cl
osely.
Me:
Byy
oursecur
it
ymenr
ight
?
Musa:Yes.Andourhousewill
bewat ched
cl
osel
yaswel l
.Yougoingtohavetostay
i
ndoor
sf ort
henextcoupleofdays.
Me:
Idon'
tl
iket
his!AndIt
oldy
ou.
Musa:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbef
ine.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Trustme.

Hegotupandwentt
omakeacall
.Anhourl
ater
,
t
womenwer est
andi
ngout
sidemum'sdoor
.

Doc:Youcangohome.
.Youcancomef
etch
heratar
ound13:
00
Tshego:
ThanksDoc.
Me:
Ismum saf
e?
Musa:
Shei
s.Let
'sgo.
Me:
Okay
.

Hetookmyhandandwel ef
tthehospi
tal
.
.We
wenttogetTshego'
sthi
ngsandwhenIgot
home,ther
ewereabout4securit
ymen.

Me:
Thi
sfeel
sli
kepr
ison.
Musa:
it'
sonl
yfor2or3day
s.
Me:
Okay
.Si
s..
.

Igott
hebagsoutoft
hecarandIl
edhert
othe
guest
room.

Tshego:
stopst
ressi
ng.
Me;
Idontknowwhatt
heywantt
odobutIj
ust
wantmum her
e.
Tshego:
Rea,
stopst
ressi
ng.
Me:
Okay
.I'
m goi
ngt
obat
h
Tshego:
okay
.I'
l
ldot
hesame.
Me:
You'
l
lfi
ndsoapandcl
eant
owel
s..
.
Tshego;Int
hatdr
awer
..I
'
vebeenher
ea
thousandTi
mesRea.
Me:OkayI'
m sor
ry.Wantmet
omakey
ou
somet
hingtoeat?
Tshego:
I'
ll
dot
hat
.
Me:
Oh!Okay
.
Tshego;
Goon.

Iwenttobat
handIchi
ll
edwithherasshewas
makingussomethi
ngtoeat
.Musawasbusy
wit
hwhatevert
hathewasbusywith.
Me;
How'
sBokangdoi
ng?
Tshego:
he'
sonhi
swaybackf
rom Maf
ikeng.
Me:
Whatwasgoi
ngon?
Tshego:
Hismot
herwant
edt
oseehi
m
Me:
Wheni
sHecomi
ngt
opayl
obol
akant
i?

Shel
aughed.

Tshego:
Idontknow.
Me:
hebet
ternotpl
ayy
ou.
Tshego:
Hewon'
t.
Me:
Orel
sey
ougoi
ngbackt
oRi
char
d
Tshego:
hecal
l
edmeDel
i
lah.

Il
aughed.
Me:
What
?
Tshego;
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
youwer
enotof
fended?
Tshego:
Iwasact
ual
l
ybuthecangot
ohel
l

Il
aughed.

Tshego;
Somet
hing'
swei
ghi
ngy
oudown.
.
Me:
Justt
hismum andGl
ori
a..
.
Tshego;
Don'
tl
ie.
Me:
Idontt
hinkIwantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Tshego:
yousur
e?
Me:
YesIam

Igotacal
l
.Ir
ant
othest
udy
.
Me:
Glor
ia'
scal
l
ingagai
n.
Musa:
tel
lherIcan'
thel
p.

Ianswer
edt
hephone.

Me:
Hel
l
o.
Gl
ori
a:And?
Me:
I'
m noti
nvol
vi
ngMusai
nthi
s.
Gl
ori
a:Younoti
nvol
vi
ngMusaI
nthi
s?
Me:
noI
'
m not
..
Gl
ori
a:whynot
?
Me:
look,
hesai
dhecan'
thel
p.
Gl
ori
a;hehasconnect
ions.
.heandhi
scousi
n.
Me:
theycan'
thel
p
Gl
ori
a:Rea.
..
Me:
Theycan'
t
Gl
ori
a:Gobi
dfar
ewel
ltoy
ourmot
her
.

Shehungup.

Me:
Whatnow?
Musa:
Not
hingshe'
sgi
venup.
Me:
mymot
her
'sat
tacker
sMusa.
Musa:
Wemi
ghtbeont
osomet
hing
Me:
what
?
Musa:Who'
sthatl
adyt
hatt
oldYourmot
her
t
hatshesawyouat2am wi
thme?
Me:
MaMohaj
ane.
Musa:
yes.
.shewor
ksni
ghtshi
ft
sRi
ght
?
Me;yeahbutmum wasatt
ackedat4.She'
s
usual
lydr
oppedof
fattwo.
Musa:
Shift
schange.
.shewenttocheckon
mum,foundthet
woguy sweplacedther
eand
t
heyt
oldher.
.shedescri
bedthecar.Shesai
d
t
heywerepar
kedout si
deyourgate.
.
Me:
Didshegett
her
egi
str
ati
onpl
ate?
Musa:j
ustt
hef i
rstt
woalphabetsandt
he
number
.Rea,somethingwi
llcomeup.
Me: Thatwon'thel
p.List
en,i
fwecangetthe
att
ackerslockedthentherewil
lbemore
chargesaddedt othe.
..
Tshego!Pl
easecometo
thestudy!

Shecame.

Me:Bona,
MaMohajanesai
dshesawacar
par
kedoutsi
dewhenshewasdroppedof
f.
Tshego:
Ohyes..
hershi
ft
schanged.
.wasshe
abl
etodescr
ibei
t?
Me:yesbutdidn'
tgett
heregi
str
ati
on
pl
ate.
.l
ist
en.
..Ntat
eNdlov
u.
Tshego:
Whatabouthi
m?
Musa:
remi
ndwhot
hati
sagai
n..
Me:theownerofthatbeaut
if
ulgr
eyhouse
opposi
teourhouse.
Musa:
OhGat
sheni
!
Me:
Yeshi
m
Musa:
GoOn.
..
Me:Hehadcamerasi
nstal
ledaf
tert
heybroke
i
n.Oneoft
hosecamerasfacehi
sgate.
..
Tshego;Ohyes!Andawhol el
otofot
her
sthat
arepl
acedatdiff
erentangl
es
Musa:
dot
heyst
il
lwor
k?
Tshego:
Yes.Theydo.
Me:Ithi
nkyouandBongi
nkosi shoul
dgoand
askhimforthef
oot
age..
lastt
imehesaidit
cl
earsaft
er72hour
s.
Hequi
ckl
ycal
l
edhi
scousi
nandwasoutsoon

Tshego:
Thatwasoutofmymi
nd.
Me:
Ihopei
thel
ps.
Tshego:
itshoul
d.
Me:
Ihopei
tdoes.
Tshego:
Tshepocal
l
ed.
Me:
And?
Tshego:
AndHe'
scomi
ngwi
thmum.
Me:
She'
sal
readybeendi
schar
ged?
Tshego:
yes.
Me:
Tshepopr
obabl
ychar
medt
hepoordoct
or.

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Youknowhedi
d.
Me:
Ijusthopet
heyf
indt
hem.
Tshego:
Theywi
l
l.
Me:
Okay
.
Tshego:
Stopwor
ryi
ng.
Me:
Say
stheonewhowasdev
ast
ated
Tshego:
ther
ewasal
otofbl
ood.
.
Me:
butTshegoy
ou.
..
.
Tshego:
Itwasdev
ast
ati
ng.

Ther
ewasaknock.

"Ma'
am,
ther
e'saBokangatt
hegat
e,y
ouknow
him?
"

Hehadt
akenapi
ctur
e.
Me:
Youcanl
ethi
min.
"
Okay
"

Hel
eftagai
n.

Tshego:
Wow!
Me:
Iknow.

BokangcameI
naf
ewmi
nut
esl
ater
.

Bokang:
SocanIbetol
dwhyIhad5guns
poi
ntedatmebef
oreIcoul
dev
engetoutoft
he
car
.
Tshego:
MusaandTshepo
Bokang:
arey
ouguy
sokay
?
Me:
Yeswear
e..Dr
ink?
Tshego:
I'
ll
gethi
m adr
ink
Me:
Oht
hisi
syouaski
ngmet
oleav
e
Tshego;
Yes.
Me:
Heh!

Itookmyf oodandwentt ot hebedroom.Iwas

veryhappywhenMum ar ri
ved.Weonl yspent
20mi nut
eswi thherandshewentt or est.Noma
andTshepol efttooshort
lyaftert
hatandal lI
didwaswai tforMusat ocomeback. .
Tshego
decidedtoleavewi t
hherBokang..Iwaitedand
waitedandwai ted.Ti
ll
23:40

Me:
Youhadmewor
ri
ed.
Musa:
Imf
ine.
Me:
Wel
l
?
Musa:
Theyal
li
njai
l
.
Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Musa:
Andt
heyal
lspoket
het
rut
h..
shehi
red
amat eurs.Wefoundthem j
ustafewki
l
osaway
fr
om t hefil
l
ingst
ati
oninthatcar
,hi
ghand
drunk.
Me:
oht
hankGod!Thanky
ou.
Musa:
Glor
ia'
tri
alst
art
sonMonday
.
Me:
sosoon?
Musa:
Yes.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Okay
..
.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
youknowIl
ovey
our
ight
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me: buthonest
ly,
Imi ssmyoldlife.Al i
fet
hat
hadnodr ama,MusaIspentt heent i
reday
thi
nkingaboutthi
s.Weal waysdeal i
ngwi t
h
somet hi
ng.I
m prett
ysuresomet hing'scoming
again.
.Ican'
tdothi
sany more..I
'
mt i
red.
Musa:
youcan'
tdo"
us"any
mor
e?
Me: Honestl
y,therewasnohav ocWhenI
wasn'ti
ny ourli
feandt herewasn'tanywhen
youwer en'
tinmi ne.There'
salwayssomethi
ng
standi
ngi nourwayofhappi ness.
Musa:
Soyour
eal
l
ysay
ingy
oucan'
tdo'
us'
any
more?

Inodded.

Musa:f
unnyhowwesai dWe'dneverlet
any
thi
ngcomebet weenus.Yetyoulett
ingit
.
Youcanpackyourbagsandleav
et omor r
ow
morni
ng.
[
06/
15,
13:
22]W:
POTG
#52

Musa:
youcangost
artpacki
ng.

Hegotupfr
om t
hebedandwenttot
heother
r
oom.Ipackedmybagsandsl
ept
.Thenext
morni
ng,
Iwenttocheckonmum.

Me:
Heymama.
Mum:
Hel
l
oRea
Me:
howar
eyou?
Mum: I
'm Okay
.Ij
ustwantt
ogobackt
omy
house.
Me:
I'
ll
comewi
thy
ou
Mum:
Rea.
..
Me:
Mamapl
easedon'
ttr
ytof
ightme.
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:Thanky
ou.I
'
llcal
lTshepot
ocomeand
f
etchus.
Mum:
what
'swr
ongwi
thy
ourcar
?
Me:
ithast
ogoi
nforaser
vice
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:
yesma'
am
Mum: buty
ouhav
emor
ethant
wocar
sint
his
house.
Me:
Ijustdon'
tfeel
li
kedr
ivi
ngma.
Mum: Youshoul
dhav
ejustsai
dyoumi
ss
Tshepo.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
okaymama.
Iwentoutandcal
l
edTshepo.

Me:
hey
.
Tshepo:
Hey
.
Me:
Youatwor
k?
Tshepo;
Nope
Me:
Real
l
y?
Tshepo:
Itsact
ual
l
ymydayof
f
Me:
ohcanIbot
hery
ou?
Tshepo;
Yesy
oucan.
Me:
Cany
oucomeandf
etchus.
Tshepo;
"us?
"
Me:
mum andI
Tshepo:
Why
?
Me:
she'
sgoi
ngbackhome.
Tshepo:
She'
sgoi
nggot
obeal
one?
Me:
Hencet
he"
us"
Tshepo:
Okay
.I'
l
lseey
ouatar
ound11t
hen.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Tshepo:
Shar
p.

Iwentbacktothebedr
oom andMusawas
get
ti
ngdressed.

Me:
mor
ning.
Musa:
Hey
.Yougood?
Me:
I'
mfi
ney
ou?
Musa:
I'
m okay
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Iseey
oual
lpackedandr
eadyt
ogo.
Me:
IAm
Musa:
okay
..

Het
ookhi
scarkey
s.

Me:
thatt
iedoesn'
tgowel
lwi
tht
hatsui
t.
Musa:
Whi
chwi
l
l?
Me:Tr
ythenav
ybl
ueonewi
tht
hel
i
ttl
ewhi
te
dot
s.
Musa:
Okay
.

Het
ri
edi
ton.

Musa:
Thanky
ou
Me:
pleasur
e.
Musa;
Hav
eagoodday
.
Me:
Yout
oo.

Hetookeveryt
hinghehadputdownandI
watchedhi
m wal kaway
..Iwenttoshower
.
Mademum f oodandwaitedforTshepogo
come.

Tshepo:
Howar
eyouKgadi
?
Mum:
Ifeel
bet
ter
.
Tshepo:
That
'sgood.

Iwenttoputt
hebagsi
nthecarandl
ockedt
he
house.

Tshepo:
Won'
tMusami
ssy
ou?
Mum:
Goodquest
ion.
Me:
Canwego?Ij
ustwantt
otakecar
eofmy
mot
her
.

Tshepohel
pedmum geti
ntot
hecarandwel
eft
.

Mum:
Wher
e'sTshego?
Me:
ohshe'
satwor
k.
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:
Shel
eftear
lyt
hismor
ning.
Mum:
okay
.
Tshepo:
Youdon'
tl
ikehernewboy
fri
endKgadi
?
Mum:
Ithi
nkhe'
sal
ovel
yper
son.
Me:
Hei
s
Mum: soIdon'
thav
eapr
obl
em wi
thhi
m
Tshepo
Tshepo:
oht
hat
'sgood.
Mum:
How'
sNoma?
Tshepo:
She'
sokay
.
Mum:
Whenar
eyoumar
ryi
ngher
?
Tshepo:
Soon.
Mum:
Wheni
ssoon?
Tshepo:
Ver
ysoonKgadi
.
Mum:
OkayTshepo.

Shedi
dn'
twantt
otal
kany
mor
e.Wef
inal
l
ygot
home.

Me:
Ma,
yousur
e..
.
Mum:
I'
mfi
neRea.
Me:
Okay
..
Mum:
Ijustwantt
orest
.

It
ookHertoherbedr
oom andfoundTshepo
wait
ingf
ormeinthekit
chen.
Tshepo:
Thet
rut
h.
Me:
Whatt
rut
h?
Tshepo:
youandMusa.
Me:
Tshepopl
ease.
Tshepo:
Youpackedev
ery
thi
ngdi
dnty
ou?
Me:Canyouhookmeupwi t
hthatfr
iendof
your
s?Iwantt
ostar
tjobhunt
ing.
Tshepo:
Okay
.
Me:
thankYou.
Tshepo:
pleasur
e.
Me:
Youhav
eweed?

Hel
aughed.
Tshepo:
Youagai
n?
Me:
Yesme.
Tshepo:
come.

Wewenttot
heback.
.That
swher
eweusual
l
y
smoked.

Tshepo:
Reabi
l
we.
Me:
Tshepo.
Tshepo:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
TshepoIr
eal
l
ydontwantt
otal
kabouti
t
Tshepo;
Okayokay
.
Me:
Dropi
tpl
ease.
Tshepo:
Isai
dokay
!
Me:
Thanky
ou.

Weconti
nuedsmoki
ngandhel eftatar
ound
13:
00andIgotacal
lFrom El
latel
li
ngmeshe
wantst
ocomesoIletherknowwher eIam.
El
l
a:Hey
.
Me:
HeyEl
l
a.
El
l
a;Howar
eyou?
Me;
I'
m okay
.
El
l
a:SoI
'
vebeent
ext
ingy
ou.
Me:I'
m sosor
ryf
ri
end.Youwantsomet
hingt
o
dr
ink?
El
l
a:Yespl
ease.
.Whatwasup?
Me:
Ther
apy
,tr
avel
l
ing,
Glor
ia,
Musa'
smot
her
.
El
l
a:Ei
sh.
Me:
Yep.
El
l
a:I
'
m sosor
ryt
houghf
ri
end.
Me:
Thanksf
oral
lthemessagesy
ousent
.
El
la:
Andy oudi
dn'
trespondt
oanyofThose.
.
Youknowhowmanyt i
mesIwant
edtocome
andseeyou?
Me:
it'
sbeenr
eal
l
ycr
azyhonest
ly.
El
l
a:I
sitnotnow?
Me:
Hopef
ull
yyes.
El
la:How'
smum doi
ng?Ihear
daboutt
he
at
tack
Me:
She'
sokay
.
El
l
a:Andy
ou?
Me:
I'
m Okay
.
El
l
a:Yousur
e?
Me:
Yesf
ri
end.
El
l
a:Gl
ady
ouf
ine.
Me:
Andy
ou?
El
l
a:whataboutme?

Shesmi
l
ed.
Me:Who'
sthatguyy
ouwer
ewi
thatt
he
weddi
ng?
El
l
a:Noone.
Me:
Lies!
El
l
a:Xol
ani
.
Me:
Whi
chXol
ani
?
El
l
a:Theonewewentt
oschool
wit
h.
Me:
Youl
i
e!Xol
ani
thest
ri
ker
?
El
la;
Yes.Hesai
dBongai
nvi
tedhi
mtot
he
wedding.
Me:
Boyi
shehandsomenow!
El
l
a:Iknowr
ight
!
Me:
Andy
ou'
veal
way
shadacr
ushonme.
El
l
a:wel
lhe'
snotj
ustacr
ushany
mor
e..
.
Me:
My!My
!My
!Spi
l
litout
..
.

Shedi
d.Ihadsuchagoodt
imewi
thher
.Ir
eal
l
y
missedher .MusaandIdi dntspeakmuch,
actuall
yatallbuthedidcomeseemum on
Fri
dayt hough.OnSaturday,TshegoandI
decidedtoclean,bat
handspendt hedayi
nbed.

Tshego:
whenar
eyouandMusaf
ixi
ngt
hings?
Me:
Tshegopl
ease.
Tshego:okayf
ine.
.Ij
usthopey
ouknowwhat
youdoing.
Me:
I'
m st
il
lenj
oyi
ngt
hepeace
Tshego:
OkayReabi
l
we.
Me:
Yougoi
ngt
oBokang'
s?
Tshego:
Yes.He'
l
lComef
etchmeatar
ound
19:
00
Me:
Oh.
Tshego:
whati
sit
?
Me:
Thoughtwecoul
dgooutmay
be.
Tshego:
nott
odaysi
s.
Me;
Okay
.
Tshego;
what
'sBongaupt
o?
Me:
hit
ti
ngandr
unni
ng.
Tshego:
andEl
l
a?
Me:she'
swit
hXol
ani
..Don'
twor
ryaboutme.I
'
ll
wat
chmov i
es.

Mynotif
icat
iont
onewentof
fandICheckedmy
phone

Me:
ohwow.
Tshego:
what
'sup?
Me:
Fezi
l
ejustpost
edsomet
hingoni
nst
a..
Tshego:
let
'ssee.

Igav
ehermyphone.
Tshego:
Wher
ear
ethey
?
Me:Ghana..
theyar
ewi
thDav
id.Theonet
hat
gotmarr
ied.

Hehadpost
edacoupl
eofpi
ctur
es.

Tshego;
theyl
ookni
ce
Me:
Theydo.

Iwasl
ooki
ngatMusa.

Tshego:"
youguysarehot
""youguy
saregoal
s"
"Musa'
sisonpointt
hough""
TheMabasa
brot
hersaref
lames"

Shewasr
eadi
ngt
hecomment
s.
Tshego:
"Musawher
e'sy
ourr
ing?Ar
en'
tyou
marri
ed"
Me:
someoneaskedt
hat
?
Tshego;
yes.
Me:
Didher
espond?

Shekeptqui
et.Isnat
chedt
hephone

Me:"
Youaskal
ot.I
mmahi
tyouupassoonasI
l
andonMonday"
[
06/
15,
13:
22]W:
POTG
#53

Tshego:
Reaf
ixt
hingswi
thhi
m.
Me:
fixwhatTshego?
Tshego:
Whosai
dmar
ri
agewon'
thav
eit
s
chal
l
enges?

Ikeptqui
et.

Tshego:Idon'tknowyoulikethis.Rea,you'
ve
nevergi
venuponany t
hinginy ourli
fe.You
sol
dieron..
whathappened?Yougi vi
ngupon
someonet hatreal
lyl
ovesy ou?Someoney ou
l
ove?
Me:
youdontunder
standTshego.
Tshego:
Idounder
stand.y
out
ir
edoft
hedr
ama.
Me:
Yes.
Tshego:Butevenifyouwer
en'tmarri
edto
Musaandt osomeoney ou'
dstil
lhavedr
ama.
Allt
hesefamil
ieshaveskel
etons.AndneedI
remindyouthatthi
sdramathatwe'vej
ust
comeoutf r
om wascausedbyy ourmother
?
Satst
il
l.

Tshego:You'
l
ldi
e.You'
l
ldi
eofl
onel
i
nessI
'
m
tel
l
ingyou.

Shegotup

Me:
Wher
etonow?
Tshego;
Get
ti
ngr
eady
.It
oldy
ouBokangi
s
coming.
Me:
Oh

Iswi
tchedmyphoneof
fandpul
l
edt
hecov
ers
up.

Tshego:
Yougoi
ngt
odepr
essy
our
sel
f?
Me:
Im notdepr
essi
ngmy
sel
f.
Tshego:
Okay
.
Me:
Yes.
.
Tshego:
Whi
cht
op?
Me:
Thewhi
teone.
Tshego:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
Pleasur
e.
Tshego:
Andt
his?
Me;
Youboughtl
i
nger
ie?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Yout
aughtmeat
hingort
wo.
Me:
mum hadbett
ernotseet
hat
.Shesay
sit
's
t
heSat
an'
sunderwear.

Shel
aughed.
Tshego:
Mum'
sol
dfashi
oned.
Me;
Tel
lmeabouti
t.Thatbl
ackonei
sver
ysexy
.
Tshego:
Oh.
..
her
e.

Shepassedmet
her
edone.

Tshego:
That
'sf
ory
ou.
Me:
Youboughtmel
i
nger
ie?
Tshego:Ior
der
ed3onl
i
ne.Thet
wof
orme,
one
foryou
Me;
Wel
lthi
sissexy
.
Tshego:
youl
i
kei
t?
Me:
Ido.
Tshego:
Gladyoudo.Buty
ousingl
enowsoI
wonderwhoyou'
ll
wearitf
or.
Me:
Mysel
f.
Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Someone'
sgett
oseey
oui
nthat
.
Me:Whydonty
ouweart
hatl
i
nger
ieundery
our
out
fi
t?
Tshego:
Iwast
hinki
ngoft
hat
.
Me:
Itwi
l
lbel
i
keagi
ftwai
ti
ngt
obeunwr
apped.
Tshego:
Wel
lI'
m get
ti
ngunwr
appedsweet
y
Me:
Sot
ell
me,
who'
sni
cer
?

Shel
aughedAgai
n.

Tshego:
didy
ouj
ustaskmet
hat
?
Me:
yes.I
'
veonl
yhadonei
nmeso.
..
Tshego:
NeedIr
emi
ndy
out
hatI
myoursi
ster
?
Me:needIr
emi
ndy
out
hatwear
ebest
fri
ends
aswell
.

Shesmi
l
ed.

Tshego:
Bokang.
Me:
younotJustsay
ingt
hatcozRi
ch.
..
Tshego:
no.Ri
char
dwasbor
ing.
Me:
Youbadmout
hinghi
m?
Tshego:
I'
m notbadmout
hinghi
m.
Me:
Youar
e.
Tshego:
Itsl
i
kehef
ir
str
eadi
tfr
om manual
and.
..

Il
aughed.

Tshego:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou
Me:
Okayf
ine.
.Justf
ini
shget
ti
ngr
eady
.
Tshego:
packmyt
oil
etr
ybag.

Idi
d.

Tshego:
Yousur
eyou'
l
lbef
ineher
ewi
thmum?
Me:
I'
ll
justsl
eep
Tshego:
Youknowi
tsonl
yhal
f6r
ight
?
Me:
thenI
'
llwat
chmov
ies.
Tshego:
Andt
hensl
eep?
Me:
yep
Tshego:
poorchi
l
d..Swal
l
owy
ourpr
ide.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Ther
eai
n'
tnopr
ideher
e.
Tshego:
Youar
eaddi
ctedt
oMusa.
.y
ouwi
l
lsel
f-
destr
uct
.
Me:NoIwont
..
besi
desIhav
eaf
ewappl
i
cat
ion
f
ormstofi
l
lout.
Tshego:
okayl
i
lsi
s.
Me:
Yesbi
gsi
s..
youchur
chi
ngTomor
row?
Tshego;
Ihav
eto.You?
Me:
Yes.
.hav
en'
tbeent
ochur
chi
nweeks.
Tshego:
Itwasbecauseoft
heweddi
ngpl
ans
Me:
andt
het
rav
ell
i
ng.
Tshego:
Yes.Al
otoft
hat
.

Shefini
shedpacki
ngherover
nightbagandI
watchedasshestyl
edherhai
r.

Me:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Tshego:
thanky
ou.
"
Tshegof
atso!
"

Tshego:
Ma!
Mum:
BokangI
sher
e
Tshego:
I'
m comi
ng.
Mum;
Okay
.

Shel
ookedatme.

Me:
Isai
dyouLookbeaut
if
ul.
Tshego:
Iwant
edy
out
osayi
tagai
n.

Igi
ggl
edandhel
pedherwi
tht
heov
erni
ghtbag.

Me:
Youknowi
tsj
ustdi
nnert
hengr
indi
ngon
eachot
herr
ight
?

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Justpassmemybag.

Iwal
kedheroutt
othel
ounge.

Bokang:
ohheyRea.
Me:
HeyBokangy
ougood?
Bokang:
Iam heyy
ou?
Me:
I'
m okay
.Youki
dshav
efun

Theyl
aughed.

Mum:
Reawaphaphahl
e.
Tshego:t
oomuch.I
'
llseey
oual
latchur
ch
Tomorrow.
Mum:
Youki
dsbet
ternotbel
ate.
Tshego:
Wewontma.
Mum:
good.

Theyl
eft
.

Mum:
Andy
ou?
Me:
Me?
Mum:
Younotgoi
ngout
?
Me:
No.I
'
mlooki
ngaf
tery
ou.
Mum:
I'
mfi
neRea.
.
Me:
Mum,
Pleasedontf
ightmeont
his.
Mum:
wher
e'sMusa?
Me:
Ithi
nkhe'
sinGhana.
Mum:
doi
ngwhatt
her
e?
Me:
he'
swi
thhi
scousi
nbr
other
s.
Mum:
ohi
tsaboy
s't
hing?
Me:
Ithi
nkso.
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nthebedr
oom
Mum:
Doi
ngwhat
?
Me:
Wat
chi
ngmov
iesma.
Mum:
Okay
.
Me:
yesma'
am.

It
ookonest
epf
orwar
d.

Mum:
Reabi
l
we?
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
Iam ma.
Mum:
Yousur
e?
Me:
Justt
ir
ed.
Mum:
okaygor
estt
hen.

Iwentbacktothebedroom, fi
ll
edouttheforms
andwatchedmov i
es.Isleptataround21:00
andthenextday,Mum andIwentt ochurch.
BokangandTshegower et her
ebeforeus.
TshepowastherewithNomaandhi ssist
er
NkeleandBongawasal onesoIwentt ojoin
hi
m

Me:
Youl
ookhungov
er.
Bonga:
Iam.
Me:
Musthav
ebeenr
ough.
Bonga:
youhav
enoi
dea.
Me:
wel
ltr
ytokeepy
ourey
esopen.
Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Iwi
l
l.

TheServicewasverynice.
.Itwasrefr
eshi
ng.
Therestofthedaywentwel landthenext
Monday,ataround16:00,Musacamet oseehis
motherinlaw.Hewaswi thherforanhourandI
hadtowal khi
m out
.

Musa:
youl
osi
ngwei
ght
.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Younoteat
ingRi
ght
?
Me:
howwasGhana?
Musa:
Fun.
Me:
didy
ouhi
therup?
Musa:
Hitwho.
..
oh!
Me:
wel
ldi
dyou?
Musa:
how'
sthaty
ourconcer
nthough?

Ikeptqui
et

Musa: LookReabilwe,wegett
ingold,wear e
getti
ngoldandy oudontknowwhaty ouwant .
I'
m notgoingt ochaseaft
eryouorplaygames
withyou.Whosai ditsgoi
ngtobeeasy ?You
alwaysthefirstt
oruninthismarr
iageand
honestly
,I'
m getti
ngtir
edofyourshit!Ilov
eyou
IdobutTher e'sonl
ysomuchIcant ake..
Me:
Idi
dn'
t.
..
Musa:youhaveal
otofgr
owingupt
odoand
unt
ilt
henkeepawayfr
om me.
[
06/
15,
13:
23]W:
POTG
#54

Hegotint
othecarandl
eft
..Iwentbackt
othe
house.

Mum:
thatwasqui
ck
Me:
Hegotacal
lfr
om oneofhi
sempl
oyees.
Mum:
MusaI
sal
way
sbusy
Me:
Hei
s..
I'
m goi
ngt
oEl
l
a's
Mum:
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
nema.
Mum:
okay
.

Iwal
kedt
oEl
l
a's.
El
l
a:wel
lyoul
ookmi
ser
abl
e.
Me:
wowt
hanksEl
l
a.
El
l
a:Keng?
Me:
Ohi
t'
snot
hing.
El
l
a:Don'
tl
iet
ome
Me:
I'
m not
.
El
la;
OkayLook,
youneedt
ost
opbot
tl
ingt
hings
i
n

Il
ookedather
.

El
l
a:Tal
k

Isi
ghed.

El
l
a;keMusa?
Me:
Somet
hingLi
ket
hat
El
l
a:Whatnow?
Me:
Itol
dhi
m Ican'
tkeepupwit
hthedr
ama
t
hat
'sal
way
shappeningbet
weenus.

Sheputherhandsonherwai
st.

El
l
a:Ar
eyoust
upi
d?
Me:
Ell
a?
El
l
a:Okayy
ouar
e.
Me;
Excuseme!
El
l
a:y
ouar
e!Youknowwhaty
ourpr
obl
em i
s?

Ikeptqui
et.

El
l
a:I
'
llt
ell
youany
way
.
Me:
Ifi
gur
edy
ouwoul
d.
El
l
a:Youdon'
tthi
nk.Youj
ustdoi
t
Me:
That
'snott
rue.
Ell
a:Tel
lmey
out
hinkmar
ri
agei
sabedof
roses?

Idi
dn'
tanswert
hat
.

Ell
a:Lookatme,yourfr
iend.
.mymarri
age
l
astedmeaf ewmont hsbutIhadbeenwith
Mosesf ory
ear
s..Rea,l
ifei
sdramati
c.Accept
that
!
Me:
Yeahbut
..
.
Ell
a:t
herei
sno"but
".Youneedt
ogr
owup!You
can'
tkeepr
unni
ng.

Keptst
il
l.
El
la:You'
l
llosehi
m andIwontev
enof
fery
ou
ti
ssue.

Shewasn'
thav
ingi
t.

Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
m goi
ngt
oleav
enow.
El
l
a:Andgetbackt
oyoursenses.

It
ookmyphoneandwal
kedbackhome.

Mum:
Thatwasqui
ck.
Me:
Itwas.
Mum:
Issheathome?
Me:
Shei
s.
Mum:
Youhadaf
ight
?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
yma.
Mum:
Notr
eal
l
y?
Me:
Noma'
am
Mum;
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Not
hingmama.CanIj
ustsl
eep?
Mum:
okay
.
Me:
Yesma'
am

Iwenrt
othebedr
oom andsl
ept
.

Tshego:
Gir
lwakeup!

Igotup.

Me:
Tshego.
Tshego:
Youst
il
ldepr
essed?
Me:
Iam not
.
Tshego:
Goty
ouchocol
ate.
Me:
Oht
hanksSi
s.
Tshego:Yousentthedocument
stot
he
di
ffer
entcompanies?
Me:
YesIdi
d
Tshego:
That
'sgood.
Me;
CanIj
ustgobr
ushmyt
eet
h?
Tshego:
yesy
oucan.

Iqui
ckl
ywenttodot
hatandf
oundher
choppi
ngoni
ons.

Tshego:
Younotpr
egnantagai
n?
Me:
NoTshego,
Ihadmyper
iodl
astweek.
Tshego:
Im Justaski
ng.
Me:
I'
ll
taket
het
estt
omor
rowmor
ningokay
?
Tshego:Imeant
hel
astt
imey
ousl
eptt
his
much..
.
Me:
No.I
'
mjustr
eal
l
yti
red.
Tshego:
gety
ou.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.sodi
dBokangl
ovet
hel
i
nger
ie?

Shesmi
l
ed.

Tshego:
Hedi
d.
Me:
that
'sni
ce.

Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
ofi
shf
ormor
e.

Tshego:
Younotf
ishi
ngf
ormor
e?
Me:
Nope.
Igi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Thati
sunl
i
key
ou.
Me:
I'
ll
findt
heper
fectdayt
ofi
sh.
Tshego:
youspoket
oMusa?
Me:
Hewasher
etoseemum.
Tshego:
And?

Ishookmyhead

Tshego:
thatbad?
Me:
Yep.Het
oldmet
okeepawayf
rom hi
m
Tshego:
Yout
hinkhehi
tthatgi
rl
?
Me:
No.
Tshego:
soy
ougoi
ngt
okeepawayf
rom hi
m?
Me:
Idontknow.
Tshego:
Isee.
Me:
Yep.

Myphoner
ang.Gr
eatt
imny
.Iwsnsr

Me:
B.
Bonga:
R.
Me:
What
sup?
Bonga:
Not
hing.Youst
il
lar
ound?
Me:
yesIam.
Bonga:
Okayseey
oui
n5
Me:
Cool
nopr
obl
em.

Hehungup

Tshego:
Yougoi
ngout
?
Me:
Bonga'
sar
ound.
Tshego:
ohokay
.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
ohav
easmokeokay
?
Tshego:
Youst
il
lont
hat
?
Me;
Yes.
Tshego:
Reabi
l
we!
Me:
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
.

Iwai
tedf
orBonga.

Bonga:
Youl
ookugl
y
Me:
Ijustwokeup
Bonga:
Real
l
y?
Me:
youhav
eweed?
Bonga;
Ial
way
shav
eweed.
Me:
CanI
?
Bonga.Feel
freet
orol
lone.
Me:
Thanky
ou.

Idi
d..

Bonga:
str
essed?
Me:
Yes.
.Aboutget
ti
ngaJob.
Bonga:
You'
l
lgetaj
ob.
Me;
When?
Bonga:
Soon.
Me:
Ihopeso
Bonga:
Andy
ou'
l
lrol
l
ingi
nit
Me:
Likey
ouwi
l
lber
ight
?
Bonga;
we'
veal
way
ssai
dwewant
edt
ober
ich.
Me:
hav
eresor
ts.
Bonga:
ownpr
oper
ty
Me:
Hav
ebar
s.

Wel
aughed.

Bonga:
Andspendi
tal
lonweed.
Me:
Wesai
dWe'
dbuyapl
ott
ogr
owweedon.

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Thi
nkwecanst
il
ldot
hat
?
Me: y
eahactual
l
y .Idon'
tseewhynot
.Just
becausewegrowndoesn' tmeanwehavet
o
gi
veupont hedreamswehad.
Bonga:
thatact
ual
l
ymakessense.Pass.

Ipassedhi
mthej
oint
.
Me:
WassheNi
ce?

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
No.Ichoset
hewr
ongonet
hisweekend.

Wesmokedal otofweedwhil
ejammingand
tal
ki
ngallsort
sofcrazy.Hedeci
dedhe'
dsleep
athispar
ents'housei
twastoolat
etodri
ve.It
wasabout23:54

Me:
Ihopey
ouwakeupt
omor
rowmor
ning.
Bonga:
Iwi
l
l.
Me:
Cozwheny
ousl
eepl
atey
ouwakeupl
ate.
Bonga:
Alar
m Reaman.
Me:
youl
ovet
hesnoozebut
ton
Bonga:
Nott
rue.
Me:
seey
oul
ater
?
Bonga:
YesIwi
l
l
Me:
Byef
ri
end.Lov
eyou!
Bonga:
Lov
eyouchomi
yaka!

Ihighfi
vedhim andheleft
.Il
ockedthegat
es
andwenti n.Al
lthel
ight
swereoutbutthe
l
oungeonecameonassoonasIwasasI
grabbedthebedroom'sdoorhandl
e.

Mum:
Rea!
Me:
Ma?
Mum:
Comeher
e.

Iwentt
oher

Mum:
I'
m notst
upi
d,I
'
vebeenont
hisear
thf
or
sometimenowandI '
veknowny oufor24year
s.
Youar esomeone'
swife,youcannotbeoutwi
th
otherguysti
l
lthi
shour..
.
Me:
Mama,
Bonga'
smy
..
.
Mum:Isawyourbags.You'
vepacked
ev
ery
thi
ng.What'
sgoingon?

Ikeptqui
et.

Mum: Reabi
lwe,y
ounother
etotakecar
eofme.
You'
vemov edbackher
eri
ght?

Si
l
ence.

Mum: Youdonotbel ongtomeanymore.You

aremar r
iedReabi
lwe.Youwantyourinlawsto
comeher eandsayIdemandedmoneyf rom
them butI'
m st
il
l.
..
callMusaandt
ellhi
mt o
comef
etchy
ou.
Me:
now?Mai
tsmi
dni
ght
.
Mum: 1Cori
nthians7:
10"Tot hemarr
iedIgi
ve
thi
scommand( notI
,buttheLord)
:Awifemust
notsepar
atefrom herhusband"
Me:
Mama.
..
Mum: Rea,
youwi
l
lnotsl
eepinthi
shouse.I
don'
tcarei
fit
smi
dni
ghtornot.
[
06/
15,
13:
23]W:
POTG
#55

Me:
mamai
t'
s.
..

Shegav
emeav
eryt
hreat
eni
ngl
ook.

Me:
I'
ll
gogetmyphone.
Mum:
Youbet
terhur
ry.
Iwentt
ogeti
t.

Tshego:
youi
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:
I'
vebeent
oldt
oleav
eThehouse.
Tshego:
Now?
Me:
Yes.Ver
sesquot
ed.
Tshego:
youbet
tergoba.
..
Mum:
Reabi
l
we!
Tshego:
Backt
oher
.

Iwentt
othel
ounge.

Mum:
Cal
lhi
m.

Idi
all
edhi
snumber
.Itr
angabout4t
imesand
hepi
ckedup.

Musa:
Hel
l
o?
Me:
Umm hi
didIdi
stur
byoursl
eep?
Musa:
noact
ual
l
ywor
king.
Mum:
Tel
lhi
m

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat

Me:
Cany
oupl
easecomeandf
etchme?
Musa:
now?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Musapl
ease.
Musa:
Okay
.I'
l
lbet
her
ein25
Hehungup.

Mum:
good.Gowai
tout
side.
Me:
Mamai
t'
s.
..
Mum: takeyourbagsandwai toutsi
de,
ReabilweIwantt osleep.Ispentmyentir
eli
fe
tr
yingtot eachyouthewor d,howtoabidebyit
andy our ef
usetoli
sten?Got akeyourbags.

Iwentt
ogett
hem.

Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
Tshego:
goodl
uck.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Lov
eyousi
s.
Tshego:
lov
eyout
oo.

Ihuggedandki
ssedhert
henwentout
side.
Mum l
ockedt hedoorsandminuteslat
er,The
l
oungel
ightwentoff.Tshegokepttext
ingme
andMusafinall
yarr
ived.

Musa:
what
'swr
ong?

Hest
il
lhadt
hesamef
acehehadwhenhet
old
meto"gr
owUp"
.

Me;
Mum ki
ckedmeout
.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
sai
dIshoul
dgobackt
othehouse.

Iwasf
eel
i
ngcol
d.

Musa:
Let
'sgo.I
tschi
l
ly.
Hetookmybagsandputt hem i
nthecar.I
di
dn'tknowwhattosaytohim.It
hinkhehad
fi
gureditout
.Weweresil
entti
l
lwegottothe
houseandhet ookmybagstotheguest
room.

Musa:
I'
m goi
ngbackt
owor
k.
Me:
okay
.

Helef
tther
oom andIkepttossingandturning
i
ntheguest
room unti
l5am.Hewasal ready
goneby6andthat'
swhenImanagedt osleep.I
wokeupataround12andstartedwiththe
cl
eani
ng.

Noma:
Rea?
Me:
heyNomahowar
eyou?
Noma: I
'
m good.Wher
ear
eyou?St
il
lat
Rakgadi
's?
Me:
No.I
'
m not
.
Noma:
Backt
oyourhouse?
Me:
yes
Noma:
canIcomeseey
out
oday
?
Me:
canwemeetf
orl
unchmay
be?
Noma:
I'
dlov
ethat
.
Me:
hal
f2?
Noma:
Sur
e
Me:
seey
ousoon.
Noma:
okaybabe.

Ihungupandfini
shedcleani
ng,wenttot
akea
bathanddeci
dedtoubertothemall.Onmy
waythere,
Igotacall
from Tshego.

Tshego:
Heyhowdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
Didn'
tsl
eepatal
l
.
Tshego:
Aski
eshl
eNana.
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Tshego:
Mum'sconv
incedy
oudi
dsomet
hing
badtoMusa.
Me:
Likewhat
?
Tshego:
Thaty
ouanger
edhi
m.
Me:
OkayI
'
llt
alkt
omum soon.
Tshego:
Youbet
tercozshekeepsonshout
ing
here.
Me:
ButI
'
m notev
ent
her
e.
Tshego:
Yout
hinkshecar
es?
Me:
I'
m sor
rysi
s
Tshego:
Rea?
Me:
Hey
?
Tshego:
Justf
oll
owy
ourhear
tOkay
?
Me:
Okay
.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
Tal
ktoy
oul
ater
?
Tshego:
Yougoi ngt ohavetofor
givemeonthi
s
onebutIm notsleepingi
nthishouset
oday
.
Me:
Tshego!
Tshego:
Nonono.
.Ican'
t.
Me:
butwhati
tthey
..
.
Tshego:
Noonewi
l
lat
tackma.Theyal
li
njai
l
remember?
.
Me:
Okay
.
Tshego:
Andsheneedsspace.
Me:
For
?
Tshego:
Her
sel
fandherBi
ble.
Me:
Okay
,I'
l
ltexty
oul
aterokay
?
Tshego:
Okay
.
Me:
Bye.
Tshego:
Byebabe.

IhungupandIfoundNomawai t
ingforme.Her
bumpwasgr owi
ng,Iwontl
iebutitopeneda
woundthatwassti
ll
heal
ing

Me:
Hey
.
Noma:
Youokay
?
Me:
Iam.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Noma:
Thanky
ou.Reaar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Iam.
.how'
sthepr
egnancyt
reat
ingy
ou?
Noma:
Im car
eful
thi
sti
me
Me:
Thatmakessense.
Noma:
Andhowar
eyouaf
teral
lthathappened?
Me:
I'
m hangi
ngi
nther
e.
Noma;
youdon'
tLookokayt
hough.
It
ri
edt
ogetr
idoft
hel
umpbygi
ggl
i
ng.

Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Noma:
okay
Me:
it'
sjustnotagoodday
Noma:
OhI
'
m Sor
ry
Me:
It'
sokay
..I
'
m hungr
y.Canwe?
Noma:
Yespl
ease.

Wetookabout3minstomakeupourmi
nds
t
hencal
ledthewai
ter
.

Me:
IsTshepost
il
ltr
eat
ingy
our
ight
?
Noma:
hei
sact
ual
l
y.

Shesmi
l
ed.
Me:
I'
m happyf
ory
ou
Noma:
Itsal
lthankst
oyou
Me:
Youneedt
ost
opsay
ingt
hat
.

Shel
aughed.

Noma:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Weal
ldeser
vet
obehappy
.
Noma:
that
'st
rue.
Me:
Soy
ourf
ami
l
y?
Noma:Mum underst
andsnow.It
hinkshe
r
eali
zedhowtoxi
cMusa'smum isaft
erYou
miscar
ri
ed.
..
Me:Ididn'
tmiscar
ry.Sheki
l
ledmychi
l
d..
don'
t
sugar
coatit
.
Noma:
Okay
..
.sher
eal
i
zedt
hatt
hen.
Me:Soshe'
saccept
edy
ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
Tshepo?
Noma:Yesact
ual
l
y..
she'
scomi
ngt
ovi
situs
t
omorr
ow.
Me:
Oht
hat
'sgr
eatnews.
.
Noma:
Shewant
stomeety
ou.
Me:
I'
ll
comet
hrough.
Noma:
thanky
ouv
erymuch!
Me:
Dontment
ioni
t.

Wehadl unchandhonest ly ,Iwashappywheni t

wasov er.AllIwantedt odowasseemy
ther
api standaski fthiswasnor mal ornot.I
madeanappoi ntmentf orthenextdayandwent
tothenur ser
ytogosi tther e..
wehadn' tmoved
anything.Musahadkepti tlockedal lt
hetime.I
wasl uckyenought ofindt hekey..Isattherein
sil
enceasIdust edev eryt
hi ngthere.Wentt o
fi
ndanot epadandj ustst arted,i
twas
somet
hingt
het
her
api
stsai
dwoul
dhel
p..

"Ionlyhadt hechancet ocar r

yy oui nmyt ummy
butnoti nmyar ms, onlysawy ouonce, only
throughascanandnev eragai n,Imisslisteni
ng
toy ourheartbeat,
mi ssy ourl
ittl
ekicks,Ilooked
forwardtohav i
ngyou.Toy ouchoosi ngme
overy ourdad.Ilookedf orwardt oseeingy our
faceev ery
dayofmyl if
eandwat chi
ngy ougr ow
i
ntoanamazi ngyoungmanl ikey ourfather.
..
."

If
eltt
het
ear
sonmyf
ace.
.Iwasst
il
lnotov
er
hi
m.

"I
fIcouldt
urnbackthehandsofti
me,Iwoul
d.I
hopeonedayI'
llbeabl
etofull
yhealf
rom
thi
s..
."

Musa:
pleasest
opcr
ying.
Il
ookedup.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Musa:
y oul
ookedf
ort
hosekey
sandf
inal
l
y
f
oundthem?

Inodded.

Musa:
Come.

Igotupf
rom t
hef
loorandhel
ockedt
hedoor
agai
n.

Me:
Musa?
Musa:
Rea?
Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
Musa:
For
?

Iwi
pedt
het
ear
sof
fmyf
ace.

Me: Fornotbeingstrongenought ofightfor

yourchil
d'sli
fe,f
oralway swalki
ngawaywhen
thingsgetrough.ForalwaysthrowingInthe
towel.I
'm sorr
yforfail
ingyou.Justforgiv
eme
please.
Musa: I
m withy
oubecauseIsawpotenti
ali
n
you.Idontknowwhatgoesoninyourhead.
Me:
Idontknowt
oo.
Musa:Rea,
youdot
hisshi
tagai
n,you'
ll
loseme.
I
'l
ll
ett
hem snat
chmefrom y
ou.Idonthave
t
imeforgames.
[
06/
15,
13:
23]W:
POTG
#56
Me:
Musa!
Musa:
pleasest
opcal
l
ingMe.
Me:
Cany
ouat
leastcomeher
e?

Iwai
tedf
orhi
m.

Musa:
Yesma'
am?
Me:
Youneedt
ochanget
hel
i
ghtbul
bs.
Musa:
Baby
,Isai
dI'
l
ldoi
t.
Me:
You'
vebeensay
ingt
hatf
ort
hepast3day
s
Musa:
Iknowbabybut
..
.
Me:
butchanget
hem!
Musa:
Okay
Me:
nowpl
ease.
Musa:
Okay
.
Itwasamont hlat
ersinceour"I
'l
ll
etthem
snatchmef r
om you"moment .Ther
ehadbeen
nodr amaandwer ebacktooursel
ves.Ihada
newj ob.Wel
laninter
nship.

Musa:
howwaswor
k?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
I'
m bei
ngacar
inghusband.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:Okayt
hat
'
sjustt
heonepar
tIdon'
tcar
e
about
.
Me:
You'
l
lbest
rong.
Musa:
doy
ouneedt
owor
kther
e?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Why
?
Me:
CozIneedt
ogai
nexper
ience
Musa:
Andy
oucan'
tgai
niti
nmycompany
?

Il
aughed.

Me:youmissedthel
essononNepot
ism i
none
ofy
ourbusinessmodul
es?
Musa:
Itsmycompany
.
Me:
andI
'
m Noti
nter
est
ed
Musa:
Youcan'
tsayt
hat
.
Me:
I'
m ser
ious
Musa:
Your
eal
l
ydontneed.
..
Me:noBabypl
ease!Wecan'
tbeduscussi
ng
t
hisagai
n!
Musa:
Imj
ustsay
ing.
Me:
AndI
'
mjustt
ell
i
ngy
out
hatIwon'
tbea
housewi
fe.
Musa:
Can'
tyoul
etmepr
ovi
de?
Me:
noone'
sst
oppi
ngy
ouf
rom pr
ovi
ding.
Musa:
Okay
.let
'sj
ustdr
opt
his.
Me:
Thanky
ou.

Hesi
ghed.

Musa:
youhav
eanupdat
eonGl
ori
a'
scase?
Me:
30
Musa:
What
?
Me:
Thi
rt
yyear
sinj
ail
.
Musa:
Theyst
il
ldi
shoutsuchheav
ysent
ences?
Me:
Yep.
Musa:
That
'sbad.
Me:
Shedeser
vesi
t.
Musa:
How'
syourbr
otherThapel
otaki
ngi
t?
Me:
Dontknow.
Musa:
andy
oudon'
tcar
e?

Ishookmyhead.

Musa:
Rea!
Me:Hedoesn'
tcal
lort
extme.Tshi
dii
sabi
t
sadt
hough.
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
Hel
l
omyper
son.
Musa:
youar
ejustnotwi
l
li
ngt
otr
yandr
each
out
?
Me:
nope.
Musa:
Youknowy
ougoi
ngt
oneedhi
mri
ght
?
Me:It
ext
edhi
m andhedi
dn'
trepl
y.Li
fegoes
on.
Musa:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Lif
ebaby
!
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:
DidNompi
giv
eyouThepr
oposal
?
Musa:
yesshedi
d.
Me:
And?
Musa:
It'
sGood.
Me:
and?
Musa:
AndIt
oldhert
ogot
oschool
.
Me:
Musa!
Musa:
Hel
l
obaby
Me:
Wil
lyouf
undher
?
Musa:
sti
l
lthi
nki
ng.
Me:
Comeon
Musa:
I'
ll
findy
oursi
steri
nlaw.
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Yout
hebest
..
Musa:
Iknow.
Me:
Say"
thanky
ou"
Musa:
okaybabyt
hanky
ou.
Me:
Grat
it
ude.
Musa:Idon'
tunder
standwhyy
oucheer
ingher
onl
ikethi
s.
Me:
BecauseIt
rul
ybel
i
eveshecanmakei
t.
Musa:
Ifshef
lops.
..I
fshef
lopsbaby
.
Me:
Shewon'
t.
Musa:
ifshedoesIwantmymoneyback.
Me:
From who?
Musa:
you.
Il
aughed.

Me:
goodl
uck.Shewon'
tfl
op.
Musa:
Shebet
ternot
.

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Musa:
West
il
lhav
ingpi
zzat
oni
ght
?
Me:
nah.Goi
ngout
.
Musa:
Ohy
out
aki
ngmeout
?
Me: YesIam.Well
I'
mtaki
ngmeouty
ouj
ust
accompanyingme.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Toy
out
hatmakessenser
ight
?
Me:
Alotofsense.
Musa:
Figur
edi
twoul
d.
Me:
Sowel
eav
einanhour
.
Musa:
Iwanttoshowy
ousomet
hing,
gogett
he
l
apt
opplease.

Iwenttogeti
tcozhewasbusymaki
nga
smoothi
e.Idon'
tknowwhathi
sdeal
waswi
th
that
.

Me:
Okay
.Passwor
d.
Musa:
mskel
l
y@2510

Il
aughed.

Me:
real
l
y?
INEVERusedhi
slapt
opsoIwoul
dn'
tknow.He
gi
ggled.

Musa:
Yes.
Me:Sothe2510?Yout
ryi
ngt
onotf
orgett
he
dayyoudef
lower
edme

Hel
ookedatmeandl
aughed.

Musa:
Soy
oul
ookedatt
henegat
ive?
Me:
Am Iwr
ong?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Then?
Musa:
thedaywemetBaby
.
Me:
okay
.
Musa:
Youdon'
tbel
i
eveme?
Me:
whatdi
dyouwantt
oshowme?
Hechuckl
ed.

Musa:
Pict
ures.
Me:
Okay
.

Iwentt
othepi
ctur
es

Musa:
Whatdoy
ousee?
Me:
Pict
uresofmeandy
ou.
Musa:
Scr
oll
down.
Me:
Okay
.

Idi
d.

Me:
houses.
Musa:
Chooseonet
haty
oul
i
ke.
Me:
Why
?
Musa:
Youl
i
ket
his7r
oomedhouse?
Me:
It'
scomf
ort
abl
e.
Musa:Forpeopl
ewhoar
egoi
ngt
ohav
e3mor
e
ki
ds?
Me:
okaybutwenott
her
eyet
.
Musa:
Okay
,I'
m notcomf
ort
abl
eint
hishouse.
Me:
that
'swhyy
ouDontchanget
hebul
bs?

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
may
be.
Me:
okay
.
Musa:
Okay
?
Me:
wecangov
iewt
hehouses.
Musa:
yousur
e?
Me:
YesIAm.
Musa:
Wel
lthanky
ou.
Me:
Ihav
en'
tsai
dyesy
etsochi
l
l.
Musa:
Ouch.
Me:
Sor
ry.

Wewenttogetreadyf
ordinnerandwent
out
..
thenextday
,IwasoffsoIspentmytime
l
azi
ngaroundcozmymoodhadbeenr ui
ned.
WhenMusacameback, hewasv er
yshocked.

Musa:
Heybaby
Me:
Hel
l
omyl
ove.
Musa:
yougood?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Musa:
Didy
oubat
htoday
?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
That
'sunl
i
keYou.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
?
Musa:
Youat
esomet
hing?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
hai
boRea.

Ipul
l
edt
hebl
anketupcozIwasf
eel
i
ngcol
d.

Me:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Musa:
Wenott
alki
ngabouty
ourf
oul
mood?
Me:
Noty
et.
Musa:
Mydaywasf
ine.
Me:
justf
ine?
Musa:
yes.
.Howwasy
our
s?
Me:
Asy
oucansee.Ver
ylazy
.
Musa:
andwhy
'st
hat
?YouLookdepr
essed.
Me:
Imf
eel
i
ngv
eryi
nsecur
eact
ual
l
y.
Musa:
goon.About
?
Me:Sowheny ousai
dYouwant edustoget
anot
herhouseyoual
readyknew..
.her
e.

Het
ooki
t.

Musa:
Youknowi t
sgoi
ngt
obedi
ff
erentt
his
t
imearoundr
ight
?
Me:Ihopei
tis.Iprayt
heseinsecuri
ti
esf
ade.I
don'
twantanythi
ngtohappentot hi
schi
l
dI'
m
car
ryi
ng.

[
06/
15,
13:
23]W:
POTG
#57
Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.

Musa:
not
hingwi
l
l.
Me:
yousur
e?
Musa:
I'
m sur
e.
Me:
okaysoy
ouknew?
Musa:
kindof
.
Me:
how?
Musa:
fel
tIt
.
Me:
Don'
tl
ie.
Musa:
Youreat
inghabi
tschanged.
Me:
mmm
Musa:
you'
vest
oppedeat
ingbi
l
tong.

Il
aughed.
Me:
okayy
es.
Musa:
Andy
ou?
Me: I
'v
egott
enusedtomybody.If
eltabitsi
ck,
thoughtI
'
m havi
ngmyper
iodbutnothi
ngso
todayIwasinafoul
moodanddecidedtojust
check.
Musa:
Andar
eyouhappy
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowhowI
'
mfeel
i
ng.
Musa:
That
'sokay
.
Me:
Isi
t?
Musa:
Iti
s
Me:
Buti
t'
sgoodnewsr
ight
?
Musa:i
tis.Exceptt
hatFor
mul
aeanddi
aper
s
ar
eexpensive.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:Saystheonewhowant st
o"pr
ovi
de"
.
Pr
ovideforyourdaught
er.
Musa:
soYout
hinki
tsagi
rl
?
Me;
Yes.
Musa:
nah.It
hinki
t'
saboy
.
Me:
we'
l
lseet
hen.
Musa:
weeks?
Me:
Thet
estsay
stwo.
Musa:
wantt
ogot
oyourdoct
or?

Ishookmyhead.

Musa:
isi
tthatbadbaby
?
Me:
Idon'
ttr
ustany
onenow.
.
Musa:
Event
hedoct
or?
Me:
evenher
.
Hesmi
l
ed

Musa:
Youknowi
tsgoi
ngt
obef
iner
ight
?
Me:
Wel
lIguessso.
Musa:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
I'
m nott
ell
i
ngany
one

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:Youknowy
ougoi
ngt
ost
artshowi
ng
r
ight
?
Me:
They
'l
lknowwhenIst
artt
oshow.
Musa:
Notev
enTshego?
Me:Thatonewil
lprobabl
ytel
lmeIam.I '
l
lwai
t
f
orhertoaskorgiv
emeapr egnancyt
est
Musa:
what
every
ouwant
.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
obat
hnow.
.
Musa:
andi
tsunl
i
key
ou.
Me:
Iwasf
eel
i
ngdown
Musa:
Youf
eel
upnow?
Me:
wel
lyouher
ear
en'
tyou?

Hesmi
l
ed.Idi
dtoo.

Musa:
Whati
sitnow?
Me:
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.
Musa:
youkeept
ell
i
ngmet
hat
.
Me:
Cozi
tisbeaut
if
ul.
Musa:
Iknow.

Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandhegi
ggl
ed.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
obat
h.
Musa:
CanIj
o..
.
Me:
Nope!Idon'
tbat
hwi
thungr
atef
ulpeopl
e.
Musa:
ButIknowmysmi
l
eisbeaut
if
ul.
Me:Unt
ily
oul
ear
ntosay"
thanky
ou"don'
tbat
h
wi
thme.
Musa:
Younotdoi
ngy
ourwi
fel
ydut
ies.
Me:Saystheonewho'
snotdoi
nghi
shusband
dut
ies.Don'
tfol
l
owme!
Musa:
Yousee?
Me:
Stayt
her
e.Uset
heot
herbat
hroom.
Musa:
MsKel
l
y..
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Il
efthi
mt hereandwenttot
akeabath.It
ook
anhourinthereandwhenIwasdone,hewas
cooki
ng.
Me:
Musawenkosi
Musa:
Ichangedt
hel
i
ght
s.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
whatdi
dIsay
?
Musa:
IknowI
'm goi
ngt
ogetshout
edatwhen
myful
lnamei
sused.
Me:
soIwantt
oknowsomet
hing.
Musa:
yes?
Me:Whenwefir
stmet
,whywasn'
tItakent
o
t
hatapar
tmentofy
our
sbutt
oahot el
?
Musa:
Youwer
emeantt
obeaoneni
ghtst
and.
Me:
LikeIsai
dIwasi
nthecar
?
Musa:Yes.Whenyoucamei
ntomyl
i
feIwasn'
t
upforarel
ati
onshi
p.
Me:
Oht
hen?
Musa:
Theny
oursel
frespecthadmedr
awni
n.
Me:
Sel
frespect
?
Musa:
Yes.Theseday
snoonei
sav
irgi
nat23.
Me:
Mmm.
..
Isl
eptwi
thamanIdi
dn'
tknow.
Musa:
no.Yousl
eptwi
thy
ourhusband.
Me:
Sot
hat
'swhyy
oucameback?
Musa:
wellyourf
acemademecomeback.You
wer
everyembarr
assed.
Me:Iwas.Ihadn'
tdoneanyt
hingl
i
ket
hat
bef
ore.
.andthenyouwentAWOLonme.
Musa:
Youhav
en'
tfor
giv
enmef
ort
hat
?
Me:
Itmademef
eel
cheap.
Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
.
Me:
Youneedt
omakei
tupt
ome.
.
Musa:
ButIdi
d.It
ooky
out
oZanzi
bar
.
Me:
AndIgoti
ntot
roubl
efort
hat
..
Hel
aughed.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:
Itsal
lov
ernow.
Musa:
iti
s.
Me:
AndI
'
mver
yhappyi
tis

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
Mama?
Mum:
Bil
we.
Me:
Howar
eyoumum?
Mum:I'
mfi
ne.Youki
dswantt
ocomeov
erf
or
di
nner
?
Me:
wel
lMusai
sal
socooki
ngsoIdontknow
ma.
Mum:
Rea,
whenl
astdi
dIseey
ou?

Il
ookedatMusaandhenodded.

Me:
We'
l
lcomema.
Mum:
Seey
ousoon.
.
Me:
okayma

Ihungup.

Musa:
Dinneratmum'
s?
Me:
Yep
Musa:
Okay
.
Me:
Youf
inewi
thi
t?
Musa:
Iact
ual
l
ymi
ssher
Me:
Okayt
hen.
Musa:
Now?
Me:
youshower
ed?
Musa:
ohsoy
oudon'
tthi
nkIdi
d?
Me:
Iwasj
ustaski
ng.
Musa:
Idi
dbaby
.

Ist
art
edput
ti
ngawayt
het
hingshehadout
.

Musa:y
ougoi
ngtoherdressedl
i
ket
hat
?Tr
ack
pant
sandanover
sizedshi
rt
?
Me:
yep.

Hel
ookedatme.

Musa:
Readontyouthi
nkyoushoul
dat
least
l
ookgoodf
orthefoodshecooked?
Il
aughed.

Me:Excuseme?Ar
eyousay
ingIDontl
ook
good?
Musa:
that
'snotwhatImeant
.
Me:
Not
hat
swhaty
oumeant
.
Musa:
Itsabi
thotf
ort
rackpant
s.
Me:no.Ihadabl
anki
eonwheny
oucameback
f
rom work.
Musa:
Arey
ouf
eel
i
ngcol
dnow?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Then?
Me:
I'
ll
gowearaj
ean
Musa:
andwearanot
hershi
rtt
hati
snotmi
ne.
Me:
Sowecont
rol
l
ingout
fi
tsnow?
Musa:hey
!YouThewor
st.Youcont
rol
ever
y
out
fi
t.
Me:
That
'snott
rue.
Musa:
iti
sandy
ouknowi
t.
Me:
Ibuyy
ouni
cet
ops.
Musa:
andIbuyy
ouni
cel
i
nger
ie.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Musashutup.
Musa:
Gogetdr
essed.

Iwentt
ochangeandwel
eft
.

Musa:
I'
vemadeanappoi
ntmentf
ort
omor
row.
Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
oanydoct
or.
Musa:
Iknowt
hat
..
tov
iewt
wohouses.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Musa:
SoI
'
llf
etchy
ouf
rom wor
k?
Me:
that
'sf
ine.
Musa:
Athal
fpast3
Me:
Iknockof
fat16:
00.
Musa:
sayy
ousi
ckt
henandnotgot
owor
k
Me:For
geti
t.You'l
lfetchmeat16:
00.What
t
imearewev i
ewingt hehouse?
Musa:
17:
00

Hesai
diti
naver
ylowregi
sterandIhi
thi
m
pl
ayf
ull
yonhi
sshoul
der
.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oaskmum t
opr
ayf
ory
ou.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
thoughtWe'
dgooutf
ort
het
hir
ty
mi
nut
es.
Me;
Nope.Sor
ry.

Wefinal
l
ygothome.
.mum hadsetupi
nthe
gar
den.

Me:
Yourdad'
sher
e?
Musa:
Wel
lIseehi
scar
.
Me:
Thi
smustbeser
ious.

Tshepo'
scarwast
her
easwel
l
.

Musa:
Orj
ustaf
ami
l
ydi
nner
..
Me:
Nope.

Thegar
densetupwasr
eall
yni
ce.Reminded
meofChri
stmas'
swespentwi
thdad.
Wewalkedinandf oundmum,hi
sdad,Nompi
,
Noma,Tshego,Tshepoandhi
smotheral
l
si
tt
ingt
here.

Me:
Dumel
ang.

Iwasget
ti
ngangr
y.

Musa:
What
'sgoi
ngonher
ema?

Hecoul
dn'
tcont
aini
t.

Mum:
Cany
oupl
easesi
tdown?
Me:
canwegobackhome?
Musa:
Ithi
nkweshoul
d.
Mum:
MusaandRea.
..
.
M'
smum:
I'
m her
etoaskf
ory
ourf
orgi
veness.
Shewast
hin,
ver
ythi
n..Herski
nwaspeel
i
ng
off
.

Musa: I
'
mv er
ysor r
ytosaywhatI '
m aboutto
saybutIhav etosayit.
..
Ihateyou,Ihateyouso
muchandev ery
timeIseey ourface,Ij
ustwant
tograbakni f
eandst abyouami l
li
ontimesso
youcant akeyourApologyNomasont oandgo
tohell
!
[
06/
15,
13:
23]W:
POTG
#58

Welef
tmum'sAndwentbackt
oourhouse.We
wer
ebothpi
ssedact
ual
ly
.

Me:
howdar
eshedot
hat
?
Musa:
don'
tbl
ameher
..
Me:SheknowsI
'
m st
il
lheal
i
ngf
rom
Phi
wokuhl
esowhy?
Musa:
Mum bel
i
evesi
nFor
giv
eness.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Arey
ouhungr
y?

Hedi
dntwantt
otal
kabouti
tany
mor
e.

Me:
Iam.
Musa:
okay
.
Me:
Wenott
alki
ngaboutt
his?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Okay
.I'
m hungr
y.
Musa:
whatdoy
ouf
eel
li
ke?
Me:
You.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Notmesweet
y
Me:okay
,youdontl
ookl
i
keani
cesnackt
oday
any
way

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa;
Yourcomebackgamet
heseday
s.
Me:
yes!
Musa:
youar
eameanwi
fe.
Me:
say
sthemeanhusband.
Musa:
whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Me:
I'
ll
makemyownf
ood.
Musa:
oh?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Youmad?
Me:
nope.
Musa:
youl
ookmad.
.
Me:
I'
m notmad.
Musa:
okay
.

Iwentt
ofi
ndsomet
hingt
oeati
nthef
ri
dge.

Me:
youwantsome?
Musa:
Nope.
Me:
Iwon'
tpoi
sony
ou.

Hel
aughed.
Musa:
Iknowy
ouwont
.
Me:
Okaysoy
ouwantmyf
ood?
Musa:
No.
Me:
Musaam Ist
il
labadcook?

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
no.
Me:
Buty
oual
way
ssaynot
omyf
ood.
Musa:
Ieaty
ourf
ood
Me:
Lies.
Musa:
I'
m notl
yi
ng.
Me:
Youar
ely
ingbutI
tsf
ine.
Musa:
Rea?
Me:
Musawenkosi
.
Musa:
I'
m notusedt
obei
ngcookedf
or.I
'
ve
beenabachelorf
orwhat .
..4year
s.Justone
nightst
ands.Hi
tthem atnight
.Theyleav
ein
themorning.
Me:
ButI
'
m her
enow.
Musa: It
houghtwesharedt
heresponsi
bli
ti
es
though.Youclean,
washandir
on.Icookand
dri
vey ouar
ound.
Me:
whi
chy
ouhar
dlydo.
Musa:
Ial
way
sdr
ivey
ouar
ound.
Me:
yeahr
ight

If
ini
shedmaki
ngSandwi
ches

Musa:
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:
Huh?
Musa;
whati
sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:
Oh.
..
.
If
igur
edhewasst
ari
ng.

Me:
Not
hing
Musa:
CanInotbel
i
edt
o?
Me:
Yourmot
her
Musa:
Nonono!
Me:
Justl
i
sten.
..
Musa;
Fine.
Me:
Ourt
her
api
stsai
d..
.
Musa:
Alotofbul
lIdi
dn'
twantt
ohear
.

Musat
hough!

Musa:
Babypl
ease
Me:
yousai
dyou'
dli
sten.
Musa:Cozinmymi
ndIthoughty
ou'
l
lsaywe
shoul
dhir
eahit
mantoki
llher
.

Icoul
dnthel
pbutl
augh.
.

Me:Seeoutofal
lthecommandment
sIhav
e
nothonor
edtwo.I
tstopst
her
e.
Musa:
netso?
Me:
Netsobaby
.
Musa:
Okayt
hen.
.canwest
opt
alki
ngAbout
Noma?
Me:
I'
vest
opped.
Musa:
nev
eragai
n.
Me:
nev
er!
Musa:
good.
Me:
Done
Musa:
Tv?
Me:
Mov
ie.

Wechoseamov ieandsl
eptv
eryl
ate.Thenext
dayhedroppedmeoffatwor
k,al
thoughhe
wantedt
olockmeI n.

Musa:
I'
ll
seey
ouat16:
00
Me:
okay
.
Musa:
Exact
lyf
our
.
Me:
YesMrLeor
nado.
.
Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
ebaby
.

Weki
ssed.

Musa:
IbetIhav
eli
pst
ickonmout
h.
Me:
Don'
twi
pei
tof
f.
Musa:
lett
hem knowI
'
mtaken?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
comeher
e.

Iki
ssedhi
m agai
n.I
twasgoingonforthel
ong
ti
meandIknewhewasturnedon.Idrewback.

Musa:
Don'
tst
op.
Me:
Now?
Musa:Now.
.noonecanseeus.Lookar
ound
you.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
obe.
..

Hi
sli
pswereonmineagai
n..
wehadaquicki
ein
t
hecarandIhadt
ofixmysel
freal
qui
ck.

Me:
Ihopet
heydon'
tl
etmego.
Musa:
Ihopet
heydo.
.
Me:
ByeMabasa.
Musa:
goodby
eMr
sMabasa

Imadesur eIlookedproperandgotof
f.Iwasnt
l
atelucki
ly,t
hedaywentbyr eall
ysl
owandal lI
wantedTodowasbewi thmyhusband.Igota
cal
lfrom Bongabeforelunchti
me.

Bonga:
Let
'sl
unch.
Me:
Wher
e?
Bonga:
thatpl
aceopposi
tey
ourwor
kpl
ace.
Me:
I'
dlov
ethat
.
Bonga:
in15?
Me:
Yessi
r.
Bonga:
Cool
.
IhungupandIcount
eddown.If
oundBonga
wait
ingf
orme.

Bonga:
YouLookt
ir
ed
Me:
Iam.
Bonga:
how'
swor
k?
Me:
Fine.
.
Bonga:
madeanynewf
ri
ends?
Me:
Nope.
Bonga:
Whynot
?
Me:justt
heretogai
nexper
ience.
.Ihav
e
enoughfr
iends.
Bonga:
yout
hough.
Me:
butI
'
m bei
nghonest
.
Bonga:
Youar
egl
owi
ng.
Me;
I'
m happy
Bonga:
itshows.
Me:
Sowhat
'sbeenhappeni
ngi
nYourl
i
fe?
Bonga:
Not
hing.
Me:
Youst
il
lhi
tt
ingandr
unni
ng?

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Bonga:t
hesepastweekshav
en'
tchangedy
ou
Ri
ght?
Me:
Nope.
Bonga:
I'
vemetanewgi
rl
.
Me:
Andy
oucal
lthatnot
hing?
Bonga:
Itsnot
hing.
Me:
Doy
oul
oveher
?
Bonga:
Ili
keher
.
Me:
Justl
i
ke?
Bonga:
yes.
.wemet2weeksago.
Me:
And?
Bonga:
Andshe'
sal
way
satmyhouse.
Me:
And?
Bonga:
Andt
hesexi
sgr
eat
.

Il
aughed.

Me;That
'snotwhatIasked.
.whenwi
l
lImeet
her
?
Bonga:
Whendoy
ouwantt
omeether
?
Me:
Thi
sweekend.
Bonga:
Consi
deri
tdone.
Me:
Cool
then.

WehadlunchandIwentbacktowork.
.Iwas
ver
yhappytoseeMusaparkedout
side.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Musa:
hel
l
oMr
sMabasa.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Musa:
I'
m Okay
..
howar
eyout
wodoi
ng?
Me:
Fine.
.howwasy
ourday
?
Musa:
Itwasokayy
our
s?
Me:
Slow.
Musa:
Missedme?
Me;
Ver
y.

Hi
sphoner
ang,
wasconnect
edt
othecar

Musa:
Hel
l
o.
Nompi
:Musa.
Musa:
Nompi
l
o.
Nompi
:
Nomasont
oaskedmet
ocal
lyou.
Musa:
why
?
Nompi:shecompli
catedthi
smorni
ng,
she'
sin
hospi
talsoshewantstoseeyou
Musa;Nompi
lo,
Dontmecuty
ouof
fagai
n..
I
j
ustpast
edyouback.
Nompi:
shejustwant
stoseey
ou.
.t
hedoctor
s
ar
en'
tsurei
fshe'
sgoingt
omakei
tornot.
Musa:
I'
ll
askdadWhent
hef
uner
ali
s
Nompi
:SoIshoul
dtel
lhery
ounotcomi
ng.
Musa:Yes.Gi
veherf
ami
l
yMycondol
encesi
n
adv
ancethough.
[
06/
15,
13:
24]W:
POTG
#59

Hehungup.

Me:
Baby
..
.
Musa:
Lov
e?
Me:
Youknowshewasj
ustt
hemessengerr
ight
?
Musa:she'samessengert
hatknowsIdon'
t
wantanythi
ngtodowithhermother
.
Me:
okay
.

Idi
dn'
twantt
ospoi
lhi
smood.
.

Musa:
Sodi
dany
thi
ngI
nter
est
inghappen?
Me:
nope.Iwasl
unchi
ngwi
thBonga
Musa:
Howi
she?
Me:
Hesay
shehasanewgi
rl
fr
iend.
Musa:
Final
l
y.
Me:
What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?
Musa:
sohecanl
ooki
ngaty
out
hewayhedoes
Me:
Bonga'
sov
erme.
Musa:
yout
hink?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
openy
ourey
es.
Me:
OhMusa!
Musa:Butt
hat'
sOkay.SoWhenar
eyou
meeti
ngthenewgir
l?.
Me:
Thi
sweekend
Musa:
oht
hatshoul
dbei
nter
est
ing.
Me;
Ihopei
tsani
cegi
rl
.
Musa:
Youcan'
tchoosehi
sgi
rl
fr
iends.
Me:
Ijustwanthi
mtobehappy
.
Musa:
Thatmakessense.
Me:
Itdoes.

Wear
ri
vedatt
hehouse.
Me:
Thi
sisabeaut
if
ulhouse.
Musa:
ItI
s
Me:
Hopei
t'
sbi
genoughf
ory
ou.
Musa:
Forus.

Theagent
'
scarwasal
readyt
her
e.

Me:
Okaysot
hisi
sver
ybeaut
if
ul
Musa:
Youf
all
i
ngI
nlov
ewi
thi
t?
Me:
yesIam.
.

I
twasver
yspacious.Thegar
denwasbeaut
if
ul.
.
West
eppedi
nside.

"
Lov
ingi
tal
ready
?"
Me:
iti
sbeaut
if
ul!
"
Iagr
ee,
I'
m Sar
ah"
Me:
Kel
l
y..Ni
cet
omeety
ou
Sar
ah:
Likewi
se.
Musa:
Musa.Buty
oual
readyknowt
hat
..
Sar
ah:
Yes.
..Yout
woar
eabeaut
if
ulcoupl
e.
Musa:
Thanky
ou.

I
'
m gl
adhedi
dn'
tsay"
weknow"

Sar
ah:
shal
lwe?
Me:
Please.

Shel
edt
heway
.Showi
ngusev
eryr
oom.

Musa:
Ili
kei
t.
Me:
SodoI
Sar
ah:
itsr
eal
l
ycomf
ort
abl
e
Me:
Iagr
ee.Nott
oobi
g.Nott
oosmal
l
.
Musa:
thi
nkwecanseeanot
herhouset
oday
?
Sar
ah:
Wecan.

Iwasconv
incedbutAny
way
..
.

Sar
ah:
ReadyWheny
ouar
e.
Musa:
Leadt
hewayma'
am.

Weleftt
hehouseandf
oll
owedhert
otheot
her
house.

Musa:
Itst
oley
ourhear
t?
Me:
Itdi
d.
Musa:
Icanseet
hat
Me:
Itf
eel
sli
kehome
Musa:Ibety
oual
readyknowhowy
ougoi
ngt
o
setup.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
youcanturnthatot
herr
oom i
ntoagami
ng
r
oom orwhat
everyouwant.
Musa:
Youj
ustgav
emear
oom?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Todowhat
ever
?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
I'
ll
takei
tback.
Musa:
Okayokay
..
thanky
oubaby
.
Wear
ri
vedAtt
heotherhouse.I
twas10
mi
nut
esawayfr
om thefi
rstonewevi
ewed.

Me:
Nah.
Musa:
nah?
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikei
t.
Musa:
Rea,
youhav
en'
tev
enSeeni
t.
Me:
Imj
udgi
ngabookbyi
tscov
er.

Igotoutoft
hecarandSar
ahshowedust
he
house.

Sar
ah:
Kel
l
yyouqui
et.
Me:
Mmm
Musa:
MsKel
l
y?
Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tl
iket
hishouse.
Sar
ah:
bet
weenus,
Idon'
tLi
kei
ttoo.
Musagi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hishouse.
Me:
Itst
oobi
g.
Musa:
Besi
dest
hat
?
Me:
That
'sj
usti
t.

Hesi
ghed.

Musa:
whencanweseet
heot
herhouses?
Sar
ah:
Dayaf
tert
omor
row.
Me:
that
'sper
fect
.
Musa:
Thanky
ouSar
ah
Me:
WeTaki
ngt
hef
ir
sthousebyt
heway
.
Theyl
aughed

Musa;
seey
ousoon
Sar
ah:
Seey
ou.

Wewentbackhome

Me:
I'
m st
arv
ing.

Ir
eachedf
ori
ce-
cream

Musa:
That
'ssupposet
ohel
p?
Me:
Iti
shel
ping.
.Soy
oul
ovet
hesecondhouse?
Musa:
Ihav
enopr
obl
em wi
thi
t.
Me:
youdont
?
Musa:
nope.
Me:
Ili
ket
hef
ir
sthouse
Musa:
Theny
ou'
l
lgett
hef
ir
sthouse.

AndIgoti
t.

4mont hsl
ater
,wehadmov edintoournew
house.Iwasverycomfortable.Wellwewere.I
hadmetBonga'sgirl
fr
iend..Ididn'
tl
ike
her.
.Musa'
smum hadpul ledt hr
ough.

Tshego:
Youl
ooksi
ck
Me:
Iam.
Tshego:
What
'si
t?
Me:
IDontknow.
Tshego:
Pleasegot
oyourdoct
or.
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Tshego:
Thenauseai
sreal
l
yget
ti
ngt
oyour
ight
?
Me:
iti
s.
Tshego:
I'
m sor
ry.
.
Me:
Ihav
etosol
dieron.
Tshego:
yesy
ouhav
eto.How'
swor
k?
Me:
Hor
ri
ble.
Tshego:
Why
?
Me:
I'
m al
way
ssi
ck
Tshego:
Likey
ousai
d..
.Sol
dieron
Me:
sot
ell
me.
..

Iqui
cklyr
antothebat
hroom.
.Ibr
ushedmy
teet
hforthe100t
hti
meandwentbackto
Tshego.

Tshego:
Okaywegoi
ngt
othedoct
or.
Me:
Itsnor
mal
.
Tshego:Soshecanpr escri
besomethi
ng.
.You
haventevencheckedhim orherout
!
Me:
Iknow.
Tshego:
YouFi
ne.
.
Me:
Iknow.I
'
mtel
l
ingy
out
hat
.
Tshego:
Please.
Me:
Okay

Icall
edmydoct
orandsetanappoi
ntmentf
or
14:00

Me:
happy
?
Tshego:
yep.
Me:
Okay
.Soy
oucomi
ngwi
thr
ight
?
Tshego:
yest
omakesur
ethaty
ougo.
Me:
wow.How'
sNomadoi
ng?
Tshego:
She'
sreadyt
opop.
Me:
Iunder
standHer
.
Tshego:
y'al
ll
iket
hingst
hat
'swhy
.
Me;
Tshegoj
ustf
ini
shy
ourf
oodpl
ease.
.

Iwasget
ti
ngannoy
edwi
thher
.Idon'
tev
en
knowwhy.
Shefini
shedhergoodandIwentt ogetr eady
fort
heappointment.Thedoctorsaidev eryt
hing
Iwasf i
ne,ev
eryt
hingwas..Iwenttodr op
TshegooffandwhenIgothome, Islept..

Musa:
Wakeywakey

Isl
owl
ygotup.
.

Me:
Hey
.Whatt
imei
sit
?
Musa:
18:
00
Me:
Oh.
.
Musa:
Beensl
eepi
ngf
orl
ong?
Me:
Forabout3hour
snow.
Musa:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Me:
Ifeel
.bet
ter
.
Musa:
Hadsomet
hingt
otake?
Me:
Iwentt
otheDoct
or?
Musa:
youdi
d?
Me:
YesIdi
d
Musa:
And?

Igav
ehi
mthesonogr
ams.

Me:
Sor
ryIwentwi
thouty
ou.
Musa:
Thi
slooksv
erywei
rd.
Me:
Itdoesr
ight
?
Musa:
Ver
yIdon'
tev
enunder
stand.
Me:
Goti
tonDVDsoI
'
llexpl
ain.
Musa:Andy
ouknowt
hegendernow?I
smyki
d
f
ine?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me;
Yourboy
sar
efi
neMrLeor
nado.
[
06/
15,
13:
24]W:
POTG
#60

Musa:
arey
ouki
ddi
ng?
Me:
NoI
'
m not
.
Musa:
babyqui
tpl
ayi
ng.
Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
Im notpl
ayi
ng.

Hej
ustki
ssedme.

Musa:
Thi
sisbyf
art
hebestnews.
Me:
Isi
t?
Musa:
iti
s.
Me:
Doubl
ethet
roubl
e?
Musa:
Itsnot
hingwewon'
tbeabl
etohandl
e.
Me:
Wel
li
fyout
hinksosi
rtheni
tsokay
.

Hi
sfacehadl
i
tup.

Musa:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Me:
Im happy
.
Musa:
but
?
Me:
ButI
'
m bl
essed.

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:t
helastti
meyouweret
hishappywas
whenItookyoutoSaoTomeandPrinci
pe.
Me:
AndIact
ual
l
yfeel
li
kegoi
ngbackt
her
e.
Musa:
youl
ovet
hatpl
acedonty
ou?
Me:
It'
smysecondheav
enont
hisear
th
Musa:
youhav
eaf
ir
st?
Me:
you.

Hebl
ushed.
Me:
arey
oubl
ushi
ng?
Musa:
Ithi
nkIshouldknockyouupal
lthet
ime.
Youar
eav er
ynicepersonwhenyoupr
egnant
..
Me:
oh?
Musa:
yes.
.wantust
ogoout
?
Me:
nope.I
'
mti
red.
Musa;
Babyy
oual
way
sti
red.
Me:
Musa,
I'
m asbi
gasawhal
e.
Musa:
Noy
ounot
.
Me:
CanIhav
eIce-
cream?
Musa:
And?
Me:
skopas.
Musa:
whydi
dn'
tyouaskTshegot
obr
ingy
ou
some?
Me;Howabouty
oubeagoodhusbandand
dr
ive.
..
Musa:
youwantmet
ogooutandbuyy
out
hat
?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Hai
.Tel
lyourbodyt
obehav
e.
Me:ThereasonI'
mlikethi
sisbecausey
our
l
it
tl
emandi dn'
tbehavesocanyougogetme
whatIwant.
Musa:
that
'scal
l
edbul
l
ying
Me:
That
'scal
l
edl
ove.

Hegrabbedhi
scarkeysandlef
t.If
ell
asl
eepon
thecouchj
ustmi
nutesaft
erandanhourlat
er,
hewasback.

Musa:
Rea.
Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Any
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
Nope.Thanky
ou.
Musa:
I'
m goi
ngt
oshowernowokay
?
Me:
Then?
Musa:
ThenIsl
eep
Me:
Itsear
ly
Musa:
BabyIam exhaust
ed.
Me:
CanIcome?
Musa:
youwantt
ojoi
nme?
Me:
Butbat
htubt
hough.
Musa:
Okay
.

Wewentt
orel
axi
nthet
ub.

Musa:
So?
Me:
yes?
Musa:
thoughtofnamesy
et?

Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Daddywi
l
lnamet
hem
Musa:
OhI
tsl
i
ket
hatnow?
Me:
Youwant
edaboyr
ight
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
soy
ounamet
hem.
Musa:
wel
l
,letmet
hink.
Me:
wai
ti
ng.
Musa:
pat
ience.
Me:
Imv
erypat
ient
.
Musa:
Luy
anda.
Me:
and?
Musa:
Lwandi
l
e.
Me:
okay
.
Musa;
Youokaywi
tht
henames?
Me:
Yep
Musa:
younotnami
ngt
hem?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Youser
ious?
Me: It
hinky
ourdadshoul
dgi
vet
hem t
hei
r
secondnames.
Musa:
he'
dlov
ethat
..
Me:
Hehast
onamehi
sgr
andki
ds
Musa:We'l
ltel
lhi
m whenheGet
sher
eon
Sat
urday
.
Me:
donedeal
.
Musa:
Soy
ousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:
Im nami
ngournextki
d.
Musa:
andwest
opt
her
eri
ght
?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Okaydone.
Me:
Ithi
nkwecanst
artwor
kingont
henur
ser
y.
Musa:
Youmean,
Icanst
artandy
oui
nst
ruct
?
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Iknewi
t.
Me:
butIcan'
thel
p.
Musa;
Wecangetsomeone.
Me:
Musast
opbei
ngl
azy
.
Musa:
I'
m not
Me:
Youar
e.
Musa:
Ican'
tdot
hisal
one.
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
einst
ruct
ingy
ou
Musa:
okaybaby
Me:
Youcancal
lBongi
nkosi
tohel
p.
Musa:
That
'sapl
anact
ual
l
y..
Me:
Sowest
artnextweek.
Musa:
I'
ll
lethi
m know.
Me:
how'
sev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngatt
hel
ounge?
Musa:
Nel
iwant
syourgoahead.
Me:
wit
hthesoci
alev
ent
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Whatdoesshehav
einmi
nd?
Musa:
Idon'
tknowy
et.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lher
.
Musa:
Okay
..
andhow'
swor
k?
Me:
Wor
k'sf
ine.
Musa:
Youdon'
tsayt
hatl
i
key
oumeani
t.
Me:
Idon'
t.
Musa:
Bad?
Me:
I'
mjustsol
azyt
owor
know.
Musa:
Theny
ouqui
t.
.
Me:
MusaNo!
Musa:
Thi
sisy
our6t
hmont
h
Me;
AndIst
il
lhav
e6mor
emont
hst
oGo.
Musa:
Thatwon'
thappen.Youcan'
tev
enl
i
ft
y
ourl
eg.
Me:
Ican.
Musa:
Babypl
ease
Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:
Justt
hisonce.
Me:
your
eal
l
ywantmet
oqui
t?
Musa:You'
l
lgobackt
owor
kaf
tert
hei
rfi
rst
bi
rt
hday.
Me:Musastopt
ryi
ngt
otur
nmei
ntoa
housewi
fe.
Musa:
NoI
'
m not
.
Me:
Okayf
ine
Musa:
Idr
atherhav
eyour
elax.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
Okay
?
Me:
Iheary
ou
Musa:
AndIwon'
tst
andi
nyourway
.
Me:
youpr
omi
se?
Musa:
Ipr
omi
se.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Musa:
Ireal
l
ypr
omi
se.
Me:OkaysoIt
hinkweshoul
dor
gani
sean
out
ing
Musa:
Wit
h?
Me:Tshepo,Noma,Bokang,Nkosi
,Bonga,
his
gi
rl
fr
iend,
Tshego,
Fezil
e,andwhoever.
Musa:
weshoul
d?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Onaweekend?
Me:
yes.

Il
aughed.
Musa:
nope.
Me:
comeOn.
Musa:
Theweekendsar
efory
ou.
Me:
Youar
esuchani
ntr
over
t.
Musa:
noambi
ver
t.
Me:
Doubti
t.
Musa:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou
Me:
I'
m or
gani
zi
nganout
ing
Musa:
I'
m notcomi
ng
Me:I
'l
ll
eav
eyouher
eal
onet
hen.I
'
llbewi
thmy
ki
ds.

Hegiggl
ed.Wespentt herestofthenight
t
alki
ng.Thenextday ,
Iwenttowor k,
Musawas
r
ight
.Icouldhar
dlykeepmyey esopenandI
wasjustsomoody .Igotacallfr
om Bongaat
ar
ound14:
00

Me:
Hi.
Bonga:
Cany
oupl
easebr
ingt
hest
ickt
oday
.
Me:
Canty
oucomef
etchi
t?
Bonga:
mycar
'si
nforr
epai
rs.
Me:
Ohy
oudi
dsay
.Okay
.
Bonga:
sowi
l
lyou?
Me:
YesIwi
i
l.
Bonga:
thanks.
Me:
Sur
ethi
ng.

Ihungupandat16:
00,Idr
ovetohi
splace.I
t
wasastruggl
etogoupthosest
air
s.

Me:
Bonga!
Heopenedt
hedoor
.

Bonga:
Hey
!
Me:I'
m outofbr
eat
h.Theyneedt
ohav
eli
ft
s
her
e.
Bonga:
No.I
tsanexer
cise.

Iwenti
n.Hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendwast
her
e.

Me:
Hi
Nt
okozo:
Hey
..
Me:
Soher
eyougof
ri
end.
Bonga:
thanky
ou.
Me:
Wehav
ingourl
unchdat
eonFr
idayokay
?
Bonga:
Who'
spay
ing?
Me:
You.

Webot
hlaughed.

Bonga:
Yousett
hedat
ebutIpay
?
Me:
Yout
heonewi
thmor
emoney
Bonga:
Okayt
hat
'sf
ine.Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:
don'
tev
enaskf
ri
end.
Bonga:
you'
l
lgett
her
e.
Me:
Ican'
twai
t.Her
eyougo.
.mor
est
ri
ngs.

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Theyar
enotst
ri
ngs.
Me:
Theyar
e.
Bonga:
Ohbyt
heway
,pl
easegogett
hatgi
ft
Nt
okozo.

Sher
oll
edherey
esandwentt
ogeti
t.

Me:
what
'
sthat
?
Bonga:
Somet
hingIowey
ou.
Me:
Okay
.

Shecamebackwi
thaCD.At
ami
aal
bum

Me:Wel
li
tsaboutt
ime.Youbr
okemi
neages
ago.
Nt
okozo:
Rea?
Me:
Yeah?
Ntokozo:
Yougav
ehi
m hi
sst
ick.Youcanl
eav
e
now.
[
06/
15,
13:
24]W:
POTG
#61

Me:
byt
hewayy
ouowemei
ce-
cream aswel
l
.

Isatdown.Het
ri
edt
ohi
dehi
ssmi
l
e.

Bonga:
Iowey
oual
otdon'
tI?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
Let
'sgooutf
ori
ce-
cream nowt
hen.
Nt
okoza:
;Bonga!
Bonga:
hi.
Nt
okozo:
Itol
dhert
oleav
e.
Bonga:
She'
snother
efory
ou
Nt
okozo:
Idon'
tl
ikeher
!
Bonga:
thenl
eav
e!
Me:
AndIdon'
tl
ikey
ouei
ther
.Whot
hedoes
shethinkshei
s?You'
vebeenherefor5
minutesandyoual
readyplay
ingdr
umsand
expecti
ngustodancetothem?Gir
lplease!
Nt
okozo:
He'
smyboy
fri
end.
Me:
goodf
ory
ou.B.
..

Het
ookmyhandandhel
pedmeupagai
n.

Me:Thosest
air
sar
egoi
ngt
obet
hedeat
hof
me.Let
'sgo.
Bonga:
I'
ll
seey
oul
aterokay
?I'
m goi
ngoutwi
th
Rea.
Nt
okozo:
whataboutme?
Bonga:Ical
ledyou,t
oldyout
onotcomet
oday
cozReawi l
lbehereandyouknowhowweget
butyousti
llcameri
ght?
Nt
okozo:
Soy
ouchoosi
ngYourFr
iendov
erme?
Bonga:
let
'sgoRea.
Me:
youdr
ivi
ng.
Bonga:
Arey
out
oobi
gfory
ourcar
?
Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
m get
ti
ngbi
g.

It
ookmyCD.

Me:
Byebabe.

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwel
eft
..

Me:
can'
tyougetanot
hergi
rl
fr
iend?

Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Ican
Me:
Weshoul
dgogi
rl
fr
iendhunt
ing.
Bonga;
Youchoosi
nggi
rl
fr
iendsf
orme?
Me:
Yes.
Bonga:
Idi
dn'
tchooseMusaf
ory
ou.
Me:
Buty
ouappr
oved.
Bonga:Theguyl
ov esyou.
.Hemakesyou
happysothat
'sf
ine.I'
m happyi
fyouar
e.
Me:
Arey
ouhappywi
thNt
okozo?
Bonga:
She'
sani
cegi
rlbutshej
ustdoesn'
tgi
ve
memyspace.
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikeher
.
Bonga:
That
'sv
eryobv
ious.

Il
aughed

Bonga:
Youf
eel
i
ngbet
tert
oday
?
Me:
Iam.
Bonga:
Youst
il
ldontwantt
ogot
otheDoct
or?
Me:
Iwentt
othedoct
or.Ev
ery
thi
ng'
sfi
ne.
Bonga:
Andy
ouknowt
hegender
?
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
Ihopei
tsagi
rl
.
Me:
Boy
s.
Bonga:
Boy
s?Youhav
ingt
wins?
Me:
Yep.
Bonga:
That
'sawesome.
Me:
Isi
t?
Bonga:
Yep.
Me:
Mmm
Bonga:
Youcanhandl
etwoki
ds
Me:
Ican'
tev
enhandl
eTshepo'
ski
ds.

Hel
aughed.
Bonga:
itsokayt
obescar
ed.
Me:Idon'
tknowhey
.MusaandIar
efi
rstt
ime
par
ents.
Bonga:
Andy
ou'
l
ldof
ine.
Me:
Ihopeso.
Bonga:
Fai
th?

Isi
ghed.

Me:
Okay
.
Bonga:
That
'si
t.

Wegott
othei
ce-
cream pl
ace.

Bonga:Sowhenar
eyout
wohav
ingahouse
warming?
Me:
ourhousei
swar
m
Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
younothav
ingi
t?
Me:
Nope.
Bonga:
Why
?
Me:
I'
minnost
atet
ohostpeopl
e.
Bonga:
Rea,
int
womont
hsy
ou'
l
lbe.
..
Me:
Ver
yti
red.
Bonga:
Icani
magi
ne.
Me:
Sonopar
ti
est
il
lthen.
Bonga:
That
'sbad.
Me:
Iknow.Whatar
ewedoi
ngf
ory
ourbi
rt
hday
.
Bonga:
I'
m dr
inki
ngy
ouwat
chi
ng.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
I'
m notcomi
ng.
Bonga:
Yousupposet
obet
her
e.
Me:
nope.Hav
efun.
Bonga:
Your
eal
l
ynotcomi
ng?
Me:
Accommodat
eme.
Bonga:
Ther
e'l
lbej
uice.

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
WowBonga!okay
.
Bonga:
soy
oucomi
ng?
Me:
YesIam.
Bonga:
Good
Me:
Wit
hyournewgi
rl
fr
iend
Hel
aughed.

Bonga:
Feel
free.

Wehadice-
cream andIwentt
odr ophim of
f
t
henwenthome.Musawasal readyther
e.

Musa:
Beenwor
ri
ed.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Musa:
Hey
Me:
myphone'
slow.
Musa:
Okay
..
waswor
ri
ed.
Me:
Iwaswi
thBonga.
.
Musa:
Ohokay
.
Me:
Yes.Hi
sgi
rl
fr
iend!
Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandhel
aughed.
.

Musa:
Rea,
whati
sitnow?
Me:soIwentt
ogiv
eBongahi
sst
ickandgi
rl
t
oldmetoleav
e.
Musa:
qual
i
tyt
ime?
Me: No.Shewast ol
dtonotcomebutaf
tershe
heardthatI
'm comingseeBonga,
shej
ust
rushedther
e.
Musa:
Andy
oul
eft
?
Me:
yeswi
thherman.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Reabi
l
wey
oucan'
tdot
hat
Me:
Idi
dthat
..
Musa:
Andhowdi
dshef
eel
?
Me:
Idontknow.
Musa:
Andy
oudon'
tcar
e?
Me:
Nope.I
'
m get
ti
ngHi
m anewgi
rl
fr
iend.

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
Rea,
youar
etakenbyme.
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Soy
ouneedt
oletot
her
stakeBonga.
Me:
nicegi
rl
sneedt
otakehi
m

Heshookhi
shead.

Musa:
Youar
eov
erpr
otect
ive.
Me:
Iwantt
hebestf
orhi
m
Musa:
okayma'
am.doy
ou.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Musa:
Butdonti
nter
fer
e.
Me:
noIwont
.
Musa:
good.
Me:
Sodi
dyout
alkt
oBongi
nkosi
?
Musa:
yesIdi
d..We'
l
lst
artnextweek.
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch.
Musa:
itsal
way
sapl
easur
ema'
am
Me:
Ispoket
oNel
ibyt
heway
.
Musa:
yout
wor
eachedanagr
eement
?
Me:yeswedi
d..
Sunday'
sgoingtobev
erybusy
soy
ouneedtoprepareyour
self
.
Musa:
Younotcomi
ngwi
th?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Comeon.
Me:
Imv
eryt
ir
ed.
Musa:
Baby
,youneedt
obet
her
e..
Me:
Buti
tsy
ourl
ounge.Yourev
ent
.
Musa:It
sourl
ounge.
.cany
oust
opt
his"
your
"
t
hing.
Me:
buti
tsnotmi
ne.
Musa:Rea,getonwitht
hepr
ogr
am.Not
pr
enupti
alwassigned.

Ikeptqui
et.

Musa:
Okay
?
Me:
OkayMusa.
Musa:
That
'si
t.
Me:
Canwegoout
?
Musa:
youwantgoout
?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
thoughty
ousai
dyout
ir
ed.
Me:
Idon'
tfeel
li
keahomecookedmeal
Musa:
let
'
sgogetr
eadyt
hen

Themonthswentbyr eal
l
yslow,Iwasasbigas
awhal
e.WellIthoughtIwas.
.mum cametoli
ve
wit
husinthelastmonthcozIcouldn'
tev
enli
ft
myLeg.

Mum:
Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
noma.
Mum:
Reahl
e,
Me:
Ma,
Ican'
tev
enshi
ft
..Letal
oneeat
.
Mum:
I'
ll
feedy
ou

Il
aughed.
Me:
I'
mfi
nema,
Wher
e'sMusa?
Mum:
Wor
kingout
side.
Me:
Ohokay
..
.I
'
lleati
nthe.
..

Igotmy
sel
fup.

Me:
Int
he.
..

Ist
opped.

Mum:
Reawhati
sit
?
Me:
Mywat
erj
ustbr
oke.

Iwasrushedtohospit
al.
.Thepainwas
unbear
able.
.Idon'
tthi
nkit'
ssomethi
ngI
wantedtoexperi
enceagain.Iwast
oldIspent6
hoursInl
aborandIhadpopped.Themost
preci
ousbeingsIhadev
erseen.Bor
n16
minutesapart
.
Theywerebeauti
fulandidenti
cal.Iscanned
them.Onehadalitt
lebir
thmar konhi sneck
andtheotheri
twasonhi srightarm.

Me:
Who'
sol
der
?
Musa:
Thatl
i
ttl
eonei
nyourar
ms.Whoi
sheby
t
heway?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Luy
andaJadenMabasa.
Musa:AndIguesst
hisi
sLwandi
l
eJosé
Mabasa.

Il
ookedatLwandi
l
ewhowasi
nhi
sar
msand
l
ookedatLuy
anda.

Me:
Lett
het
roubl
ebegi
n.
[
06/
15,
13:
24]W:
POTG
#62

Me:
Noheeat
sal
ot.
.
Musa:
Buthe'
ssupposet
o.
Me:noheneedstobelikehi
sbrot
her.Lwandii
s
agent
lebr
other
.Luyandaontheotherhand.
..
.

Wewereathome.Mum waswi
ththet
winsand
Iwaspumpi
ngmilki
ntot
hei
rbot
tl
es.

Me:
pleasegobuycr
eam ofmai
ze.
Musa:
babyi
sn'
tthatf
orl
i
ke6-
36.
..
Me:
Babypl
easel
i
stent
ome.Yoursoni
s
mi
l
kingmedr
y

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
He'
sonl
y10day
sol
d
Me:
giv
ehi
myour
s.
Musa:
Wel
lIwoul
difIhadmi
l
k.

"
Rea!
"

Me:
Ma!
Mum:
Yay
aisup.
Me:
Her
e.

Igav
ehi
m hi
sbot
tl
e.
Me:
hav
efun.
Musa:
Pumpmor
e
Me:
yourson'
str
eat
ingmel
i
keacow.
Musa:
babyj
ustdoi
tpl
ease
Me:
fine.

Hewentt ohi
ssonwhi l
eIpumpedmor e.My
babieswerever
yador abl
e.Theydidn'
tcry
much..ButYayalovedfood.Inj
ust10day sthey
werealr
eadymyhear tinhumanf orm.Ili
vedfor
them.Mum camei ntotheroom minuteslat
er.

Mum:
youst
il
lokay
?
Me:
feel
li
keacow.

Shel
aughed.
Mum:
Luy
andaeat
s
Me:
Iknowr
ightma?Hej
ustnev
erget
sful
l
.
Mum:
youshoul
dbehappy
.
Me;
IwantMusat
obuyhi
m cr
eam ofmai
ze

Shesmi
l
ed

Me;
That
'sf
iner
ight
?
Mum:noRea.Justbr
east
mil
k.Youal
sol
oved
f
ood.
Me:
yout
hinkhet
akesaf
terme?
Mum:Hedoes.
.Thel
i
ttl
egent
lemant
akesaf
ter
Musa.

Igi
ggl
ed

Mum:
Youl
ooksohappy
.
Me:
I'
m compl
etema.
Mum:
Icanseet
hat
.

Ismi
l
edandSodi
dshe.

Mum:Il
ovehowy ourf
acel
i
ght
supwhent
he
t
hreemeni
ny ourl
if
earememt
ioned
Me:
it'
sabeaut
if
ulf
eel
i
ng.
Mum:
I'
m happyf
ory
oumummy
.
Me:
I'
m happyf
ory
out
ooGr
anny

Shel
aughed.

Mum:
Tshego'
scomi
ng.
Me:
Shedi
dsay.
Mum:
ist
hatokay
?
Me:
Iti
sma.
Mum:Okaythen.I
'
llgocook.Youcangocheck
ony
ourkids.
Me:
Okaymama.

Shelef
tther
oom andIwenttothenurser
y.
Lwandiwassti
llsl
eepi
ngandtheeat
ingchamp
wassti
llwel
l
...
eati
ng

Me:
Howar
ewe?
Musa:st
il
lenj
oyi
ngmum'
sbr
east
mil
k..
itt
ast
es
hor
ri
blebytheway.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Stopl
yi
ng.
Musa:
Im not
Me:
Mymi
l
ktast
essweet
.
Musa:
Doesi
t?
Me:Yes.I
'm goi
ngt
ost
opbr
east
feedi
ngaf
ter6
months.
Musa:
Reast
opst
arv
ingmysons.
Me:
Ohnoy
oursonswon'
tst
arv
e.
Musa:
itl
ooksl
i
ket
heyar
e.
Me:Nope.Youneedt
ogett
hecer
elacf
ort
hat
sonofyour
s.
Musa:
whatdi
dmum say
?
Me:
Shesai
dno.
Musa:exactl
y.
.y
ouwantmychi
l
dtosuf
ferf
rom
const
ipat
ion.
Me:nothing'
sgoi
ngt
ohappen.Your
eadt
oo
manythingsofft
hei
nter
net
.
Musa:
noIwasr
eadi
ngababymagazi
ne.
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
owi
nri
ght
?
Musa:
nope.
Me:
Fine!Theycanmi
l
kmedr
y.

Hel
aughed

Musa:
Thanky
oumummy
.
Me:
What
ever
!

Thel
i
ttl
eonef
ini
shedhi
sbot
tl
eandhebur
ped
hi
m.

Musa:
her
e.
It
ookhi
m.Hel
ookedsocut
e.

Me:
Hel
l
opankl
a..
..
hel
l
omyAngel
..
.
Musa:
Mot
her
hoodl
ooksgoodony
ou
Tshego:
Iagr
ee.

Shewasst
andi
ngatt
hedoor
.

Tshego:
Par
ent
hoodl
ooksgoodony
out
wo.
Me:
HeySi
s.
Tshego:
Heyl
over
s.

Shecamei
n.

Musa:
heyTshegohowar
eyou?
Tshego:
I'
mfi
ne.
Shewasl
ooki
ngatLwandi
l
e.

Tshego:
Theyar
esocut
e.

Shehadn'
tmett
hem y
et.
.

Tshego:
sowho'
sthi
s?
Me:
That
'sLwandi
l
e.
Tshego:
Howdoy
out
ell
them apar
t?
Musa: Wel
ltheotheronehasal i
tt
lebirt
hmar k
ontheneckandt heotheronhisri
ghtarm but
al
so,Lwandile'
searsaresli
ght
lybiggerthan
Luyanda'
s.

Shel
ookedatt
hem
Tshego:
Sowhohasabi
rt
hmar
kont
heneck?
Me:
Luy
anda.
Tshego:
AndLwandi
l
ehasi
tonhi
sar
m?
Me:
Yes.

Shel
ookedv
eryconf
used.

Me:Theycr
ydi
ff
erent
lyt
oo.
.y
ou'
l
lgetusedt
o
t
hem.
Tshego:
shuuseemsl
i
kehar
dwor
k..
Musa:
you'
l
lgetusedt
oitAunt
y.

Wegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
letmel
eav
eladi
es.
Me:
Sayhi
toNkosi
.
Musa:
Iwi
l
l.
..

Heki
ssedme.

Musa:
keeppumpi
ng.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Bye.
.
Musa:
lov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Helef
tus.Tshegot
ookYay
awhowasal
ready
hal
fasl
eep.

Me:
Car
eful
Tshego.
Tshego:
I'
vehel
dbabi
esbef
ore
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Tshego:It
sokay
.Sot
hisgent
lebr
othersl
eeps
forsolong.
Me:
He'
sthecal
m one.
Tshego:Ohsohe'st
heMusai
nthis
brother
hood.I
'
m car
ryi
ngt
heRea.Ibethel
oves
food.

Il
aughed.

Me:
YousoundLi
kemum
Tshego:
youl
ooksohappy
.
Me:
Iam
Tshego:
andI
'
m happyf
ory
ou.
.
Me:
thanky
ou.
AssoonasweputLudown, Lwandiwokeup.
Wewentt ogochi
ll
withhi
mi nthelounge.My
boy
swer egrowi
ng,whent
heywer eamont hol
d,
wedrovedowntoMpumalanga
ompi
:Theyar
esocut
e.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
.thanky
ou.
Nompi
:Theyl
ookl
i
keMusa.
Me:
Alot
.

WehadjustputLuyandadown.Musa'smum
hadseenus,askedNomvulaifshecoul
dcome
seet
heboysbutMusasai d"no"

Nompi
:Musai
sapr
ouddad.
Me:
heshoul
dbe
Nompi
:andhow'
sNoma'
sdaught
erdoi
ng?
Me:
OhDi
neoi
sbeaut
if
ul!She'
ssoador
abl
e
Nompi
:I'
m happyf
ory
ouguy
s.
Me:
Thanky
ou.

Isai
dasIwasf
eedi
ngt
hegent
lebr
other
Lwandi
l
e.

Nompi
:Youhav
ingany
mor
eki
ds?
Me:
we'
l
lsee

Wespokeand25mi nuteslater
,Ifel
tver
y
uneasy.Luyandahadbeensl eepingformore
45minuteswhichwasunusual cozheusuall
y
sl
eptfor30.IputLwandi l
edownont hebedand
l
ookedatLuy anda.Ipickedhim upandhedidn'
t
mov ehishandli
keheusual lydid.Hi
srate
wasn'tthesame.

Me:
Musa!Musa!Yay
a!
Hecamei
n!

Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
MusaHe' sf
adi
ng,
weneedt
otakehi
mto
t
hehospi
tal

[
06/
15,
13:
25]W:
POTG
#63

Wesprintedout .Nompi wascar r

yingLwandil
e
andIwasl it
erallytal
ki
ngtoYay awhokept
openi
ngandcl osinghiseyes.Wewer equickl
y
att
endedt oatt hehospit
al.Ikeptpaci
ngupand
down.Hehadbeenwi ththedoctorsforabout
30minutes.
"
Rea"

Shegav
emeahug

Me:
MmeDor
ah
MmeDor
ah:
howar
eyou?

Ihadl
astspokent
oheraf
terIhadt
het
wins.

Me:
Notokay
.Mysonj
ust
..
.

Iwast
ear
ingup.

MmeD:
Reacal
m down.He'
l
lbef
ine.
Musa:
Anynews?
MmeD:
Thedoct
orwi
l
lbeoutsoon.
Me:
Ismybabyf
ine?
MmeD:
Rea,
justr
elaxpl
ease

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

MmeD:
That
'si
t.Si
tdown

Idi
d.

MmeD:
Thedoct
orwi
l
lbeher
esoon.
Musa:
thanksmama.

HehadLwandi
leinhi
sarms.Wewer etol
dto
wai
tinthewai
ti
ngroom f
orhissake.Hewas
r
est
lessaswell
.Hekeptcry
ing.
MmeD:
Andr
emai
nseat
ed.
Me:
Okay
.

Idi
d.mi
nut
esl
ater
,thedoct
orcame.

Me:
Ishef
ine?
Dr
:He'
l
lbef
ine.
Musa:
Whatwaswr
ong?
Dr
:wefoundt
racesofBot
uli
num t
oxi
ninhi
s
sy
stem.
Musa:
What
?
Me:
That
'spoi
sonr
ight
?
Dr:
Yesit
.IthascausednodamageAndwe'
ve
got
teni
tout.He'
llbefi
ne.
Me:
Whencanwet
akehi
m home?
Dr
:Tomor
row
Me:
I'
m st
ayi
ngt
heni
ght
.Ist
hatf
ine?
Dr
:YesI
tis.He'
l
lneedt
obef
ed.
Musa:
Canty
ouof
fert
hem awar
dorsomet
hing?
Dr:al
lwar
dsareful
l.I
'
llal
lowyoutostayi
nthe
wardhisi
nthoughandI'l
lgi
vethatl
i
ttl
eonea
bed.

Hehadagoodhear
t.

Me:
oht
hanky
ou
Dr
:mot
her
hood.Iunder
standi
t.
Me:
thanky
ou.
.Canwegoseehi
m?
Dr
:yesy
oucan.
Me:
CanIj
usthav
ehi
m checkedaswel
l
?
Dr
:yes.Fol
l
owme.

Wedid.Shewassokind.Shecheckedhi
m and
hewasokay.Ihadt
hebot t
lesofmil
kthr
own
outandMusahur r
iedt
ogetnewones.Justi
n
case.
Ilef
tLwandil
ewit
hMmeDor ahwhowas
j
uststandi
ngoutsi
dethedoor
.Hewassleepi
ng.

Nompi
:wher
edoy
out
hinkt
hepoi
soncomes
f
rom?

Idi
dn'
twantt
oanswerher
.

Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknow.
Nompi
:I'
m gl
adhi
sfi
ne.
Me:
Soam I
.
Musa:
Thi
nki
ngIshoul
dtakeLwandi
l
ewi
th.
Me:
Wil
lyoubeabl
etohandl
ehi
m?
Musa:
YesBabyandwe'
vei
ntr
oducedt
hem t
o
f
ormul
aesoI'
l
lbefi
ne.
Me:
Okay
.
Musa:
you'
l
lbef
ineher
eal
one?
Me:
I'
m wi
thMmeDor
ah.
Musa:
Okayt
hen.
Me:
Musa?
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:
Takecar
eofhi
m pl
ease.
Musa:
Iwi
l
lbaby
.

Iwenttokissmyli
tt
leboyandwentbackt
o
watchovermyotherhal
f.

MmeD:
he'
sast
rongy
oungman.
Me:
IthoughtIwasgoi
ngt
olosehi
m.
MmeD:
Iguesshedi
dn'
twanty
oucr
yingagai
n.
Me:Iwoul
ddi
e.Iwoul
dn'
twi
sht
hatpai
nonmy
wor
stenemy.
MmeD:
Met
oo.Yourki
dsar
ebeaut
if
ul.
Me:Thankyoumama..Theyar
egoingt
obe
bapt
izednextmont
h,y
oushouldcome.
MmeD:
ist
hatani
nvi
te?
Me:
Iti
s.
MmeD:
I'
ll
come.
Me:
I'
ll
askmyf
atheri
nlawt
ogi
vey
oual
i
ft.
.
MmeD:
youdon'
thav
eto.
Me:
Hewon'
tmi
nd.
MmeD:okay
.I'
l
lkeeponchecki
ngony
ouand
t
hel
i
ttl
eone.
Me:
Okay
..
MmeD:
younothungr
y?
Me:
Nomama.
MmeD: youknowI'
m goi
ngt
obuyy
ou
somet
hingtoeatr
ight
?

Il
aughed.
Me:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obeal
ongni
ght
.
MmeD:
Youknowi
tis.

Iwat
chedoverhi
m andfel
lasleeponthecouch.
Iwaswokenupbyhim andIfedhim.Helooked
fi
ne.

MmeD:
Howar
eyouki
dsdoi
ng?
Me:
Weokay
.
MmeD:
youdi
dn'
tfi
nishy
ourf
ood
Me:
Iwasntt
hathungr
y.
MmeD:
Youar
ebr
east
feedi
ng.
Me:
I'
ll
fini
sht
hef
ood.
MmeD:
Youbet
ter
.How'
shedoi
ng?

Shet
ookhi
mfr
om me.
MmeD:
he'
sast
rongy
oungman.
Me:
Hei
s..Ineedt
ocheckont
heot
herone.

Idi
all
edMusa.

Musa:
Heyy
ou
Me:
Heybaby
..
howar
eyou?
Musa:
I'
m okay
.You?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.how'
smysondoi
ng?
Musa:
He'
sokay
.Andt
hatl
i
ttl
eone?
Me:He'sokaytoo.Justf
edhi
m.Di
dyouf
eed
andchange.
..
Musa:
YesIdi
dbaby
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Musa:
I'
m okaymyl
ove.
Me:
youdon'
tsoundf
ine
Musa:
I'
mfi
ne.
Me:
okay
Musa:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
rowokay
?
Me:
Okay
.At11:
30
Musa:
Okaymybaby
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Musa:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.

Ihungup.

MmeD:
Her
eyougo.

It
ookhi
m

MmeD:
Rest
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
MmeD:
youbet
terRea
Me:
Iwi
l
lMmeDor
ah.

Shesmil
edandleftt
her
oom.Iputhi
mt osl
eep
andIsl
eptt
oo.Hewokeupagainat5andwas
sl
eepi
ngagainat6.

Tshego:
heyhowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
nesi
s..
aren'
tyousl
eepi
ng?
Tshego:
Icoul
dn'
taf
terNompi
sentmeat
ext
..
is
heokay?

It
ookadeepbr
eat
hcozIwasdr
ained.

Tshego:
Rea.
Me:
he'
sokay
.
Tshego:
ThankGod!
Me:
Amen.
Tshego:
Arey
ouf
ine?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Tshego:
Youknowwhodi
dthi
s?
Me:
Ithi
nkIdobuti
tdoesn'
tmakesense.
Tshego:
whenar
eyouguy
scomi
ngback?
Me:
Soon.
Tshego:
Today
?
Me:
Idoubt
Tshego:
justcomebackt
oday
..
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoMusa.
Tshego:
Mum want
stot
alkt
oyou.
..
Me:
Okay
.

Shepassedmum t
hephone.
Mum:
Rea?
Me:
Hel
l
omama.
Mum:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
nema.
Mum:
How'
sLuy
andadoi
ng?
Me:
he'
sokayma.
Mum: andLwandi
l
e?Ar
eyousur
ehewasn'
t
poi
soned?
Me:
Wehadt
hedoct
orcheckhi
m out
.
Mum:
that
'sgood.How'
sMusadoi
ng?
Me:
He'
sokayma.
Mum:
Youki
dsneedt
okeeponpr
ayi
ng

Mum t
hough!
Me:
yesmama.
.
Mum:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dcomet
her
e.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
eto
Mum:
whynot
?
Me:
Wecomi
ngbacksoon.
Mum:
when'
ssoon?
Me:
tomor
roworl
ater
.
Mum:
okayRea.
Me:
Lov
eyouma.
Mum:
Lov
eyout
oo.
.t
akecar
eoft
hoseki
ds.
Me:
Iwi
l
lma.
Mum:
andMusa.
Me:
yesmama.By
ema.
Mum:
Byebaby
.

Ihungup.
"
He'
sast
rongy
oungman"

It
urned.

M'smum: He'
sveryst
rong.
.t
houghthewouldn'
t
sur
viv
e.Whatanunsuccessf
ulatt
empt!Ishoul
d
havedonebet
ter
.
[
06/
15,
13:
25]W:
POTG
#64

Me:
andy
ou'
l
lkeepf
ail
i
ngy
ouol
dbi
tch!
M'
smum:
Ohwe'
l
lseeaboutt
hat
..
Me:
Damnr
ightwewi
l
l.

Shel
eftther
oom..Ikeptmyeyesonmyson
andat11,wewer
edi schar
ged.
MmeD:
I'
ll
cal
lyouokay
?
Me:
Okaymama

Sheki
ssedLwandi
l
eandLuy
anda

MmeD:
ByeMusa
Musa:
seey
ousoonma.
Me:
Thanky
ouonceagai
n.
MmeD:
youknowIl
ovey
ouki
ds.
Me:
Lov
eyout
ooma

Ihuggedher
.

MmeD:
takecar
eoft
hosecut
eli
tt
leki
ds.
Me:
wewi
l
l.
Welef
tthehospi
tal
.Musast
oppedata
r
est
aurant
.

Me:
Andnow?
Musa:
Youneedt
oeatr
ight
?
Me:
wel
lIdo.
Musa:
Her
ewego.
Me:
Ithi
nkIneedt
oshower
.
Musa:
Youneedt
oeat
Me:
Okay
.

Igott
heki
dsandhegott
hei
rpr
am.

Musa:y
oucanact
ual
l
ycar
ryt
hebot
hoft
hem
l
iket
hat?
Me:
Icar
ri
edt
hem f
or9mont
hsbaby
Musa:
AndIst
il
lcan'
tdot
hat
.
Me:
youknowI
'
m st
rongert
hany
ou.

Hegi
ggl
ed.Hewasn'
thi
msel
f.

Musa:
let
'
sgo.

Hepushedthei
rpr
am.Weordereddri
nks.Wel
l
Lwandi
lel
ookedbabyt
oseehisbrot
her.Ludi
d
too.

Me:
Musa?
Musa:
baby
?
Me:
Luy
andai
sfi
ne.
.what
'
supnow?

Hel
ookedathi
ssonst
henbackatme.
Musa:
Not
hing
Me:
Don'
tl
iet
ome
Musa:
Nomasont
opoi
sonedhi
m andbabyIam
sor
ryy
ou.
..
.
Me:
Iknow.
Musa:
Youdo?
Me:
shecamet othehospi
tal
thi
smor ni
ng,
tol
d
methatsheshoul
dhavedonebett
er.
Musa:
Oh?
Me:
yes.

Itwasn'
tther
eact
ionIwasexpect
ing.Hewas
calm.

Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?
Musa:
Foot
age.
Me:
Foot
age?
Musa:Shesnucki
nthr
ought
hebackdoorand
wentt
oourbedroom.
Me:
Yourdadhascamer
asI
nthehouse?
Musa:heal
waysdi
d.Hehadt
hem r
eact
ivat
ed
af
tersheki
l
ledPhi
wo.
Me:
Oh.

Hi
sey
esshi
ft
edt
ohi
ssonsagai
n

Me:
whenar
ewegoi
nghome?

Noanswer
.

Me:
Musa?
Musa:
Im sor
rywhat
?
Me:
whenar
ewegoi
ngbackt
oGaut
eng?
Musa:
Soon
Me:
Soonwhen?
Musa:
Babyy
ouknowwhaty
ouwantt
oeat
?
Me:
justt
hemi
xedgr
il
l.
Musa:
Okay
.

Hecall
edthewai
terandpl
acedouror
der
.He
keptl
ooki
ngathi
ssons.

Me:
Theyar
efi
ne.

Si
l
ence!

Me:
Musa!
Musa:BabycanIj
usthav
eabi
tofsi
l
ence
pl
ease?
Me:
okay
.
Istaredatmyphone. .Breakf
astwasn'tthe
Same. .noj
okes,nolaughing,
nonothing.Hehad
hisey esonhissons99%oft hetime.
.whenwe
gothome, Itookabat handgotthem.cleaned
up..Igotacallf
rom Tshepo.

Tshepo:
Rea!
Me;
Hey
Tshepo:
whydi
dyout
akemynephewst
her
e?
Me:
howar
eyouTshepo?
Tshepo:
I'
m comi
ngt
ogett
hem.
Me:
Tshepochi
l
l.
Tshepo:
Don'
ttel
lmet
ochi
l
l.
Me:
Theyar
efi
ne.
Tshepo:Idon'
tcar
eift
heyaref
ine.
.somet
hing
badalwayshappenswhenyouarei
n
Mpumalanga.
Ikeptqui
etcozhewasshout
ing.

Tshepo:
Rea!
Me:
Tshepo?
Tshepo:
Imt
alki
ngt
oyou.
Me:
AndI
'
mli
steni
ng.
Tshepo:
Comeback.
Me:
Iwi
l
lsoon
Tshepo:Youbet
terRea,
Idon'
twantt
ofi
ght
wit
hy ou.
Me:
TshepoIhear
dyou.
Tshepo:good.
Me:
arey
ouwi
thNoma?
Tshepo:
Yes.
Me:
CanIt
alkt
oher
?Imi
ssedHercal
l
s.
Hecl
ickedhi
stongue.Mi
nut
esl
ater
,shewas
ont
hephone.

Noma:
Hey
.
Me:
Hey
.
Noma:
beencal
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
Iknow.
.It
sbeensohect
ic
Noma:
Howar
etheki
dsdoi
ng?

Shesoundedsoconcer
ned.

Me:
theyar
eokay
.
Noma:
Aret
hey
?
Me:
YesNoma.
Noma:
Rea,
pleasebecar
eful
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Noma:
Nomasont
odi
dthi
sri
ght
?
Me:
thatwomanI
sev
ilNoma
Noma:
Iknowshei
s.

Lwandi
l
ewokeup.

Me:
Ineedt
ogo.
Noma:
Takecar
e
Me:
Yout
oo

IhungupandwenttoLwandi
le.
.Cal
medhim
downandassoonasIputhim downagai
n,Lu
wokeupandstar
tedmil
kingme.

Nompi
:Thatl
i
ttl
eoneeat
s
Me:
Hedoes.
Nompi
:I'
m sor
ryy
oual
mostl
osthi
m.
Me:
ThankGod.Idi
dn'
t.
Nompi
:I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryRea.
Me:
Itsnoty
ourf
aul
t.
Nompi
:Buti
t'
smyMot
herwho'
sdoi
ng.
..
Me:
Exact
ly!y
ourmot
hernoty
ou.
Nompi
:I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
.
Me:
andi
tsnoty
ourf
aul
t.

Shekeptqui
et.
..

Me:
Whati
sit
?
Nompi
:Canamot
herbesoev
il
?
Me:
Ican'
tanswert
hat
..
Nompi
:Shewasnev
erl
i
ket
hat
..
Me:
Peopl
echange.
Nompi
:butt
otur
nagai
nsty
ourownchi
l
dren?
Me:Yourmot
herdoesn'
that
eyouorMusa,she
hat
esme.Shedoesn'
twanttoseemehappy.
Nompi
:Thati
sjustsi
ck.
Me:
Thewor
ldi
sful
lofsi
ckpeopl
e.

Ibur
pedLuandshet
ookhi
mfr
om me.

Nompi
:IsMusaokay
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Nompi
:He'
sbeenst
ari
ngi
ntospacef
orsome
t
imenow.
Me:he'
sjustst
ressed.Heusual
l
ywant
stobe
al
onewhenst r
essed
Nompi
:oh.
Me:
Yep.

Isai
dasIl
ookedatMusa.
Me:
Justwat
cht
hem
Nompi
:Yougoi
ngt
otal
ktohi
m?
Me:
I'
ll
gethi
m somet
hingt
odr
ink.
Nompi
:okay
.

It
ookagl
assofj
uicet
ohi
m

Me:
Hey
.
Musa:
Hey
..
Me:
Her
e.

Hequi
ckl
ydr
anki
t.

Musa:
Nompi
!
Shecame.

Musa:
Lookaf
tert
heboy
s.Wecomi
ng.
Nompi
:Okay
.

Het
ookabagt
hatwasont
hegr
ound.

Musa:
Let
'sgo.
Me:
Wher
ear
e..
.
Musa:
Baby
,let
'sgopl
ease.

Hel
edtheway.Wewereathi
smot
her
'shouse.
Heopenedt
hedoorr
oughl
y.

M'
smum:
Musawenkosi
!
Musa:
Sit
!
Hisv
oicewascommandi ng.Hehadgl
oveson.
Shequickl
ysatdownandhet hr
ewcuf
fstoher
.

Musa:
Yourl
egs!Cuf
fthem.

Shel
ookedscar
edbutev
ent
ual
l
ycuf
fedt
hem.

M'
smum:
Musa,
I'
m sor
ryI
..
.

Hetookoutanaxef
rom t
hebaghewas
car
ryi
ng.
..

Me:
Musa.
..
Musa:
Qui
etRea!
M'
smum:
Musapl
ease.
..
Musa:
Shutup!Youki
l
ledmyf
ir
stsonandIl
et
youli
ve.Nowyoualmostki
l
ledmysecondson?
Thenyoucal
lyour
selfamother
.

Ev
eni
nrage,
hel
ookedsohandsome.

Musa:Ify
ouweregoi
ngtoheavenI
'
dasky outo
sayhit
omygrandmotherbuty
ougoingst
rai
ght
tohel
l
.

Het
ookoutt
hreel
abbot
tl
es.

Musa:
Dri
nkt
hose.
M'
smum;
Musapl
ease.
..
Musa:Youdaretr
ytospil
l
,I'
llhav
et hi
saxe
chopoutyourl
eg.Youdyi
ngthesamewayy ou
tr
iedtoki
llmyson.
.Dri
nkthesethreebot
tl
esof
cyani
de..
Shewast
ear
ingup.Musaopenedt
hebot
tl
efor
her
.

Musa:
Taket
his.
..

Shetooki
tandst
art
eddrinki
ngi
t.Musamade
sur
eitwasdownthethr
oatandempty

Musa:
Getthesecondbot
tl
e,Iwanty
oudeadi
n
t
henext15minutes.
[
06/
15,
13:
25]W:
POTG
#65

Iwatchedasshet ookherl
astbreath.Musa
foundat ool
boxtoputtheaxeinandt hr
ewthe
bagwhi chIhadn'
tevenseenont opofthe
wardrobe.Heuncuffedher
Musa:
Let
'sgo.

Ikeptqui
etandf ol
l
owedhim.Wewalkedt
o
somer i
verwhichwas15minutesandhet
hrew
awayhisglovesandthecuf
fs.

Musa:
youokay
?
Me:
Ijustwi
tnessedy
ouki
l
lyourmot
her
.
Musa:
Idi
dn'
tki
l
lmymot
her
.
Me:
Whatdoy
oucal
lthat
?
Musa:
Just
ice.
Me:
wil
lyoubeabl
etol
i
vewi
thy
our
sel
f?
Musa:Knowi
ngt
hatIprot
ectedmywi
feandmy
sonsf
rom amur
derer
..
hel
lyeah
Me:
Oh.
Musa:andIdi
dn'
tki
llher
.Shet
ookt
hose
bot
tl
esanddrankup
Me:
Whati
fyougetar
rest
ed?
Musa:
Real
l
y?Thatwi
l
lbeseenassui
cide.
.

Hewassochi
l
led.Sof
li
ppi
nchi
l
led.

Musa:
let
'
sgo
Me:
Okay
.

Wewalkedbackt
othehouse.Mysonswer
e
sl
eepi
ng.

Nompi
:wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Musa:
Riv
er.
Nompi
:ohokay
.
Musa:
Didt
heygi
vey
ouahar
dti
me?
Nompi
:No.
.t
heyar
eangel
s.
Musa:
Okay
..
wel
eav
ingt
omor
row
Nompi
:sosoon?
Musa:
Ihav
ebusi
nessest
olookaf
ter

Iwasqui
et.

Musa:
I'
mver
yhungr
y.
Nompi
:I'
l
ldi
shupf
ory
ou.
Musa:
Thanks.
.baby
?
Me:
Huh?
Musa:
Youhungr
y?
Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Nompi
:Okayt
hen.

shewentt
otheki
tchen.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oli
edown.
Musa:
arey
ouf
ine?
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.

Iwentt
othebedr
oom andputmyheaddown.

Me:
Hey
.
Bonga:
Hey
..
didIdi
stur
b?
Me:
Wast
ryi
ngt
otakeanap.
Bonga:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Mpumal
anga
Bonga:
younotbacky
et?
Me:
Nope
Bonga:
whenwi
l
lyoubeback?
Me:
Tomor
row.
Bonga:
howar
etheboy
sdoi
ng?
Me:
Theyar
efi
ne.
Bonga:
Real
l
y?
Me:Yep.Onef
ell
sicky
est
erdaybuthe'
sfi
ne
now.
Bonga:
Whatwaswr
ong?
Me:
Hewaspoi
soned
Bonga:
By?
Me:
Musa'
smot
her
.
Bonga:
Ent
lek,
whycan'
tthatwomanJustdi
e
Me:
Bonga,
Ithi
nkLuy
andai
sup.

Iwasn'
tl
yi
ng.
.

Bonga:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
oul
atert
hen.
.
Me:
Shar
p.
Ihungupandwentt ocheckonmybaby .Aft
er
agoodfeedanddiaperchange,hewassleepi
ng
agai
n.Lwandil
ewasdeepi nhissl
eep.Hekept
onsmili
ng.Pr
obablydreamingofmummy !The
dooropened.

Nompi
:Rea?

Shel
ookeddi
stur
bed.

Me:
Hey
.
Nompi
:Rea.
..
Me:
Whati
sit
.
Nompi
:Nomasontocommit
tedsui
cide.Aunt
Nombusoj
ustt
oldme.I'
mrushi
ngthereokay?
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Nompi
:ohI
'
mfi
ne.
.i
tsaboutt
imeshedi
es.
Shecl
osedt
hedoorandleft
.Honest
ly,
Idi
dn'
t
bl
ameMusa,butIf
eltbad.
Mi
nut
esl
ater
,Musacamei
n..

Musa:
Younotsl
eepi
ng?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
Whynot
?
Me:
Luy
andawasupandasy
oucansee.
Musa:
Rea,
Idi
dwhatIhadt
o.
Me:
Ithi
nkIunder
stand.
Musa:
Youdo?

Inodded.

Musa:
I'
mti
redofseei
ngy
oucr
y.
Me:
I'
mti
redofcr
ying.
Musa:
sodon'
tbl
ameme.
Me:
I'
m not
.
Musa:
Cany
oupl
easeeat
?
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Musa:
Rea,
youneedt
oeat
.
Me:
Musa,
Idon'
tneedt
oeatnow
Musa:
Okay
Me:
yes.
Musa:
Howar
etheboy
sdoi
ng?
Me:Well
youknowhowt
heyar
e..
alway
s
sl
eepi
ng.
Musa:
theyneedt
ogr
ow.
Me:
Theyar
e.

Ismi
l
edasIshi
ft
edmyey
est
othem.
Musa:Idon'
tregr
etmaki
ngherdr
inkt
hat
poi
son..
Me:
Younotev
enbot
her
ed?

Heshookhi
shead.
Musa:noonemesseswit
hmywi
feandki
ds.I
t
doesn'
twor
kli
kethat
..

Il
ookedathi
m.

Musa:Idi
dn'tmar
ryyousoy oucoul
dhur
t.I
marr
iedyoucozIlov
ey ouandIwanttomake
youhappy.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
ohsot
heyt
oldy
ouIwasn'
thappy
?

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Iknewy
ouwer
egoi
ngt
osayt
hat
.
Me:
AndI
'
m aski
ngy
ou.
Musa:
Ijustknewy
ouwer
en'
t.
Me:Mmm...
younotgoi
ngt
odr
yyourf
ami
l
y
member
s'eyes
Musa:mykidsar
en'
tcr
ying.Mywi
feai
n'
tcr
ying.
Whatam It
odry?
Me:
How'
sNompi
doi
ng?
Musa:
Probabl
yver
yhappyt
oo.
Me:
Yout
hink?
Musa:
yes
Me:
Whydi
dyouguy
shat
ehersomuch.
Musa:
YouknowwhyIdi
dwhatIdi
d.
Me:
AndNompi
?
Musa:SheletMncedi
si'
sfat
herr
apeHerown
daught
er.
Me:
arey
ouser
ious?Who'
sMncedi
si
?
Musa:
mycousi
nwhopassedon.
Me:
Wher
e'she?
Musa:
Inheav
en.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Thef
atherMusaman!

Hel
aughedt
oo

Musa:
bespeci
fi
c
Me:
Sor
ry.So?
Musa:He'
sst
il
lal
i
ve.
.Hewaspr
esentatt
he
weddi
ng.
Me:
real
l
y?
Musa:
yes.
Me:
That
'sbad.
Musa:
Iknow.
Me:
wassheal
way
sli
ket
hat
?
Musa:
no.ButIt
hinkshe'
sal
way
sbeenev
il
.
Me:
youcan'
tj
ustchangef
rom goodt
obad.
Musa:Shedi
d..
canwest
opt
alki
ngaboutt
hat
wi
tch?

Hespokewi
thdi
sgust
.Hewasn'
tbot
her
edat
al
l
.

Me:
Okay
Lwandi
l
ewokeup.

Musa:
I'
ll
gethi
m

Hecal
medhi
m downwi
thi
nmi
nut
es.
.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
omakef
ood.
Musa:
Final
l
y!Pl
ease.

Iwenttomakef
ood.Anhourl
ater
,Nompi
came
back.

Nompi
:It
sagoodt
hingsheki
l
ledher
sel
f.
Me:
youokay
?
Nompi:
OhI
'mfi
ne.
.t
hatwomanhashor
ri
ble
t
hingst
ome.
.
Me:
Musaj
ustt
oldme.I
'
m sosor
ry.
Nompi
:I'
veheal
edf
rom i
t.
Me:
real
l
y?
Nompi
:Dadt
ookmef
orcounsel
l
ing.
Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
Nompi:It
'sokay.Trustme.
.Alotofpeopl
eare
happyshe'sdead.OnlyNombusoisshed
tear
s..
whendadcal ledNomvul
a,al
lshesaid
was"oh"

Wasshet
hatbad?

Nompi
:Goodr
iddancer
ight
?
Me;
Younothur
t?

Sheshookherhead.

Nompi
:Wher
e'sMusa?
Me:
Wit
hhi
ssons.
Dad:
Nompi
!
Nompi
:dad?
Dad:
Cal
lMusaandRea!Youshoul
dcomeher
e
t
oo.
Nompi
:OkayDad.
Me:
I'
ll
gocal
lhi
m.

Iwentt
othebedr
oom.
.

Me:
Hey
!Youf
inal
l
yknowt
ocar
ryt
hem!
Musa:
It'
sanachi
evementr
ight
?
Me:
wel
ldone.Yourdad'
scal
l
ingus.
Musa:
Okay
.

ItookLwandilefr
om hi
m andfol
l
owedmeto
thelounge.Fezi
l
e'sdadwasther
e.Uncl
e
Gi
deon,hewaswithsomewomanIsawonour
weddi
ng.Fezi
l
e'sst
epmum.

Dad:
Musa, weneedtostar
twi
thf
uner
al
pr
eparat
ions.Ar
eyouin?
Musa:NoI
'
m not
.Iwon'
tbeat
tendi
ngt
he
f
uneral
.
Uncl
eG:
Musawenkosi
,she'
sYourmot
her
.
Musa:
AndIdontcar
e.
Uncl
eG: Li
sten,
weneedt
ocont
ri
but
easa
fami
ly.
..

HeaskedNompit
oTakeLuy
andaf
rom hi
m and
t
ookoutaR200note.

Musa:ther
e'smycont ri
but
ion,
shoul
dbe
enoughforteabagsand2.5kgofSugar.Iwant
nothi
ngtodowi ththatwoman.Evenindeath.
[
06/
15,
13:
25]W:
#POTG
#66

Me:
Luy
andadon'
tdr
ivemecr
azy
!Lwandi
l
e!
Lwandi
l
e:I
'
m comi
ng.

Theyr
ani
n.

Luy
anda:
YesmsKel
l
y?
Me:Cany
ougoout
sideandputt
hoset
oysi
na
box.
Lwandi
l
e:OkayMsKel
l
y.
Luy
anda:
I'
m hungr
y
Me:
Luy
anda!Toy
sout
side.

Hepout
edandtheywentout.Theyhadgrown
somuch,wel
l4goi
ngon5i naf ewweeks.They
wereinsepar able!Onecoul dn'tfunct ionwi t
hout
theother,theydi dever ythi
ngt oget her !They
didn'
twantust ogetinv olvedi ntheirf i
ght scoz
i
fwedi d,theywoul dJustaut omat i
cal l
ybef i
ne
andattackus.2agai nst1t hing.Theywer e
bestf
riends.Ohandt heyador edt heirf ather,
andme. .
.wellsomet i
mes.Iwasj ustt henanny .I
hadgrownov ertheyear s,mycar eerhadt oo,I
hadshar esI nMusa' scompany ,
heboughtt hem
formeev ent houghIdi dn'twantt hem andone
ofthepubswer emine.Howev er,Ididn' twork
forhi
scompany ,
Iwor kedf oranot herasanHR
managerandMusahaddonegr eatt hings.
Expandedt hebusinesses.Successf ul andev er
sohandsome33y earol dhusbandofmi ne.

Musa:
HeyMsKel
l
y.
Me:
heyy
ou.

Heki
ssedme
Musa:
yougood?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.You?
Musa:
I'
m okay
.Wher
ear
emysons?
Me:
tol
dthem t
ogoputt
hei
rtoy
sint
hebox.
Musa:
youhadagr
eatdaywi
tht
hem?
Me:
Nope.Ij
ustwantt
hisl
eav
etoend.

Hegi
ggl
ed.
.

Musa:
Theyar
enotsobad.
Me:
Theyar
ehor
ri
ble.
Musa:
Baby
,Comeon
Me:Theygangeduponme, soIshoutedat
Lwandi
leforcomi
nginwi
thmuddyshoesand
hi
sLawy er
,tol
dmetonotscream athisbr
other
.
Musa:
Andt
hen,
theyst
art
edcompl
aini
ngt
o
eachot
herabouty
ou.
Me:
Youknowt
hem.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Musa:
Wel
l
,mydaywasl
ong,
gladi
tsov
er.
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouback.
Musa:
whatar
eyoucooki
ng?
Me:
Maki
ngLasagna.
Musa:
needhel
p?
Me:
Woul
dlov
esome.
Musa:
letmegochange.
Me:
Okay
.
Helef
ttheki
tchenand3mi
nut
esl
ater
,the
t
winscamein.

Luy
anda:
MsKel
l
y.
Me:
YesSi
rLuy
anda.
Lwandi
l
e:Wear
ehungr
y.
Me:
whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?

Theyst
art
edwhi sper
ingt
oeachot
herandI
rol
l
edmyey es.Seri
ousl
y?

Me:
Hel
l
o!
Luy
anda:
Peanutbut
terandOr
os.

Imadet
hem sandwi
chesandt
hei
rOr
os.

Lwandi
l
e:t
hanky
ouMsKel
l
y.
Luy
anda:
thanky
ouMsKel
l
y.
Me:
pleasur
e.

Musacamebackfrom t
hebedr
oom Andt
hey
wer
everyhappyt
oseehim.

Lwandi
l
e:MsKel
l
ywasshout
ingatme.
Luy
anda:
Weshout
edbackatherdad.
Musa:
shet
oldme.Howar
eyouboy
sdoi
ng?
Luy
anda:
howar
eyouLwandi
l
e?
Lwandi
l
e:I
'
mfi
ne.
Luy
anda:
wear
efi
ne.

Ismi
l
ed.Thoseki
dswer
e7not5.

Musa:youwantt
opl
aysocceraf
terIhel
pyour
mother
?
Theybot
hsai
d"y
es"
.Itwast
hei
rthi
ng.

Lwandi
l
e:Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngt
hisweekend?
Me:
Youguy
sar
egoi
ngt
oGr
anny
'shouse.
.
Luy
anda:
andYou?
Me:
Wegoi
ngaway
..
Lwandi
l
e:us?
Me:
no.
.
Luy
anda:
Why
?
Me:
CozIsai
dso.
Lwandi
l
e:Why
?

Musagi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Got
othel
ounge.
Theytookthei
rfoodanddr
inksanddi
das
daddytol
dthem to.

Me:
wel
lthanky
ou.

Gi
ggl
esagai
n.

Musa:
gladIcoul
dhel
pMsKel
l
y.
Me:
Sohowwaswor
k?
Musa:Let
'sjustsay
,Ineedt
ogetawayand
gr
eatsexfrom you.

Il
aughed

Me:
thatbad?
Musa:
Hor
ri
ble.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Musa:
It'
sokay
.

Justthenmyphoner ang,i
twasTshego.She
wasmar r
iedwit
h2kids,Boyandagir
l
(TshepisoandPaball
o)andwasamont haway
from gi
v i
ngbi
rthtohert
hir
dchil
d.Bokangdi
dn'
t
playli
kethat.

Me:
HeySi
s.

IputThephoneonl
oudspeaker
.

Tshego:
Heyy
ougood?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Tshego:
Tir
ed.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Musa:
Wher
e'smywi
fe?
Tshego:
HeyMusa.
Musa:
hey
.Wher
e'smywi
fe?

TshegoandIgi
ggl
ed.

Tshego:
Pabi
'
sgonet
otheshopswi
thdaddy
.

Musaador
edher,
shel
ookedli
keme,ev
eryt
ime,
we'
dgooutpeopl
ewoul
djustassumet
hatshe
wasmine.

Musa:we'
l
lcomef
etchheronSundayor
Mondaywhenwegetback.
Tshego:
Nopr
obl
em.
Musa:
cool
.
Me:
Soy
ouwantt
otel
lmewhyy
oucal
l
ed?
Tshego:
tocheckony
ouguy
s.
Me:
oht
hanksSi
s.
Tshego:
Youokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.I
'
llcomeandseey
out
omor
row.
Tshego:
Youshoul
dcome.
.
Me:
IWi
l
l
Tshego:
whatt
ime?
Me:
Wel
latar
ound11.Whatshoul
dIbr
ingy
ou?
Tshego:
tinr
oofi
ce-
cream
Me:
Ishoul
dn'
thav
easked.
Tshego:
Justt
hat
.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Tshego:
Seey
ou.
Me:
lov
eyou.
Tshego:
Lov
eyout
oo.
Ihungup.

Musa:
canTshegowal
k?
Me:
Nope.
Musa:
She'
shuge.
Me:
She'
spr
egnantbaby
.
Musa:
Youwer
en'
tthathuge.
Me:
Ilookedl
i
keawhal
edontl
i
e
Musa:
I'
m notl
yi
ng.

Ther
ewasaknock.Musagoti
t.

Musa:
Ma,
howar
eyou?

Shest
eppedi
n.
Mum:
Howar
eyouki
dsdoi
ng?
Musa:
Wear
efi
nema,
howar
eyou?

SheandMusahadgr owncl oserov erthey ears.

TshegoandIhadext endedt hehousecozshe
l
ivedwi thNkel easwel lasTshepo' skids, t
he3
from thedifferentbabymamasandHi sf i
rst
chil
dwi thNoma, Dineo.Shewant edt ot ake
Lwandi l
eandLuy andabutIsai d" no".Tshepo
andNomahadt hreeki dsoft heirownandshe
l
ookedl ikeshewaspr egnantwi t
hherf ourthso
alli
nal l
7ki ds.Theywer emar r
iedt hough.And
sowasEl l
a, shewasmar ri
edt oXol ani,Also3
kids.Icouldn'tkeepupr eally.Iwashappywi th
myt wo.Bongawasal somar riedt oav er ynice
girl
,Grace,Ilikedher.Abeaut ifulSwat igirland
theyhadt wobeaut i
ful gir
ls.Wegotal ong.

Mum:
I'
mfi
ne.
Shehadadr
iver
.Al
lMusa'
sdoi
ng!

Mum:
Im her
etogetmygr
andki
ds.

Themi nutetheyhear
dhervoi
ce,
Theycame
runni
ngt oherandhuggedher
.

Lwandi
l
e:wel
eav
ingwi
thgogo.
Me:
Oh?
Luy
anda:
MsKel
l
y,pl
easepackourbags.
Me:
Okay
.

Iwentt
odot
hat
.Mi
nut
esl
ater
,theywer
egone.

Me:
whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Musa:
Cozy
ouv
eryBeaut
if
ul.
Me:Well
youv
eryhandsomeaswel
l
.Whatdo
youwant
?

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Swi
tcht
hest
oveof
f.
Me:
Okay
.

Idi
d.

Musa:
Comeher
e.

Iwentclosertohi
m andhedroppedthe
spaghett
istr
ipsofmydress.Heslowl
yMoved
tomylips.Hiswarm br
eat
hagainstmyski
n
tur
nedmeon.
Me:
Sot
hisi
swhaty
ouwant
?
Musa:
Thi
sandami
niy
ou.
[
06/
15,
13:
26]W:
POTG
#67

Hesl
owlyunzippedthebackofmydressandit
dr
oppedtothefloor
,Ihadnot
hingunder
neat
h.
Hesmil
ed.

Musa:
Wher
e?
Me:
Any
wher
e.

Heroughlypickedmeandputmeont he
count
er.Heki ssedmeagai nandmov eddown
myneckwi t
hhi sl
ipssti
llonme,hemov edto
myshoulders, hekeptplant
ingki
ssestil
lhe
wasdownmybel l
ybutton,Ihadgoosebumps.
Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
edagai
n.

Me:
No.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Musanodon'
tgoDow.
..

Hedi
d.

Me:
Damni
tMusa!

Iheldont ot hecor
nersofthecounter
,my
breathingratewasv er
yfast,
hekeptmov i
ngin
ci
rclesandwhenhef i
nal
l
ygoti nsi
deofme,I
wast rembling,hekepthi
sey esonmeallthe
ti
mes.
Me:
Godee.
..

Hewentdeeperevenbefor
eIcoul
deven
complet
emysentenceandasIwasaboutto
reachmycl
imaxhepulledout
.Iwasshi
ver
ing.

Me:
Shi
t!

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Your
eachi
twi
thme.

Hepi
ckedmeupfr
om t
hecount
erandt
ookme
t
oourbedr
oom.
Ist
il
lhadgoosebumps
Musa:
Youwantt
orest
?

Ishookmyhead.

Musa:
okay
.

Hepulledmyl egsandIlandedonmybackon
thebed,tookmyhandsandputt hem Abovemy
head.Hewentdeeperandhewasnotev en
givi
ngmeachancet obreathe.It
ri
edgrabbing
thesheetsbuthepinnedmyhandsdownt he
bedanddr ovedeeperinsi
deofme.Hekept
goingslowandf ast
..
changingpaces.Whenhe
pull
edout ,
Icaughtmybr eath.

Musa:
Hey
.

Iwasst
il
lshi
ver
ing.
Musa:
youcan'
tspeak?

Iwasusedt
ohav
ingi
tmywaywi
thhi
m.

Me:
Ithi
nkIneedt
osl
eep.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Heputasheetov
ermynakedbody
.

Me:
Sowenoteat
ing?
Musa:
Wel
lIhaddesser
tal
ready
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Clear
ly.
Musa:
Youcanr
estnow
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt
ohav
esexwi
thy
ou
any
mor e.
Musa:
Idon'
thav
esexwi
thmywi
fe.
Me:
Right
.
Musa:
I'
m ser
ious.

Hel
ookedsoper
fect
.Sosoper
fect
.

Me:
mmmm
Musa:
whati
sit
?
Me:
Not
hing.
Musa:
Yousur
e?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
I'
m sur
e.
Musa:
Your
eadyf
ort
heweekendaway
?
Me:
Youwantmet
obehonest
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
noI
'
m not
.
Musa:
whynot
?
Me:wi
llIbeshi
ver
ingandt
rembl
i
ngl
i
keIwas
t
oday?
Musa:
Yesy
ouwi
l
l.
Me:
Ithoughty
ouhav
etor
est
..
Musa:
Yes.Fr
om wor
king.
Me:
Ain'
tthi
s..
.
Musa:
Nope.
Me:
Mmm
Musa:
wenev erhav
eti
met
odoany
thi
ngwhen
t
hosekidsar
earound.

Yethewant
edami
nime!

Me:
buty
ouwantami
nime?
Musa:
Wehav
etohav
eami
niy
ou.
Me:
isi
tbecauseofPabi
?
Musa:
inaway
..
Me:
Isee.
Musa:
Daught
ersar
ecut
e.
Me:
Oh?
Musa:yesbaby..Woul
dbeni
cetohaveal
i
ttl
e
pr
incessrunni
ngaroundt
hehouse.
Me:
youwantt
opl
aydr
essupwi
thher
?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:
Wel
lgoodl
uckbaby
.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Idon'
tneedl
uck.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
CanIsl
eep?
Musa:
Aft
ert
his

Iwasunderhi
m agai
n.Iwassoti
redandonly
wokeupthenextdayandhehadjustgot
tenout
oft
heshower.
.
Musa:
mor
ningMsKel
l
y.
Me:
MrLeor
nadohowar
eyou?
Musa:
I'
mfi
ne.
.howar
eyouma'
am?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Musa:
Sleptwel
l
?
Me:
Wel
lIdi
d.
Musa:
Youkeptcal
l
ingmei
nyoursl
eep.

Il
aughed.

Me:
Musast
opl
yi
ng.
Musa:
I'
m notl
yi
ng.
Me:
youar
e.
Musa:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
:youwer
en'
ti
nmydr
eamst
hough.
Musa:
No?
Me:
No.
Hehadat
owel
aroundhi
m.Igotoutofbed.

Me:
Youknowwhaty
ouwantt
oweart
oday
?
Musa:
no.
Me:
Mmm.
..

Iwentcl
osert
ohi
m anddr
oppedhi
stowel
.
.

Musa:
youknowIneedt
ogett
o..
.

Iwentdownonhi
m

Musa:
Fli
pRea!

Minut
eslat
er,
Ihadmybackagainstthewall
,
my
l
egswrappedaroundhi
m anditwasgoing
down.Heputmeont hebedanddrewoutof
me.

Me:
Hav
eagr
eatdayatwor
kdaddy
.
Musa:
I'
m goi
ngt
obeher
eaf
tert
hemeet
ing.

Il
aughed.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oseeTshegor
emember
?
Musa:
Ohcr
ap.
Me:
I'
ll
keepmyv
isi
tshor
tthough
Musa:
Iwi
l
ldot
hat
.
Iwatchedhi
m getdr
essedandheleft
.Icl
eaned
thehouseandwenttoseeTshego.

Tshego:
Wel
lyoul
ookl
i
key
ouhadi
tal
l
.
Il
aughed.

Me:
cozIcan.
.
Tshego:
NotMe.Thepr
egnantone.
Me;OhI
'm sor
ry.Buty
ouknowpr
egnant
womencangetsomer i
ght
?
Tshego:
It'
snott
hesame

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
youri
ce-
cream
Tshego:
Thanky
ou
Me:
Your
eadyt
ohav
eyourl
i
ttl
eboy
?
Tshego:Iam.Whenareyougivi
ngLuy
andaand
Lwandil
ealit
tl
ebrot
herorsi
ster
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Tshego:
YouandMusaar
edone?
Me:
hewant
sone
Tshego;
Andy
oudon'
t?
Me:
I'
m notsur
eTshego.
.Toomuchwor
k.
Tshego:
Iknowexact
lyhowy
ouf
eel
.
.Di
dyou
tel
lhi
m?
Me:
Idon'
twantt
obr
eakhi
shear
t.
Tshego:
Yout
hinkso?
Me:I
'
mjustnotr
eadyforat
hir
dchi
l
d.Thet
wins
ar
eahandf
ulasiti
s.
Tshego:
buty
ounotget
ti
nganyy
oungery
ou
know?

Iwaswi t
hherf orawhil
eandIwenthome,on
Thursdayafternoon,
weheadedtoMumbo
i
sland.Beautif
ul.WespentFr
idayi
nbed.Hedi
d
al
lsortsofthingstome.

Musa:
Youokay
?
Ihadj
ustwokenup.Heopenedt
hecur
tai
ns,
the
sunwasout.

Me:
heybaby
.
Musa:
Youokay
?
Me:
Ifeel
li
kemypel
vi
cgi
rdl
eisbr
oken.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
Im sor
ry.
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Musa:
Yousur
e?
Me:
Yes.

MyRemi
ndert
onewentof
f.
Me:Ohcrap!Ihadanappoi
ntmentwi
thmy
doct
or.
Musa:
for
?
Me:
Formyshot
.
Musa:Ical
ledhery
ester
day
..t
oldheryouwont
becominginforafewmonths.Idi
dtheri
ght
thi
ngr
ight?
[
06/
15,
13:
26]W:
POTG
#68

Iswal
l
owedhar
d.

Musa:
DidI
?

Maybei
twasn'taboutme,
may bet
he9mont
hs
woul
dprepar
emef ort
het
hir
done.May
beIhad
tobesubmi ssive,Imean, hegav eme
every
thingIwant ed,tookmeev ery
whereI
wantedt ogoandt r
eatedmel i
kehi squeen.We
hardl
yf oughtandev eni fwediditwouldbe
aboutst upi
dthings,li
kememessi ngwithhis
i
ngredientsorhiml eavinghischargerandUSB
sti
cksev ery
wher e.Ihadt obeselfl
ess.

Me:Youdi
dtheri
ghtt
hing.Youshoul
dhav
e
t
oldmefir
stt
hough.

Igr
abbedhi
sshi
rtandputi
ton.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
.
Me:
Don'
tmakei
tahabi
tthough
Musa:
Iwont
.
Me:
50/
50t
hing.
.not80/
20
Hegi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Makei
tupt
ome.

Hepul
l
edmebyhi
sshi
rt
.

Me:
Wit
houty
oubei
ngi
nsi
deofme.

Hel
aughed.

Me:
Iknowr
ight
?
Musa:
That
'scr
uel
.
Me:
wecameal
lthewayher
etohav
esex?
Musa:
It'
spar
toft
her
eason.
Me:
oh?
Musa:
Youni
cerwhenwenotathome
Me:
I'
m of
fended.
Musa:I
tsi
mplymeans,wehavenodist
racti
ons
whenweareawayfrom homeandourdri
veis
hi
ghert
hanitusual
l
yis.
Me:
Wel
lthatmakessense.
Musa:
SocanIundr
essy
ouknow?
Me;
No.
Musa:
Rea.
Me:mypel
vi
cgi
rdl
ehur
ts.Idon'
tev
enknow
whaty
oudi
dtome..

Hel
aughed.

Me:
I'
m ser
ious.
Musa:Sodoest
hismeanIwon'
ttouchy
ouunt
il
wegethome?
Me:
Unt
ilI
'
mfi
ne.
Musa:
Aren'
tyouf
ine?
Me:
No.
.
Musa:
Wher
etonow?
Me:
Tot
akeabat
h.
Musa:
CanIcome?
Me:No.Musawenkosi
Leor
nadoMabasast
ay
wher
eyouare.
Musa:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
justl
i
ket
hat
.

If
eltlikeIhadpri
cksundermyf eetwhenI
walked.Whathadhedonet ome?If el
tpai
nall
overmybody .Itwasastruggl
et ogetupand
whenIwasdone, If
oundhim checkinghi
s
emails.Iputonli
ngeri
eandhecl osedhis
l
aptop.
Me:
Stayt
her
e!

Igr
abbedonofhi
sshor
tsandputi
ton.

Musa:
Youdoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Me:
youst
ayt
her
e.
Musa:
Whatki
ndofawi
fear
eYou?
Me:
I'
m agr
eatwi
fe.
Musa:
yout
hink?
Me:
I'
m hungr
y.
Musa;
Good.Wecanbot
hSt
arv
e.

Il
aughed.

Me:
it'
sli
ket
hatnow?
Musa:
ithast
o.
Ichangedi
ntoaAv
erycut
edr
ess.

Musa:
yougoi
ngout
?
Me:
Tohav
ebr
eakf
ast
.
Musa:
Int
hatdr
ess?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
Andt
hatl
i
nger
ieunder
neat
hit
?
Me:
yes.

It
ookmypur
se.

Musa:
Rea,
Idar
eyout
owal
kout
Me:
wat
chme!

Il
eftt
her
oom andwentt
other
est
aur
ant
downst
air
s,Ior
deredcof
feeandaskedthe
wait
ert
ogivemeaf ewmi nut
essoIcould
deci
deonwhatIwanted.10mi nut
esl
ater
,
Musasatopposi
teme.Ilaughed.

Me:
Qui
ckshower
?
Musa:
tookmeex
act
ly15mi
nut
es.

Ical
l
edt
hewai
ter
.

Me:
He'
l
lhav
ethesame.
Wai
ter
:okayma'
am.

Hel
eftourt
abl
e.

Musa:
Your
eal
l
ywal
kedaway
?
Me:
Wel
lIwashungr
y.
Musa:
Everhear
dofr
oom ser
vice?
Me:
Everhear
dofbei
ngt
urnedi
ntoasnack?

Hesmi
l
ed.

Musa:
Youar
eagr
eatsnack.
Me:
toobad
Musa:
Right
?
Me:
yep.Wegoi
ngseaKay
aki
ng.
Musa:
Wegoi
ngwher
e?
Me:
You'
l
lsee.
Musa:
Rea,
youser
ious?
Me:
Yep.
Musa:
forr
eal
?
Me:
Youdon'
tgett
ir
eddoy
ou?
Musa:
nope.
Me:
Wel
lIt
hinky
ougoi
ngt
ohav
etowai
tbaby
.
Musa:
Fory
out
oheal
?
Me:
Yes.
Musa:
youknowIcanhel
pyouheal
Right
?

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
justl
eav
emeal
onepl
ease.
Musa:
Fine.
Me:
Thanky
ouandeat
..
yourf
ood'
scomi
ng.
Musa:
fine.

Wehadbr
eakf
astandWewentKay
aki
ng.

Me:
thi
sisf
un.
Helookedatmewitht
hat"
Reashutup"face
t
hathealwayspul
l
swhenIfor
cehimt odo
t
hings.

Me:
Wel
lIl
i
kei
t.
Musa:
ofcour
sey
oudo.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Any
thi
ngt
omakeMehappyr
ight
?
Musa:Readon'
tstar
twit
hme.Youhav
emeout
her
einthesun.
.Kayt
chi
ngor
..
.

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Kay
aki
ng!
Musa:
What
ever
.Canwegobacknow?
Me:
Itol
dyout
otakeahat
.
Musa:
Asky
ourf
ri
endt
otur
n.

Hewasrefer
ri
ngt
oourgui
de.HeandIshar
eda
f
ewlaughsandhewasnow"Myfr
iend"

Me:
No.

Iputmyheadonhi
schest
.

Me:
Wear
eher
etor
elax.Yousai
dity
our
sel
f.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Mad?
Musa:
Im madatthefactthatyouhave
somet
hingunder
neat
ht hatdresst
hatIreal
l
y
wantt
otakeof
fbutIcan'
t.
Me:
Abi
tofpat
iencewoul
dn'
thur
t.

Hewasv eryrel
i
evedwhenwegotbackt oour
room cozhehadmywaywi thme.Ther estof
theweekendwasgr eat
.Ihadmi ssedmyki ds
somuch.Theywer eactuall
yveryhappytosee
us..
Lwandil
ekeptonkissingmycheekand
Luyandahadhisli
tt
learmsar oundme.

Me:
OkayI
'
m her
e..
Lwandi
l
e:Howar
eyouMsKel
l
y?
Me:
I'
m Fi
neMrJoséhowar
eyou?
Lwandi
l
e:Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
ooBaby
.
Luy
anda:
Imi
ssedy
out
ooMsKel
l
y.
Me:SodidIMrJaden.Igoty
ouboy
s
somet
hing.
Igav
ethem t
hei
rgi
ft
sandIwasbei
ngki
ssed
agai
n.

Me:Okay,okay
,youcangopl
aywi
tht
hose
out
side.

Theyranoffexci
tedl
y.IwenttocheckonMusa
i
nhisstudyandhehadf ini
shedchecki
nghi
s
email
s.

Me:
Yourboy
sar
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.

Hecl
osedhi
slapt
op.

Musa:
Seey
oul
ater
.
Me:
Hav
efun.
Musa:
Ihopet
heydon'
thur
tmyback.
Me:
Finger
scr
ossed.

Hekissedmeandhewentt oplaywi t
hhissons.
Astheweekswentby ,Musast ar
tedcomi ng
homel atefrom wor k,Ihardl
ysawhi m, hecame
homel ateandl eftearly
.We' dtextthoughwhen
Iwasatwor kbuthewashar dl
yaround.Ont hat
part
icularThursday ,Iboughtmysonsgi ft
sand
tookthem outf ordinner.Theywai t
edf ordadto
comehomebutev entuall
yslept.

Musa:
Heybaby
.
Me:
hi.I
ts00:
30
Musa:
IknowbabyI
'
m sosor
ry.
Me: y
ouarev er
ysorrytheseday
s.Whati
si t
?
Workismor eimportantt
hanyourf
amil
yright?
Youdon'thaveawi f
eandsonsanymore?Isit
becauseI'
m notpregnantyet
?Whatisi
t?
Musa:Rea,I
'm worki
ng.I'
l
lbedonesoonand
youcanhaveallt
histimeyouwantfr
om me..
I
can'
tbedeali
ngwithincompet
entpeopl
eanda
naggi
ngwifeaswel l
..
Me:
naggi
ngWi
fe?Ohokay
.
Musa:
look,
I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
o..
.
Me: Youknowwhati
tsokay.I
'
llst
opnagging
andgiveadamnaboutmysonsonl y.They
deservel
oveandawarm homeafterall
.
Musa:YousayingIdon'
tlov
emysons?Rea,
j
ustbecauseI'
vebeencominghomelat
efr
om
workdoesntmeanIdontknowwhat'
s
i
mportantandwhatisn'
tanymor
e.
Me:Saysthemanwhocoul dn'
tevencal
lhi
s
sonsandwi sht
hem ahappybi
rthday
.You
bett
ergetyouractr
ight
!
[
06/
15,
13:
26]W:
POTG
#69
Het
ookouthi
sphoneAndchecked.

Musa:
fli
p!Babyl
ook.
..
Me:
I'
m notl
ooki
ngatany
thi
ng.
Musa:
Rea,
itwasami
stake.
Me:Youcal
lfor
get
ti
ngyourki
ds'
bir
thdaya
mi
stake?Musawhathasgott
eni
ntoyou?
Musa:
I'
ll
makei
tupt
othem.
Me:
youcangosl
eepi
ntheguest
room.
.
Musa:
babypl
ease.
..Rea!

Iwalkedawayfrom hi
m, shutandl
ockedthe
doorandslept
,thenextday,Igott
hekidsready
forschool
andI,forwork.

Lwandi
l
e:MsKel
l
y?
Me:
MrJosé
Lwandi
l
e:Wher
e'sdad?
Luy
anda:
Hedi
dntsi
ngf
orusy
est
erday
.
Me:
Iknowbaby
Lwandi
l
e:Di
dhecomehome?
Musa:
Idi
d.Hel
l
oboy
s.

Theyr
anupt
ohi
m.

Lwandi
l
e:Dad!
Luy
anda:
MsKel
l
ygotuscar
s.
Lwandil
e:theyl
ookl
iker
eal
car
s.Wecanget
i
ntothem anddri
ve.
Musa:
Oht
hat
'sni
ceofy
oumum.

Ikeptqui
et.
Me:Youguysshouldfi
nishy
ourcer
eal
.Come.
.
Theysatatt
hei
rtable.

Musa:howaboutIt
akey
ouboysoutf
ora
movi
et oni
ght
?I'
l
lcomef
etchy
ouatschool
Luy
anda:
okay
.
Lwandi
l
e;Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
owat
ch?
Musa:
we'
l
lseewhenwegett
her
e.
Luy
anda:
okay
.
Musa:
fini
sheat
ing.

Theykeptqui
etandcont
inuedeat
ing

Me:
her
eyougo.
.

Igav
ehi
m hi
sbr
eakf
ast
.
Musa:
Younott
alki
ngt
ome?
Me:
Ionl
yspeakwhenIhav
esomet
hingt
osay
.

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
Heysi
s
Tshego:
Hey
.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Tshego:
Free.
Me:
Free?
Tshego:
Igav
ebi
rt
h.
Me:
what
?

Igotsoexci
ted.

Me:
How'
shedoi
ng?
Tshego:
Itsnota"
he"
.It
sagi
rl
.
Me:Wethrewababyshower
,boughtboy
cl
othesf
oragi
rlchi
l
d?
Tshego:Youmustt
hrowanot
herone.My
doctormadeamist
ake.
Me:soyourl
i
ttl
egi
rli
sgoi
ngt
owearboy
cl
othes?
Tshego:y
es.Thisbabywasprobabl
yconf
used.
Maybeitwantedtobeaboythenchangedit
s
mind.

Il
aughed.

Me:
I'
llbuyhercl
othes.Ican'
tcomeseey
ouat
t
hehospit
alri
ght
?
Tshego:
Nah.Youknowt
hepol
i
cy.Par
ent
sonl
y.
Me:
youknowwheny
ougoi
nghome?
Tshego:
noty
et.
.
Me:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ousi
s.Congr
ats.
Tshego:
Thankssi
s.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Ihungup.

Me:
arey
ouki
dsdone?
Luy
anda:
Wedone.
Me;
Dishesi
nthesi
nk.
Musa:
West
il
ltal
ki
ng.
Me;
Ihav
etot
akemychi
l
drent
oschool
.
Musa:
okay
..

It
ookmybagandkey
s.

Me;
say"by
e"t
oyourf
ather
.
Theydi
dandwel
eft
.

Luy
anda:
Youcomi
ngt
othemov
ieswi
thus?
Me:
noI
'
m notmyAngel
.
Lwandi
le:
Arewest
il
lgoi
ngt
othatpl
aceI
showedyou?

Theyhadaskedust otakethem t
oZi mbabwe
coztheyli
kedsomecav estheysawont he
papershadcamewi thsowecoul ddecideon
ourfamil
ytri
ps.Thosekidswereweird,they
l
ikedanythi
ngthathadtodowi t
hcav es.We
oncetookthem toster
kfont
eincavesandhada
hardti
met r
yingtoconvi
ncethem thatitwas
ti
met ogo.

Me:
Nextweek.It
oldy
ouy
est
erday
Theyhadn'
tbeenouti
nages.I
twassomet hi
ng
MusaandIhadplannedondoi
ngjustaf
terthey
tur
nedfi
ve.

Luy
anda:
okay
.
Lwandi
l
e:Dad'
scomi
ng?
Me:
Yeshei
s.
Lwandi
l
e:okay
Me:
her
ewear
e.Ti
mef
orschool
.

Ihel
pedt
hem out

Me:
Ilov
eyouboy
s..
"
Ilov
eyout
oo"

Theysai
datt
hesamet
imeandIki
ssedt
hem.I
watchedt
hem runof
fandwenttowork.Iwas
ver
yhappywhenIknockedoffandasIwason
mywayhome, Igotacal
lfr
om MsSophie.

Me:
MsSophi
e
Sophi
e:Mr
sMabasahowar
eyou?
Me:
Iam good.I
sther
eany
thi
ngwr
ong?
Sophi
e:Yes.I
'
m st
il
lher
ewi
tht
het
wins.Who'
s
fet
chi
ngthem?
Me:
Myki
dsar
est
il
latschool
?
Sophi
e:y
esma'
am.
..
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
eshor
tl
y.
Sophi
e:Okay
.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
Sophi
e:I
tsokay
.

Imadeau-
tur
nandwentt
ogetmychi
l
dren.I
apologizedtoMsSophi
eandt
hankedherf
or
watchingthem.

Luy
anda:
daddi
dn'
tcome.
Lwandi
l
e:We'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
orhi
m..
Me:
I'
m sor
rybabi
es.
Luy
anda:
I'
m hungr
y.
Lwandi
l
e:met
oo.

Theywer esosad.Ist oppedatMcDonal d'sfor

thei
rmeal sandaf t
erthatwewenthome.Wi th
thatbitofhope,theyhad,theywaitedf orMusa
totakethem tothemov i
esaspr omisedbuti t
neverhappened.Tocheert hem up, Idid.Even
whenwewentbackhome, hewasn' tthere.I
wentt oputthem tobedandsl epttoo.Thenext
mor ni
ng,Musawassl eepi
ngnextt ome, Idi
dn't
evenknowwhenhegott here.Hewasdeepi n
hissleep,Iaskedmum t oaskherdr ivertoget
t
het winsanddropthem offatschooland30
minuteslat
er,
theyhadleft
.Iwasgoi nginl
ate.I
wenttogetajugofwat erandpoureditoverhis
f
ace.

Musa:
Whatt
he.
..Reawhat
'
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:Youarewhat'
swrongwit
hme.Yout ol
dmy
sonsthaty
ou'
dfetcht
hem f
rom school
andyou
di
dn't
.
Musa:
Ohcr
ap!
Me:Sai
dyou'
dtakethem t
othemov
iesbuty
ou
di
dn'
t.Whatt
hehell
isyourpr
obl
em.
Musa:
Igotcaughtup.
Me:
Inanot
herwoman'
svagi
na?
Musa:what
!Reano.
.Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hatt
o
you.
Me:
Thenwhati
sit
?
Musa:
Thi
ngsar
ehect
icatwor
k.Wewor
kingon
t
hreenewcont
ract
sandi
t'
staki
ngupourt
ime.
Me:
oh?Andy
out
hinkIcar
e?
Musa:
Im doi
ngt
hisf
orus.
Me: Idon'
tcareMusa.Idon' tcareaboutt he
mill
ionsyouhaveiny ourbankaccountort he
mill
ionsyoutryi
ngtoget .Idon'tcare.Ihavea
roofovermyhead, foodinthef ri
dge, cl
otheson
mybody ,
Idon'
tcareaboutev erythingelsey ou
try
ingtoget.Youarewel loff,
youmi ssedy our
sons'bir
thday,
stoodt hem up,doy ouknowhow
thatbrokemyhear t
?Toseet heirli
ttl
efaces
coveredinsadness.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
Idon'
tknowwhoy
ouar
eany
mor
e.

Iwentt
othebat
hroom,
tookashowerandwent
towor k.Igotatextfr
om Tshegot el
l
ingmet hat
shehadbeendi schar
gedsodur i
ngmyl unch
hour,Iwenttogetmyni ece,gir
lcl
otheseven
thoughIknewBokanghadal readyboughtthem.
Auntydut i
es.Iwenttogetmybabi esfr
om
school andwewentt oTshego's.

Me;
She'
ssocut
e..
Lwandi
l
e:Shel
ooksl
i
keanal
i
en.

Tshegolaughed.Sheknewhedidn'
tmeani
t.
Lwandil
ewassomet hingel
se.

Me:
Taket
hatback.
.
Lwandi
l
e:She'
scut
e.
Luy
anda:
what
'shername?
Tshego:
Tshepang.
Me:
You'
veal
way
slov
edt
hatname.
Tshego:
Ihav
ehey
.
Me:Yout
wocangopl
ayout
sidewi
thPabi
and
That
o.

Theydi
d.

Tshego:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
Nope
Tshego:
Whati
sit
?
Me:I
'mlosingMusa, hecomesl ate,
hef or
got
hi
ssons'bir
thday,hesaidhe'l
ltakethem t
othe
movi
esandhedi dn'
t.Heforgottogetthem
fr
om school.Tshego,Idon'
tknowany more.
Tshego:
Wor
k?
Me:
That
'swhathesay
s.
Tshego:I
tis.Bokangwentt
ogoseehim
sometimelastweek,hi
sPAsai
dhisschedul
eis
crazy
.
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Tshego:Hewouldnev
ercheatony
ou.Musa
l
ovesy ouandhi
ssons.
Me:
yeahr
ight
.

Ipl
ay edwithmycut enieceandwelef
t2hours
l
ater.Thesamet hi
ngwenton,lat
ecomingand
earl
yl eav
ing.Ipackedourbags.

Lwandi
l
e:Wel
eav
ingwi
thoutdad?
Me:
Yourdad'
snotint
erestedinourt
ri
p.Come.
Weneedt
ogettotheairport
.

Ihadbeenwaiti
ngforhim butnot
hing.Wehad
promisedt
hekidswe'dtakethem t
oZi mbabwe
fort
heir5t
hsothat'
swhatIwasgoi ngtodo.I
droveustotheai
rportandtheywerevery
exci
tedwhenwear ri
ved,weweretakentoour
hotelandthef
ir
stthi
ngt heydidwasswim.
Atl
easttheywerehavi
ngf un.ThenextFr
iday
,
wewentt oseethei
rChinhoy i
caves.Whenwe
gotbacktothehotel
,theywer esl
eepi
ngsoI
hadtobesuperwomanagai nandcarr
ythem
l
iketheywerebagsofmai zemeal.

"
CanIhel
p?"
Me:
Noy
oucan'
t.
Musa:
Reapl
ease.

HetookLuy
anda.Hespoketotherecept
ionist
andwewentuptotheroom whi
chwasi nit
iall
y
bookedf
orthe4ofus.Weputthekidsdown.

Musa:
Hey
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Musa:
CameHer
etospendt
imewi
thmyf
ami
l
y.
Me:Real
l
y?Youhaveafamil
ynow?Thist
ri
p
wasoneofyour"
ohcr
ap"thi
ngsri
ght
?
Musa:Ithadcomplet
elysli
ppedmymi ndyes
butI
'm Herenow.
.t
ookt hefi
rstf
li
ghtoutt
his
morni
ng.
Me:Youcantakeanot
herf
li
ghtback.Wedoi
ng
f
inewit
houty
ou.
[
06/
15,
13:
26]W:
POTG
#70.
..
.t
hel
ast
!

Musa:
Babypl
easeDontdot
his.
Me:
Musal
eav
e..
Musa:
justl
etmest
aypl
ease.Fort
hesakeof
t
heboys.

Il
ookedatmyki
ds.
Musa:
Please.

Ichangedi nt
oshor tsandwentt othepati
o
l
eav i
nghi minside.Isatthereinsil
encefor
somet i
meandhear dscr eamscomi ngf
rom our
room.Theboy swer eup, knowingMusa,hehad
wokent hem up.Mi nutesl at
er,
theywereinthei
r
swimwearandIwat chedast heyplayedhappi
ly
withtheirf
ather..

Lwandi
l
e:MsKel
l
y!

Hewav
edatme.

Luy
anda:
youdon'
twantt
opl
aywi
thus.

Ishookmyhead.
Me:
No.
.
Lwandi
l
e:Why
?
Me:
CozIdon'
twantt
oswi
mtoday
.
Luy
anda:
youl
ookni
ce.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Thanky
ou.Hav
efuni
nther
e.

"
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulf
ami
l
y"

It
urnedmyhead.Somel
adysatnextt
ome.

Me:
Thanky
ou
"
Cassandr
a"
Me:
Kel
l
y.
Cassi
e:andy
oudol
ookni
ce.
Me:
yout
oo.
Cassi
e:howol
dar
ethey
?
Me:
tur
ned5l
astweek.
Cassi
e:Theyar
ever
yhandsome.
Me:
Thanky
ou.

Al
i
ttl
egi
rlwav
edather
.

Me:
Yourdaught
er?
Cassi
e:Yes.I'
m wi
thmyf
ami
l
yaswel
l
.They
ar
eoverthere.

Herhusbandwaswi
tht
heki
dsaswel
l
.

Me:
3beaut
if
uldaught
ers.Youhav
eabeaut
if
ul
f
amil
yaswel
l.
Cassi
e:Thanky
ou.Nogi
rlchi
l
d?
Me:
No.
Cassi
e:Youl
ucky
.
Me:
Yout
hink?
Cassi
e:Washopi
ngf
orat
leastt
woboy
s.
Me:
Wedon'
tal
way
sgetwhatwewantRi
ght
?
Cassi
e:True.SoI
'
m guessi
ngy
ouf
rom Sout
h
Afr
icari
ght?
Me:
yesIam
Cassi
e:Gaut
eng,
KZN?
Me:
Gaut
eng.
Cassi
e:Ohni
ce.Il
i
vei
nEdenv
ale.
Me:Ohnice.Weusedtoli
vet
her
ebutmov
ed
af
terourf
amilygotbi
gger
.

Shel
ookedl
i
keal
oner
.
Cassie:
Ohthat'
sni
ce.Makessensewhy,you
fi
guredtheboy
sneededabiggerspace.
Me:
Yeswedi
d.YouLookl
i
keal
oner
.

Shel
aughed.

Cassi
e;YesIam act
ual
l
y.Ver
yanal
yti
cal
Me:
Iam.
Cassie:
Myli
fer
evol
vesaroundmyhouse,
husbandandmy3kids.
Me:
Ohhousewi
fe?
Cassi
e:YesIam
Me:
How'
sthat
?
Cassi
e:Wor
kingout
?
Me:
Yes.
Cassi
e:Wel
l,I
'
vegot
tenusedt
oit.Imean,If
ell
pr
egnantwhenIwasdoi
ngmyf i
rsty
earand
t
hatwasi
t.
Me:
That
'sbad.
Cassi
e:Ihonest
lyf
ell
inl
ovewi
thbei
ngast
ay
AtHomemum.

Wehadmommyconv ersati
onsandshet ook
mynumber .Thehusbandsmeti nthepool andI
wasintroducedtoherhusbandandshewas
i
ntroducedt omine.Theywer eav eryhappy
couple.Wehadaf ewdrinkswi t
ht hem and
watchedast hekidsplayedthenl ater
,part
ed.
Thetwi nsf
ellasl
eepaf t
ertheirmeal .

Musa:
baby
?

Iwasoutsi
deourr
oom l
ooki
ngatt
hest
arsand
thebeaut
if
ulv
iew.
Musa:
Rea?

It
urnedt
olookathi
m.

Musa:
Pleasef
orgi
veme.
Me:
forwhatexact
ly?
Musa:
Forev
ery
thi
ngIhav
en'
tbeendoi
ngr
ight
.
Me:
okay
Musa:
Justl
etmemakei
tupt
oyou.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:
Yes.
Me:Webothknowy ougoingt
oforget
.You
suf
ferf
rom amnesi
athesedaysr
ight?
Musa:
No.I
'
m donewi
thal
loft
hatnow.

Ikeptqui
et.
.
Musa:Reapl
ease.Yoursi
l
entt
reat
mentI
s
deat
htomysoul..
Me:
Ihav
enot
hingt
osayt
oyouMusa.
Musa:
Scr
eam,
shout
,any
thi
ng.
Me:
no.Nott
oday
.canIbel
eftal
one?

Hewentbackt ot her oom andIst ayedout side

foranhourt henwentt obed.Ther estoft he
weekendwasf un.Ispentmyt i
mewi thCassi e
andMusaandherhusbandwer ewit
ht heki ds.
Assoonaswel andedback, mum camet of etch
hergrandsons.Thenextday , Ihadtogetupf or
workt houghIwast ir
ed, Iwentt hr
oughaf ew
dressesIhadboughtonl ineanddeci dedt o
wearoneoft hem.Myhai randmake- upwer e
done..Ilookedcut e.Nat uralandwithbr ai
dson
i
nahi ghbun.Musawat chedasIputont he
dresst hr
ought hemi rrorandIwasst uckasI
hadtozipi
t.Assoonasourey
esmetandhe
chuckl
edandcamet ohel
pme.

Me:
thanky
ou.
Musa:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:Thankyou.Ii
ronedy
ouashi
rtt
hatwi
l
lgo
wel
lwitht
hosepants.
MUSA:
thanky
ou.

Iputonmyshoesandt
ookmybag.
.

Musa:
Hav
eagr
eatdayatwor
k
Me:
Yout
oo.

Igotmylapt
opbagandleft
.Af
terIknockedoff,
Iwenttomum'stoseemysons.Allt
heydid
waskissmycheeksz,
tol
dmeI'mloved,thatI
l
ookedni
ceandwentof
ftopl
ay.Not
imef
or
mummy .

Mum:
Youwentt
owor
kli
ket
hat
?
Me:
Yesma.
Mum:
Musal
ety
ouout
?

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
yeshedi
d..
Mum:
tjo.
.
Me:
Youokayma?
Mum:
I'
mfi
ne.
Me:
That
'sgood.
Mum:
Rea?
Me:
Mama?
Mum:youdon'
tthi
nki
tst
imey
ouhadanot
her
chi
l
d?
Me:mum don'
tyout
hinky
ouhav
eenough
gr
andki
ds?
Mum:Yes.Buty
ouneedt
oext
endt
heMabasa
f
amil
y.
Me:
Ihav
eto?
Mum:
YesRea.
Me;Mum,
Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt
otal
kaboutt
his
now.
Mum:
Okayf
ine.
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Mum:
It'
sfi
ne.

Il
eftatar
ound18:
00andwhenIgothome,
Musahadwentall
out.
.Itwasacut
edinnerset
up.
Musa:
Wel
comehome.Di
nnerf
ort
wo?
Me:
Youandy
ourwor
kload.
Musa:
Meandmywi
fe.
Me;
I'
m goi
ngt
obed.
Musa:
Babycomeon.

Hepul
l
edme

Musa:AndIdon'
tknowwhyy
oudoi
ngt
hiscoz
youl
ookhungry.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Musa:
I'
m sor
ry.
.
Me:
Iam hungr
yact
ual
l
y.
Musa:
soj
oinme.
Me:I'
l
ldi
shupandgoeati
nthe
bedr
oom..
wit
houty
ou.
Musa:
Rea,
I'
m sor
ry.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Real
l
y?
Musa:Iwon'
tdoitagai
n.Ijusthav
eonelast
meeti
ngonThursdaythatendsat19:
30andI'm
done.
Me:
wast
her
esomeoneel
se?
Musa:Nother
ewasn't
!Iwouldnevercheaton
youRea.YouknowIneverwantt
oseey ouhurt
you.
Me:
Mmm.
..
Musa:
Iswear
.
Me:
fine.
Musa:
canIbef
orgi
vennow?
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyou.
Musa:CanIgetyououtoft
his,
Idi
dn'
twantt
o
l
etyoustepoutt
hismorni
ng.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:Iknowy
oudi
dn'
t.
.Isawt
hel
usti
nyour
ey
es.

Hel
aughed.

Musa:
CanIhav
emywaywi
thy
ou?

Iwasnthungr
yany
mor
e.Mymout
hwentdr
y.

Me:
youcan.
Hehadhi swaywi thme.Wemi ssedeachot her
cozafterbeingint
imate,
wewer ebackt othe
ReaandMusat hatspokef orhoursonend.
Makingout, l
aughi
ng,tal
king,sarcasm,
gossi
ping,thatwasjustus.OnThur sday
,he
wentforhismeet i
ngandcamebackbef ore
20:
00.

Me;
Heybaby
.
Musa:
hey
.
Me:
Youwantt
oseewhatIhav
eundert
hisshi
rt
?
Musa:
Notnow.I
'
m act
ual
l
yver
yti
red.
Me:
Oh.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
howwasy
ourmeet
ing?
Musa:
itwasf
ine.Justhadar
eal
l
ylongday
.
Me:
Icani
magi
ne.Musa?
Musa:
Baby
?
Me:Rememberwhenwesai
d,not
hingornoone
wi
ll
evercomebet
weenus?
Musa:
Wontf
orgett
hat
.Noonewi
l
l.
Me:
Someonei
saboutt
o..
.

Hel
ookedatme.

Me: I'
vespentcloset osixyear
swi t
hy ou,been
throught heworstandt hebestwithyou..
You've
prot ectedmef rom allt
hattri
edtoharm meand
l
ov edmeuncondi t
ionall
y,youknowmyhear t
beat sf oryou,y
ouknowy ouar
emywor ldand
thel ov eIhaveforyour unsdeep.Butyou
wal kedi nhereandhuggedme, yousmel lofher
fragr anceandy ouhav eherli
psti
ckmar kson
y
ourcheek.
..Babywhoi
sshe?

POTG

Sher uinedmyl i
fe,sher uinedmyhappi ness,t
he
l
ittl
eheav enwehadcr eat edforour selveswas
i
nr uins.Shecamei ntomyl i
feandal ljustbroke
down.Al ljustfaded, Ihadl osthim.Idon' teven
knowhowshemanagedt odoal lofthati nwhat
seemedt obei nspl i
tseconds.Iwasonaedge
readyt ogi veinandt hrowi nt hetowel,howev er,
thi
sl i
ttl
ev oiceinmyheadt oldmet onotgi ve
up.Myhear twoul dn'tall
owmet o.Myl ov efor
him woul dn' tl
ethim go.Icoul dn't
.SoIwas
will
ingt of i
ght ,
Iwaswi ll
ingt ofightforwhat
wasr ightfullymi ne,fi
ghtf ormyki ds,will
ingto
fi
ghtf ortheonl ymanIt rulylovedaf t
ermy
father,Iwaswi ll
ingt ofightev enifitmeantI
hadt odi ef orit
...
POTGSEASON2
Comi
ngsoon