TWENTY THREE
One of the doctors, a middle-aged man with a grim expression, steps forward to address the journalists.
Doctor : We are still trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death , but from what we can gather, she jumped from the rooftop and landed on the parking lot. It's a tragic incident, and we are cooperating with the authorities to investigate further.
A journalist raised her hand.
"Can you confirm reports that the woman was a patient here?"
The doctor hesitates before nodding.
Doctor : Yes, she was a patient. But I cannot disclose any further information due to patient confidentiality.
Another journalist asks
"Was she being treated for any mental health conditions?"
The doctor's expression turns somber.
Doctor : l can only say that she was receiving treatment for a serious condition. But I cannot elaborate further
-
Kumkani, Samkelo, and Zoliswa stood beside Ceasor's lifeless body, their faces grim. They knew what had to be done.
Kumkani :Let's get this over with
Samkelo nods and begins to pour Ceasor's body with gasoline. Zoliswa lit a match, and the flames engulf the body, consuming it quickly.
The three men watch in silence as the fire burnes, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. When the body has reduced to ashes, they nod in unison.
Kumkani : lt's done
Samkelo: ifile lenja .
he spits on Ceasor's ashes
They get into the car and they drive back home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. As Kumkani parks outside Zoliswa's house ,he speaks up.
Kumkani :Let's keep this to ourselves. No one needs to know what happened besides Anashe.
Zoliswa nods in agreement. They know the consequences of their actions, but they also know that Ceasor brought it upon himself
Kumkani enters his home, exhaustion etches on his face. He hopes to find solace in his bedroom, but instead, he finds Anashe wide awake, her eyes sunken with fear.
Anashe : Kumkani, I knew it. I knew he'd come for me.
she whispers with her voice trembling.
Kumkani's heart aches as he saw the terror in her eyes. He knew she is still haunted by Ceasor's threats.
Anashe : Anashe it's over. Ceasor's gone. He can't hurt you anymore.
Anashe just shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears.
Anashe : You don't understand, Kumkani. He'll always come for me. He'll never let me go.
He sighs feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. He doesnt know how to make Anashe see that Ceasor is no longer a threat.
Kumkani : Anashe, listen to me. Ceasor's dead. Samkelo and l took care of him. You're safe now.
Anashe :You think killing him will make me safe? You don't know what he's capable of, Kumkani. He has people everywhere. They'll come for me, and they'll come for you.
Kumkani's patience is wearing thin. He doesn't know how to make Anashe see reason.
Kumkani: Anashe, stop this. You're paranoid. Ceasor's gone. It's over.
Anashe :You don't understand, Kumkani. It's never over. It'll never be over
Her tears eventually subside, and she falls asleep, exhausted. Kumkani stays beside her, his arms wrapped around her, offering comfort. The next morning, she woke up with red eyes, her face puffy from crying. Kumkani stirs beside her, his eyes filled with concern.
Kumkani : Hey, are you fine?
she nods, her voice still hoarse from crying.
Anashe :Yeah, I'm fine.
Kumkani studies her face, his expression skeptical.
Kumkani : You sure? You were really scared last night.
She nods again, forcing a weak smile.
Anashe :I'm just stressed, that's all. I'll be okay."
he doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't push the issue. Instead, he pulls her close and holds her tight.
Kumkani : I'm here for you, Anashe. Always.
She felt a lump form in her throat as she hugs him back. She knows she isn't fine, but with Kumkani by her side, she feels a sense of security. Maybe, just maybe, she can face whatever came next.
As Anashe and Kumkani get ready for the day, Samkelo is already in the kitchen, whipping up a hearty breakfast. He had made a point to arrive early, concerned about Anashe's well-being .
Samkelo : Bafo and my sister Breakfast is ready!
He calls out whilst Anashe emerged from the bathroom, looking refreshed, and Kumkani followed suit. They both made their way to the kitchen, where Samkelo had laid out a spread of eggs and toast.
Anashe :Samkelo, you're a lifesaver...
He smiles.
Samkelo :Anything for you my sister. How are you feeling today?
Anashe :I'm okay, Samkelo. Just a bit shaken still.
Samkelo : Ngyakuzwa. We're all here for you Anashe. You're not alone.
Kumkani places a hand on her shoulder, with his eyes screaming support
Kumkani : We'll get through this together.
The three of them sit down to eat.
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