Chapter 6

IQANDA LE GROOTMAN
CHAPTER 6

ZOBUHLE ZWIDE

I pushed the door open, my boots thumping against the tiles. The warmth of home should have calmed me, but instead my blood ran cold.

There he was. Sihle. Sitting comfortably in my mother's lounge as if he belonged there. The moment he saw me, he jumped to his feet, a fake smile plastered on his face.

Weee! This dog even rushed toward Mama like some obedient child.

"Mama, what does this one want here?" I asked, folding my arms tight.

"Zobuhle, hlala phansi," Mama's voice was stern, commanding.[sit down]

I shook my head. "I don't want to hear his apology."

Her eyes sharpened. "There is nothing wrong Sihle did."

My jaw dropped. "Ma?!"

She nodded firmly, her tone calm but cutting. "Indoda yomZulu iyaqonywa. Akuqali ngoSihle."[Zulu man get sidechicks...Sihle is not the first to do this]
Her words hit me like a slap. My own mother? Justifying this?

"Mama, we're not in that era anymore! I don't want to settle for less just because you think cheating is normal."

Sihle leaned forward, his voice coated in fake sincerity. "Zo, what about that intern opportunity you've always wanted? At the hospital, in the city. You'll get recognized, everyone will know you're the good nurse."

I glared at him, my voice steady. "I'd rather not be recognized at all than be remembered as your idiot."

His smile faltered. Mama slammed her palm on the table. "Uzophila ngani, Zobuhle? He pays your bills. He takes care of you."

I laughed bitterly, my chest burning. "Shuthi yimi ongazi ukuthi what taking care of a person really means. Mama, love is not about bills. It's about respect, about trust — things Sihle will never give me."

Her face hardened, eyes unyielding. "Amalobolo negotiations are on Monday. Whether you like it or not. You only have tomorrow to get this into your thick skull."

For a moment, silence filled the room. My heart pounded, my eyes stung, but my pride refused to let a tear fall in front of them.

I turned, storming outside, grabbed my bag without even thinking. The walls of that house suddenly felt like a cage, every word Mama had said pressing against me like chains.

Without another word, I banged the door behind me and walked straight to the taxi rank. My chest was heavy, but my spirit? Still unbroken.