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23
23THE HOSPITAL
Days passed and Sandile had still not woken up, at least his condition was getting better by the day. The oxygen mask and machine to help him breathe had been removed, and he now breathing on his own.
Bantu: I told you this boy needs a camp to straighten his ways.
Sazi: the last time you raised that to me you talked as if you wanted to send him to the military, why didn’t you tell me that you---- that Sandile is--- that he---
Bantu: he what?
Sazi: what was the reason for the fight you had last time? You never talked about that.
Bantu: because it is useless to dwell on the past.
Sazi: Bantu, what are you hiding from me?
Bantu: nothing. Why would I hide anything from you?
Sazi: why didn’t you tell me that the boy who was in our house last time was actually involved with Sandile? Do you know how embarrassed I was when I found out what actually happened from Sibu? Why didn’t you tell me that Sandile sees other men?
Bantu: and what would you have done about that? Would you have taken any measures against it as I did, or would you have encouraged him to go on? This is why I never tell you anything. You are a woman, know your place. Stay in your lane. This is a fight I have to fight by myself and win. I sent that boy away, there’s nothing to worry about now. And I would also appreciate it if you stopped telling other people about our affairs and problems.
Sazi: you call leading our son to suicide fixing it?
Bantu: that’s on his weak mentality and not me! You babied him too much; he needs to wake up and see the real world and stop living in fantasies. Any who, it is not like you’d accept him the way he is too or would you?
Sazi: I know he’s sinning deeply; homosexuality is disgusting and a sin but---
Bantu: there, there. I got my answer. We don’t have to fight when we’re on the same side. When this boy wakes up he needs to go to a camp to help him straighten his ways.
Sazi: but---
Bantu: unless you want him to embarrass you in your church sorority circle, you won’t encourage his way. You do as I say, and everything will be alright. I have to go back to work now. See you later tonight.
Sazi: but can you please not mention this to anyone?
Bantu: you should be saying that to yourself not me, watch your mouth around other people and we’ll be okay.
AT BANTU’S WORKPLACE
A visitor waited in the office after being notified the boss was out for a few hours. This was her first call on command, and she did not like the fact that she had to wait for someone who needs help. Usually, people who need a favor are the ones who come looking for the people they need the favor from, but this is just not how things are usually done. But as always, her parents will always go the extra mile for the money. When her father heard that the customer will be paying a little more for a personal visit, he sent his daughter on a mission in a flash.
Someone knocked and entered.
PA: the boss will be here soon, he just called and asked for your patience. Here are some refreshments in the meantime.
Woman: thank you.
PA: enjoy…
A few minutes later another knock on the door followed by an entrance of a very familiar-looking figure. Just who the man is--- she wondered.
Bantu: young girl, I apologize to keep you waiting.
Girl: no problem, sir.
Bantu: not to keep you waiting, I will get to the point. I already talked to your father, and he said he’d send someone to explain the specifics of the Christian Youth Reflection Camp your parents run. I would like to book someone in, as soon as possible.
Girl: no problem. I brought some informative pamphlets with me. I too am new to this, I just graduated college and because I did not have a proper plan for my life moving forward, I was put into this. I do not know the specifics yet about anything, but I am sure these will help. I will leave them here, and the contact information too.
Bantu: well then, I guess we’re done here. One phone call would’ve saved you the trip.
Girl: well, yes. But I understand, it’s work.
Bantu: I will escort you
Girl: you don’t have to. Thank you for today, we will be waiting for the call.
Bantu: travel safely.
Girl: thank you.
AT MINA’S HOUSE
After a session of being bombarded with questions about the client and everything, Mina left her Father’s study looking for her sister around the house. Finding her in her room, she started talking making sure to be detailed in case she came off as crazy.
Mina: something very weird happened on my quest.
Nella: what? someone asked if you were an exorcist.
Mina: no, but has that ever happened to you?
Nella: no. What did you want to talk about?
Mina: I think I am going crazy
Nella: I thought you already were.
Mina: I’m serious, the client I was supposed to meet up with today--- you know the person who said he’d spill millions to have someone admitted to the program dad is running?yeah, so--- it was weird, and I kept myself from asking because--- I don’t know. I think I would’ve come off as rude and all. That man resembled someone I did not want to ever see or think about ever. The resemblance was so uncanny that I was scared a little bit.
Nella: what are you talking about? You’re rumbling.
Mina: Sandile.
Nella: that jerk is still alive? What ?!! Did you see him? If it’s him we’re talking about… well then I will not be accepting him being admitted to the program. I can never!!
Mina: I did not see him, but I wish I did. I need closure.
Nella: then who is the man?
Mina: just someone who looks like him, made me think of him a little bit.
Nella: Sis, that boy hurt you. You cried for days and tortured yourself. It is a miracle that you came out of that place alive and overcame it. At times I'dbe scared thinking the worst. I don’t want to see you in that headspace again.
Mina: I know. I do not want him back. I just want to see how he’s doing after our breakup. It has been a while. Just for the times, he treated me well, maybe to say thank you.
Nella: I do not have a good feeling about this but do whatever makes you feel better. Get that closure and close that Sandile chapter of your life.
Mina: maybe I will check up on him… I promise I will be okay and please stop worrying.
Nella: if you say so, I will stop.
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