25

25
 
THE CAMP’S KITCHEN
Upon seeing and meeting each other at an unexpected place and trying to keep things civil. Sandile asked Mina to let him help with clearing up the dining hall which further transitioned to them doing dishes together and relieving the kitchen staff and cleaner on the clock.
 
Mina: you know those people get paid to do this, right?
Sandile: I know, but it wouldn’t hurt to help now, would it?
Mina: no. I was just saying too.
Sandile: okay…
Mina: so how have you been?
Sandile: okay, I guess.
Mina: still a liar I see. How can you even utter those words when you’re in this dump? Only people who are not okay are sent here.
Sandile: and?
Mina: this is karma. For all the bad things you did to me. The heartbreak --- this is karma.
Sandile: I wouldn’t say it is not.
Mina: you look distraught. Just a few days ago I was in a dark space and wanted to find you so bad and vent out to you about all the mess you left me to deal with. I was sure I was going to gloat in your face and tell you off the moment I saw you but now that we’re face to face, I can not say a word. I was going to ask how you’ve been after our messy break-up, but I already got my answer. The fact that you’re here, in this place tells me you’ve been hanging by the thread too. I remember being so needy and depressed wanting answers for the sudden break-up and you were nowhere to be found. You disappeared, hell I did not even get a glimpse of you on graduation day.
Sandile: I do not know what to say. I did not know you went through so much because of me. I am really sorry Mina.
Mina; it’s all in the past now. I think I just needed to see your face to get my closure. I may not be totally fine right now, but I feel a huge burden has been lowered off my shoulders. You look like a mess and that makes me a little bit better. Hey, when did you----
 
Mina paused in the middle of her sentence as she stared down at Sandile’s exposed wrists covered with scars. A sudden wave of regret, pity, and sadness clouded her. The intense stare was later noticed by Sandile as Mina become totally irresponsive to him passing her a dish to dry. Tension built up as Sandile lowered the sleeves of his hoodie to hide the exposed scars. The change in mood leads to silence and then awkwardness.
 
Mina: Sandile---
Sandile: I’m suddenly sleepy, it was a long drive here. I need to go back to my room. It was nice chatting with you.
Mina: but the dishes---
Sandile: I’ll get the helpers to come and assist you. I’m sorry.
 
He said those words and stormed out of there as if being chased leaving Mina feeling a little bad she made such comments to him, especially the one about karma. One look at Sandile she knew he was not the man she used to know, he had changed, and after seeing those scars it kind of made sense why he was there. She felt bad, pity with a hint of sadness for him. What happened to the bubbly personality he once had? How bad did the world get to him that he even thought of resorting to such extreme and permanent measures to erase himself from existence?
 
*
*
*
 
7 YEARS LATER
THE WINTER OF 2023
The admired and most crushed over handsome director of Watson and Potts Advertising Agency hailed one of the workers to hold the lift for him as he was running late for the Monday morning brief meeting.
 
Sara: good morning Director.
Sandile: morning, thank you for holding the lift otherwise I would’ve taken the stairs.
Sara: have you had breakfast?
Sandile: how could I have after being this late?
Sara; oh, the morning meeting. Here. Have some coffee.
Sandile: no, I’m good. Thank you. I don’t usually take caffeine on an empty stomach, but I appreciate the gesture.
Sara: well then I will prepare some---
 
The elevator dinged and Sandile got off rushing through the hallway into the conference room.
 
Sara: there he goes again. he’s so perfect.
 
THE CONFERENCE ROOM
Sandile: first off I would like to apologize for being late. Being team leader and director, I should at least show punctuality and practice the laws we enforce in the company, but what can I say… I’m human too and I snoozed my alarm more than I should have this morning. Hence I’m here sweating.
The few ladies in the room laughed, swooning over the guy, and barely listening to what he was saying. He was still a heartthrob after all these years. He seemed to be getting more handsome and fine as he aged, just like wine.
Zandi: we all make mistakes director. All is totally forgiven.
Sandile: thank you Ms. Ndlela. So, about last week, I heard the PR management team already shortlisted a few candidates for the opening we have for interns. How many did we need again?
Zandi: 3 in total.
Sandile: yeah, 3. So teams you’ll get someone by tomorrow who will be specifically assigned to help and assist you towards our yet largest deal. We have signed a contract with one of the best-selling kitchenware companies ever. So, everyone get ready to work overtime and get those bonuses.
Siya: not so much into the work but excited about the bonuses.
Sandile: a change of mindset would do you good. We don’t want anyone suffering later. As I always say guys, a healthy mindset first before anything. If there’s nothing else, then I’d like to dismiss the meeting. Have a productive day everybody.
All: thank you.
 
Everyone stood up and left the conference room. It was a cold morning, but the director made it way better with his energy and just admirable aura. The boy who was sad and suicidal was long gone, a new man had been born, a reflection of the happy college boy. A happier version of all the versions he has ever been in the past. Sandile Magagula, the director of Watson and Potts advertising agency. After spending more than expected time at the reflection camp, he did come back a better man after all.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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