5

SIPHOSENKOSI LUTHANGO

I was stretched out on my usual spot ,the couch in the corner of the lounge, legs sprawled, phone in hand, music playing softly in the background when it buzzed. The screen lit up with a name that instantly made me grin : My little princsss

I picked up, already imagining the mischief she was about to bring.

"Ahh! Princess yaseLondon! Ubuya nini, sisi?"

I said, my voice loud, teasing.

A soft giggle floated through the line.

"Haw, bhuti… exams are approaching, moc. You know that. Can't just be chilling all day."

I flopped back further into the couch ,we don't even ask each other life in this house helang, i rest my arms behind my head. "

Ahh, you're so serious, Sisi. You sound like father already!"

"Because I have to be!"

she said, her voice playful but firm.

"Someone has to remind you about responsibilities. You're too busy… doing whatever it is you do!"

I laughed, shaking my head.

"Doing whatever I do? Haw, my life is an art form, Sisi. Very complicated, very elite, very… mysterious."

"Elite my foot!"

she shot back, giggling.

"You're just lazy, bhuti. Admit it!"

I pretended to think deeply.

"Hmmm… maybe ,but am also good in partying . But it's a strategic kind of laziness. Very calculated, very deliberate. You wouldn't understand."

Siphokazi let out another laugh, one of those that made you feel the joy right through the phone.

"Ahh, calculated laziness, really? Bhuti, you're impossible."

I smiled, shaking my head.

"And yet, you love me. Admit it, sisi."

Her giggle softened, almost fondly.

"Maybe a little… but only because I know you. The rest of the world would probably run away screaming."

I snorted.

"World? Sisi, the world doesn't scare me. Only one person could, and even then…"

I let the pause hang, dramatic as ever.

"Oh, don't start with the cryptic nonsense now, bhuti,"

she said, rolling her eyes even though I couldn't see her.

"I swear, one day you'll have everyone guessing what's going on in that head of yours."

"Exactly,"

I said proudly.

"It's a gift. Very selective. Only for family… and maybe a few chosen friends."

She giggled again, this time quieter, teasing.

"And me, of course. I'm very honoured."

"Ahh, yes, Princess of London… eternally honoured. Now tell me, sisi, how's my little empire at home? You studying hard, right? Eating properly? Not letting the stress eat you alive?"

"I'm surviving, bhuti. That's what matters. And yes, I'm eating… barely. Exams are coming, remember?"

"Barely eating? Sisi, you're going to make me come over there and feed you myself."

"Yazi I was meaning to call bhuti omdala ,and you came to my mi d first ,you little pest "

"Heheee we Siphokazi , I'll beat you to a pulp that even your own father won't even identify you you hear me ?"

I say chuckling

"Try it, haw!"

she teased, her laughter echoing again.

"You know I'll beat you."

I laughed too, leaning back again.

"You're lucky you're my little sister. Otherwise, I'd… ahh, let's not talk about that."

She giggled, soft and musical.

"You're ridiculous, bhuti. But I love you anyway."

"And I, my Princess, love you too. Now… survive those exams so we can celebrate properly, okay?"

"Deal!"

she said.

"But don't forget about me while you're chilling there doing nothing!"

"Impossible,"

I said, smirking.

"You're always in my mind, sisi. Always."

And just like that, we ended the call, both laughing silently into the line, the easy comfort of sibling love lingering long after the call ended.