13
THE BRACELET 13TUMELO
It's D-day and I'm not sure how I'm feeling or how I'm supposed to be feeling. My parents have accompanied me to the gravesite but I've asked for some privacy so they remained in the car while I made my way to the grave. My heart is torn into pieces when I see my name on the tiny tombstone and I still cannot believe how all of this is happening. Sometimes I just wish it could all be a dream and that I'd wake up and continue my life normally. Where do I even begin talking to my younger self who lies dead in this grave? How do I begin making a deal that will end all of this at once? I'm tired of hurting innocent people and it's no secret that the sacrifices that await me are beyond my imagination. I dust off the dirt before sitting down, wiping the lone tear that had escaped my eye.
Me: I never thought that one day it would come to this. I thought I'd just have to return this cursed bracelet to Abigail but no, the old woman refused to take it back. I'm now stuck with it, stuck in another man's body with no way out and living a life that's not mine. Yes I'm enjoying the money that comes with it but what fulfillment will it bring if all I do is hurt other people? I've unwittingly taken a life of a 14 year old girl who had huge plans for the future. Just last night I dreamt of something that I need to do as a payment for wiping off my girlfriend's memory. The cursed bracelet demands the blood and life of yet another virgin to be appeased and I cannot do that. How many times do I have to do this in order for it to end? I am exhausted so please tell me what it is I need to do for my spirit to rest.
There's silence for a while. I mean what was I expecting? A little boy to come out of the grave and give me answers? I pick up a few stones from the ground and toss them, followed by a loud sigh. Just then, my body starts feeling cold and I can see my younger self standing in front of me. He's still wearing the same clothes from that night he lost his life, in this case it's the pajamas. I still remember every little detail of that day and night, how it almost rained and the smell of the soil as I walked barefoot home from the river.
My mother made a clear instruction that I should throw the bracelet away but being a naughty child that I was, I did the opposite. I could see the fear and tears in his eyes and it's almost like everything has gone back to that particular day.
Tumelo: You are older and wiser now
Me: I know but I don't know how to move forward. Please help me
Tumelo: How can an 8 year old boy be of help to a 28 year old man? I'm just a child
Me: A child that brought all this mess
Tumelo: You are me so every blame and accusation points back at you
Me: You're helping me here. I need this bracelet off my wrist and don't worry, I know that'll be the end of me. I'm already dead anyway and living in someone else's body is no fun
Tumelo: The only way would be to pass it to your own blood
Me: What's that supposed to mean? Give it to mom or dad?
Tumelo: They're old enough to know what's happening so it wouldn't work
Me: Then what do you mean?
Tumelo: Hand it over to your child
Me: What? Never!
Tumelo: It's the only way. Since you can't return it to the river or it's owner then you can only pass it on. Eventually the body you're living in will be exhausted and it'll give in. You might move into another one or just be a roaming spirit. If you hand it over then you'll be free
Me: But what about the life of my child?
Tumelo: It's your choice. There's nothing else I can help you with
WARONA
I've been so busy with work that I haven't even had time to spend with Tumelo. I know he understands that my job can sometimes be demanding but that shouldn't be a reason for me to neglect him. I didn't tell him that I'm coming and I know he's not home. I pack my small bag and drive to his new place. Ever since he moved out of his mom's home, my heart has been at ease and I know our relationship will have less tension without that woman's bad influence.
I've decided to cook for him and make the evening quite memorable. I know he loves me and our relationship is healthy but that's no reason to stop bringing the sexiness every time we're together. I haven't finished setting the table when he walks in. The whole surprise is ruined
Tumelo: Babe, what a pleasant surprise
Me: I didn't think you'd be back at this hour. You ruined the surprise
Tumelo: No babe I still love it. You could finish up while I refresh
Me: You seem exhausted. Rough day?
Tumelo: You could say that
Me: Well then go on and freshen up I want to hear all about your rough day plus I have news of my own I'd love to share
Tumelo: News? What news?
Me: I'm not sure yet but I can't help feeling as if I'm pregnant. I know this is crazy but babe I'm so excited. We could be parents and isn't it cute? You have income now and I think we'll be just fine
He doesn't give me the response I was quite expecting and that bursts my happy bubble.
Me: Did I say something out of line?
Tumelo: You can't be pregnant, at least not yet
Me: What do you mean? You know we've been doing it unsafe and I'm not on any birth control. Honestly Tumelo you're being childish and selfish right now
Tumelo: I didn't mean to offend you it's just that...
Me: It's just nothing. Just admit that you never want to have a baby with me and that's it. God I'm so stupid my mom was right. Now that you're becoming stable I'm nothing but valueless
Tumelo: You're being ridiculous now. That's not how I was trying to explain this
Me: Well save your explanation. It's enough that I know you're not ready to take responsibility for your actions
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