CHAPTER TWELVE
Kudakwashe slumped on the couch, his head in his hands, and a half-empty bottle of whiskey on the table in front of him. He is a member of the church, and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden, but he didn't care anymore. He had hit rock bottom.
Just a month ago, his wife Martina left him . Taken their children and left him, gone back to Harare . He can't blame her. He is ashamed of himself, of what he had done.
He took a swig of the whiskey, feeling the burn in his throat, but it did nothing to dull the pain inside. He thought about all the times he had promised Martina he would never lay a hand on her again, all the times he had broken that promise.
He got up from the couch and began pacing around the room, his anger and frustration building with each step. He punched the walls, leaving holes in the plaster, but it didn't relieve the tension inside him.
As he passed by the family picture on the wall, he stopped and stared at it. His beautiful wife, his precious children... how could he have been so stupid?
Suddenly, a determination rose up inside him. He is going to get his family back. He is going to prove to Martina that he could change, that he could be the husband and father she deserves.
Kuda sets the whiskey bottle down, his mind made up. He will do whatever it takes to win them back. He will go to counseling and make up for the time he was absent do whatever it takes to overcome his anger issues.
He takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over him. He is going to take back what was his. His family. His life. Himself.
?? ???? ?????
He sat in Nina's office, fidgeting with his hands as she looked at him with a mixture of concern and scrutiny.
Nina : So, Mr Moyo , how have you been since your wife and the kids left?"
He hesitates, unsure of how to answer. He doesn't want to admit the truth - that he's been a mess, drinking excessively and feeling hopeless. But Nina knows him too well, and he couldn't hide behind lies.
Kuda : I've been struggling ... feel lost without them. I know I drove them away, and it's killing me.
Nina : You're lucky she didn't press charges.
He winces , shame burning within him.
Kuda : I know. I'm ashamed. I don't know what's wrong with me.
She leans forward, her eyes locked on his through her spectacles .
Nina : We've talked about this before. You have a problem with anger and control. But I believe you can change. The question is, are you willing to do the work?
Kuda : ( nodding ) Yes, I am. I'll do anything to get my family back.
Nina : It's not just about getting them back , It's about becoming a better person, for yourself and for them. Can you understand that?
Kuda : Yes, I understand.
Nina : Good , because this isn't just about you anymore. It's about your wife and the kids, and what's best for them. You need to show them that you're committed to change, that you're willing to do the hard work to become a better partner and father.
He felt a stinging sensation in his eyes, and he blinks hard to hold back tears.
Kuda : ( cracking voice ) What do I need to do?
she hands him a folder full of papers.
Nina : This is a program for anger management and counseling. I want you to attend every session, every week, for the next six months. And I want you to start attending AA meetings, too.
Kuda : I'll do it. I'll do whatever it takes.
Nina : I know you will, because if you don't, you'll lose everything that truly matters to you.
He left Nina's office feeling a sense of purpose and resolve. He knows the road ahead will be tough, but he is ready to face it head-on. For himself, for Martina, and for their kids.
??????? ????
l take a look at my kids as they're busy helping each other with the puzzles my eyes find their way to Tiana's bare arms l'll never forget what l saw a month ago . lt broke my heart to see her in that state , she has been silently dying but from that day l took a stand . l took her to the hospital and told my mom about the incident she came running from work you could see right through her eyes that she was in pain she really loves her grandkids .
Anyways my kids are now both attending therapy , they're not yet perfect but slowly but surely they will be . As for me l feel reformed and lm ready to file for divorce . ln a few days l'll be seeing my lawyer ready to say my final goodbyes to the man l call a husband .
Please log in to submit a comment.