19
THINGOLUHLE MTHETHWA
l wake up to a harsh light streaming through the window, the sound of birds chirping outside .. The memories of the previous night's events come rushing back, and l feel a wave of despair wash over me.
With a heavy sigh, l rise from the bed , getting dressed for work, carefully choosing a polo neck dress that would hide the bruises on my neck. l apply makeup, blending the concealer to mask the telltale signs of the violence that had been inflicted upon me.
l stare at my reflection on the mirror, my hands trembling as l gently blended the concealer over the dark purple bruises on my neck.
"Phumlani did a number on me," she whispers, as her words echoe in the silence of the room. The marks are a stark reminder of the pain and fear that has become a part of her life.
"I can't keep doing this," l feel my voice rising in anger and frustration.
l stood up taking my things heading for work
As the day wore on, Thingo felt herself becoming more and more withdrawn, her mind a swirling storm of emotions. She moved through her work duties like a robot, her face expressionless as she tried to hide the turmoil that raged within her.
"Are you okay?" a co-worker asks, concern written in the lines of her face. "You look pale."
l forced a smile, and ofcourse its fake.
"Just tired, that's all," l say dismissively , lm not one to bring my personal problems at work
As the day drew to a close, she finds herself staring out the window, watching the sun sink below the horizon like a metaphor for her own life. She felt lost and adrift, unsure of how to navigate the turbulent waters of her emotions.
A single tear rolled down her cheek as she whispered to herself,
"How did I end up here? How did I let things get so bad?"
And in that moment, she knew that she cant continue to living like this, trapped in a cycle of fear and pain.
lts already knock of time so made my way back to the apartment, my steps heavy with the weight of my decision. l know that the road ahead wont be easy, but lm determined to take the first steps towards a new, better life for myself.
l reached my door, l hesitated for a moment, my hand lingering on the handle as l took a deep breath. l have to be strong, she reminded herself.
l step through the door, steeling myself for the confrontation that's awaiting me. l know that l have to end things with Phumlani.
The apartment is silent as l moved through the rooms, my heart pounding in my chest as l search for Phumlani.
"You're home early."
l turned around to face him , her eyes wide with shock and fear.
The tension in the room was palpable as he approached hr , his expression unreadable.
Phumlani : Is everything okay? .he asks , his voice gentle and concerned.
l swallowed hard, gathering my courage.
Thingo : We need to talk.
l say with a voice trembling slightly.
his eyes widen with alarm, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Phumlani: What's wrong? .he asks reaching out to touch my arm.
l flinch at his touch, pulling away from him with a shudder.
Thingo : Don't touch me.
says with a voice rising in anger.
his face hardened at my words, his expression shifting from concern to something darker.
Phumlani' : What's this about?.
he asks ,his voice taking on an edge of steel.
l took a deep breath, bracing myself for the storm that is brewing within him.
Thingo : l can't do this anymore (she says, her voice firm )I'm leaving you.
hus eyes widened with shock, his face contorting in rage.
Phumlani :What do you mean you're leaving me?
he says , his voice rising in volume.
Not today lm standing my ground with my hands clenching into fists at my sides.
Thingo : I can't live like this (with a voice trembling with emotion)I can't be with someone who hurts me, who controls me. I deserve better.
His eyes blazed with fury as he stepped closer to Thingo, his face inches from hers.
Phumlani : You think you deserve better? (he spat, his voice seething with contempt) Who are you without me? You're nothing.
she flinched at his words, but she refuses to back down.
With lightning speed, his hand shot out and grasped her arm in a vice-like grip. She let out a yelp of pain and shock, but before she could react, he slammed her head against the wall with a sickening thud.
She fell to the floor, her body limp and still. kutlo stares down at her, his expression a mask of horror and disbelief.
Phumlani: No, no, no ( whispers )What have l done? (his voice raw with terror and remorse.)
PHUMLANI MABASO
his heart raced as he knelt beside Thingo's prone form, desperately searching for signs of life. Her breathing was shallow and labored, her skin pale .
"Please, please wake up," begging "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it. Please, please forgive me."
She remained unconscious, her body unmoving on the floor. Desperate , he reached for his phone, dialing for help with shaking hands.
"Please hurry," pleading into the receiver.
the line was picked up, he could barely form the words.
Phumlani : Mbele, please, it's an emergency ( he gasps, his voice breaking) you have to come. Thingo , she's hurt. Please, please come.
On the other end of the line, Dr. Mbele's voice was calm and controlled, but his tone held an edge of anger.
Dr M : Phumlani, this has to stop (he says) you can't keep doing this to her. You need help.
Phumlani : I know, I know ( he sobbs ) I'll do anything, I promise. Just please help her.
Mbele's voice softened, but he remained firm.
Dr M: I'll be there soon, but you need to understand that this cannot continue. If she survives, you need to let her go. You can't keep hurting her like this.
Phumlani collapses against the floor, his body shacking with sobs as he holds Thingoluhle's head in his lap.
The minutes felt like hours as he waited for Mbele to arrive. he finally heard the sound of the door opening, he looked up with wild, desperate eyes.
Mbele's expression was grim as he knelt beside Thingo , checking her pulse and vitals.
Dr M : She's alive, but she's not out of the woods yet.
Phumlani let out a sob of relief, his shoulders sagging in gratitude.
Phumlani : Thank you, thank you (says with a voice breaking)
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