(It is evening at Zola’s house)

Zola: I told you to never celebrate until you are sure that your prey is really dead.

Scara: But I made sure that he was not breathing. I stabbed right at his heart. No way he would be alive. Perhaps it’s his twin.

Zola: He doesn’t have a twin. Damn you reckless Scara!

Scara: I’m sorry boss. I truly am.

Zola: Make sure he doesn’t say a word about this. One way or other.

Scara: Consider it done.

Zola: Wooah! Change of mind, I’ll handle that. You find other things to do at the meantime.

Scara: Like what?

Zola: Figure it out, smarty.

Scara: Cool. So…we’re fine?

Zola: For now, yes. But when word gets out and officials start to search, pray that I won‘t be around.

Scara: You won’t do anything to me. Those are just empty words.

Zola: Pardon me?

Scara: You heard every word I uttered.

Zola: I’ll not touch you for now.

Scara: You’re afraid that your lips will smash with mine? That you’ll get lost into my eyes? Or that you too have a soft spot for me? Which is it?

Zola: I think it’s time you head home. Your mom is probably worried about you.

Scara: I told her that I would’ve a night over, with you. So, where should I sleep? I don’t fancy sleeping on the mat. Another thing, I don’t sleep alone.

Zola: You’re out of your depth you faggot. You’re not spending the night with me. I won’t allow such.

Scara: I’m hungry already. Please heat up something for me.

Zola: I’ll allow you to sleep, just this once.

Scara: I knew you wouldn’t say no.

Zola: Let’s make dinner. Come and be useful.

***

(Its dinner at Khaya’s house.)

Sibu: Knock knock!

Khaya: It’s him. I’ll open for him.

Nomusa: NO! Sihle, my daughter, open the door for our guest.

Sihle: I wonder who our guest is.

Nomusa: The love of your life. Your dream husband. Your soul mate. Your other half.

Sihle: Khaya’s friend?

Khaya: Once again, he has a name. Sibu is his name.

Nomusa: In the flesh my darling.

Sihle: Oh no! I’m going to puke now, I need to see a doctor. Or at least lie down a bit. Tell him I’m sorry for not making it to the dinner.

Nomusa: You are not getting anywhere. Now open the door, I’m sure our guest is freezing outside.
(Sihle openes the door softly and lets in Sibu)

Sibu: Good evening family. I thought you wouldn’t open the door for me. I was about to panic. Thank you Sihle, you’re sweet.

Sihle: I wouldn’t let you die in my presence, and sweet it my middle name.

Nomusa: Can we all sit down now that our guest is here.

Khaya: I’ll sit next to Sibu, so that he’d be comfortable.

Sihle: Since when you are you so thoughtful? I mean I’m the only one under this roof who puts others first.

Khaya: What’s your point exactly?

Sihle: I want to sit next to Sibu, just once and for all.

Sibu: I…

Sihle: On his lap, just to make him cosy after the wind blew him while at the door. If that’s okay with him.

Nomusa: Don’t worry Sibu. She is like this. We can eat now. Sihle, please behave.

Sibu: Thanks ma.

Nomusa: The reason I made this dinner special was because I want to thank each one of you for being good children. I cannot ask for more. You’re all the family I have. If I quote from the holy books, you are Alpha and Omega. You’re all special to me. I am not getting any younger. I just want each of you to know that you played a crucial role to an old lady like me. Thanks for being honest with me. You never hid anything from me.

Sihle: Mom, are you dying now?

Nomusa: No my little flower. It’s not my time yet. But you know that I won’t stay forever.

Sihle: I was afraid that you’ll tell us that you have cancer.

Khaya: Sihle! Behave.

Sibu: A lady who speaks her mind. Like.

Sihle: See! Your friend loves me.

Sibu: I wouldn’t say that word Sihle.

Nomusa: Enough. You’re adults to flirt in my presence. Have you lost your respect?

Sibu and Sihle: Sorry.

Khaya: Say it like you both mean it.

(There was silence for minute)

Nomusa: Khaya, do you have something to say?

Khaya: No. Why?

Nomusa: Nothing.

Khaya: O-kay.

Nomusa: So I hope you have an explanation why your clothes in your room are engulfed with blood. And why are you struggling to sit up. And why your phone isn’t with you.

Khaya: It’s nothing mother.

Sihle: It’s something.

Sibu: I think it’s time to spill the beans, Khaya.

Nomusa: I just thought my only son would have the courage to come clean before being forced. Clearly, I was wrong.

Khaya: I had a minor accident mother.

Nomusa: Being stabbed is a minor accident? What’s wrong with you?

Khaya: I am sorry mother that you found out this way.

Nomusa: It’s okay. Don’t be ashamed. I’m your mother.

Sihle: So are you going to report at the police station?

Khaya: No.

Sihle: That is so strange.

Nomusa: Leave you brother. It’s his decision. Sihle, let’s go and sleep. Your brother and his friend want some space. Let’s take our food with us.

Sihle: Kiss me on the forehead Sibu. Please.

Sibu: Come then.

(Sibu kisses Sihle as she instructed)

Sihle: Not bad at all. Next time we go lips to lips big guy.

Sibu: I’ll object.

Sihle: Like you’ll have a choice.

***

Tell us: Why do you think Khaya’s friends want him dead?