He isn’t even handsome, this Tom. Not the way Gordon was handsome. And he isn’t smartly dressed the way JB was. Nor does he have the cool swagger Mawhi had.

But still, I can’t let go of his hand. I don’t want to. It’s almost like I can feel his soul there in the space between us: a good, strong, caring, honourable soul. Does that sound silly? I don’t care. In this moment, face to face with Tom, I have no craving to be sensible.

He keeps looking at me too, right into my eyes, as if he will never turn his face away. Somehow I know: this is the most important moment of my whole life. My Head, my class, have all faded into some quiet distance. I think the earth has just stopped turning.

But now, beside us, Mrs Zondo clears her throat. Loudly.

She says, “Mr Dube, let me take you to our library. You can take some photographs there. We are very proud of our library. And our librarian. Did you know that Miss July has been with this school for twenty-five years?”

And at last Tom lets go of my hand. But he takes a notebook from his pocket.

“I need your full name, Miss Maswabi. You know, for the caption, if they print these photos. Oh, and your phone number so I can ring and tell you when the editor decides to run this story.”

I watch him write down my name and my number. But I know it is not just for his newspaper.

I walk my children back to the classroom. I can hear Sanette and Goitseone giggling together.

“Miss has a boyfriend! Miss had a boyfriend!”

I smile.

But then I remember about my sister. Last night all comes flooding back. What’s the point? What’s the point of starting anything? Even if Tom and I get close, how long before he sets eyes on Nomvula? And we all know how the story will end once that happens. Everything will go pear-shaped.

I am suddenly filled with such rage at my sister. Even if she doesn’t do this on purpose. Even if she can’t be held responsible for the way she looks – nor for the way my boyfriends look at her. Why can’t she just get out of my life and start her own one? How many more years am I supposed to look after her? And put her needs before my own happiness?

I am sick to death of this! I wish she would just disappear and never come back. Enough is enough! I know love should be patient and kind, but maybe it’s time she started being kind to me for a change! Can’t she see the problems she causes? My love for her is at breaking point.

“Miss?”

I look up, realising that all thirty-nine kiddies are staring at me from their desks.

From the front row, Sanette says again, “Miss? Mustn’t we start our Health lesson now? Cos it’s already half-past.”

So I try to concentrate on explaining the Parts of the Tooth and How to Take Care of your Teeth.

***

Tell us: Do you agree Tiny must firmly separate her life from her sister’s?