I walk to the bathroom and push open the door. The bathroom is dark, the lights are off. I find the switch, and light illuminates the room.

My eyes find Tshego sitting on the bathroom tiles, her knees brought up to her face, while her braids fall down over her knees. She’s sobbing, her shoulders shaking.

“Babe.” I say.

She stops sobbing, hugs her legs and freezes.

“Tshego.” I say again.

This time she looks up, her eyes are stained red with tears, her dark skin is pale and her lips quivering.

I kneel next to her and pull her to myself.

“Love, I’m sorry.” I apologize.

She is uncomfortable in my arms, I can feel it. I can smell her fear.

“You promised you wouldn’t do it again.” She hiccups.

Guilt trips me. I almost fall over my own words. My mouth goes dry, and I lick my lips. I taste the blood again.

“I know, I’m sorry.” I squeeze her tighter.

She pushes me and stands up, I get a full view of her. She’s naked. She has red belt marks all over her body, her face is marked with hand prints, my hand prints. Some of her braids have falled off, and her neck looks swollen and strained, I strangled her.

I stand up too, facing her. She looks at me with wet eyes, she’s still afraid. I take one step, she takes two back. She hits the sink, and realizes she has nowhere to go.

I raise my hand, and she flinches, then quickly ducks.