When they left, they kissed us goodbye and promised to come back early to put us to bed.

Later that day, I saw two police vans and two policemen approaching our house. I was looking through the window in my room. It was so strange. I was scared of policemen.

Immediately I heard a knock at the door and my uncle went out to meet them. I then slowly made my way into the dining room where everyone was seated and hid behind the door, unnoticed.

Lindi, Sindi and aunt Nomsa were watching a horror movie. Uncle sipho came in, his face looking like he’d just seen a ghost.

“Yhoo,” he said in a great sigh.

“What is it darling?” Aunt Nomsa asked.

“Ibhadi neshwangusha lisehlele. My brother and his wife were involved in a car accident and unfortunately they didn’t make it.” Uncle Sipho said, looking downwards with tears in his eyes.

Immediately I ran to my room and locked the door. I spoke alone.

“God, if by any chance you pass my prayer please greet my parents and tell them how much we love them. Even though they did not keep up to their promises bathe bazobuya…

I heard a knock at my door, Lingomso was fast asleep.

“Go away, I know that they are no more. Go away, please.” I answered, with tears on my face as I cried myself to sleep.

***

Tell us what you think: Have you ever lost a loved one? How did you cope with it?