I really don’t like this time of the month. From the very last week of the month begins the wonder, the worry and fear. It’s that time when I have to think and plan out how I will accomplish things with no money.

Month end, the time the question arises. “God what am I going to do?” which is probably the question of all the unemployed. The end of the month, a time to check your balance even when you know it’s zero. Even though you know it notifies you if there is something, you still check.

Maybe there is a network problem, you tell yourself. Mother’s been asking on the 25th, though they know grant is received on the 1st.

“Ayikangeni? Just check ngekhe sazi,” they say.

I check because I’m also hoping for some luck. Month end, I wish I could skip you sometimes.

***

Tell us: How do you cope with being broke?