(Nina lives in the township at a three roomed RDP house, as she gets home she is surprised to see her daughter, Dineo who usually lives at school).

Nina: (Surprised) Ah, you didn’t tell me you’re coming today.

Dineo: Mommy, I wanted to surprise you. (They greet and hug each other.)

Nina: I just saw a car outside.

Dineo: It’s my friend’s car, I borrowed it.

Nina: So you’re perfect at driving now?

Dineo: Yes. I bought you something…

Nina: (Her phone rings) Who’s calling me? Hello… What? OK, I’m coming now. (She hangs the up phone and is shocked for some time.)

Dineo: What is it?

Nina: I got a call from Lwando and he says Mr Marcus is in hospital. He had a heart attack. He wants to see me urgently, can we go with your friend’s car?

Dineo: Yes, let’s go.

(They collect their handbags and car keys as they rush to the hospital.)

(When they arrived the nurse shows them David’s ward and the Marcus family is there.)

Nina: What happened?

Lwando: He collapsed and the doctor says he had a heart attack.

(The doctor comes in).

Dr Fillies: He is doing fine, but I’ll have to do more tests.

Portia: Is he going to be fine?

Dr fillies: I hope so.

Lwando: (He comes closer to David) Dad, sis Nina is here.

David: (He opens his eyes and tries to speak) Doctor, can you excuse us for a moment?

Dr Fillies: No problem, just call me when you need anything. (He leaves the room).

Lwando: Dad, you said you wanted to say something to us and sis Nina. She’s here.

(David coughs)

Nina: You’re not alright Mr Marcus just relax.

Portia: What do you want to say, David?

David: I’m really sorry. I… I wanted… (He struggles to breath).

Portia: What is wrong? (She comes closer to David’s bed).

Lwando: He’s not breathing! (He rushes to call the doctor).

Dr Fillies: (After looking at him for few minutes) I’m sorry he’s no longer with us.

(Everyone cries loudly).

Portia: Oh, no…no… (She cries loudly and Zinzi is comforting her.)

Zinzi: (Crying) My father is really dead? He was strong and stable, I don’t understand this.

Dr Fillies: I’m really sorry, but you’ll have to leave the room. We want to take the body to the Mortuary.

Portia: No, don’t take him away. He’s going to tell us what he wanted to say… please…

Dr Fillies: I’m sorry ma’am, he will never be able to speak again.

(Portia cries and is comforted by Lwando and Zinzi).

***

Tell us: What do you think Mr Markus wanted to say?