Lesiba is a nineteen-year-old boy who is living with his ten-year-old younger brother, Rafi. Their parents died in a car accident and as a result, Lesiba has been forced to take responsibility for Rafi and his studies. He is forced to make difficult decisions. He stands up for what he believes in, which can cost him his life.
Lesiba hears mysterious words: “All your problems will go away, you are stronger than you think and you will make it.” He has no idea who said these words, but somehow they make sense to him. Was it a bad dream? Is someone trying to warn him about something? These are the questions that he asks himself after putting down his glass of water.
He is trying to figure out how he is going to pay for Rafi’s fees and school trip. His job does not pay much and he really wants his brother to go on the trip with the other kids. Lesiba is thinking about all of this when he suddenly hears his phone ring. It’s a call from his friend, Theo.
“Hey friend,” answers Lesiba.
“Hey, did you consider the plan I spoke to you about?” asks Theo.
“I thought about it, but I don’t think it’s a great idea. I won’t do it,” says Lesiba.
Theo is furious. “Are you crazy?” he says. “It’s an excellent idea. You need the money, Lesiba. You need to stop having so much pride.”
“I won’t change my mind!” shouts Lesiba. “I have to go.” He ends the call.
He hates it when people try to force him to do things he doesn’t like only because they can see he’s desperate.
“I will find a way,” he says to himself.
Lesiba feels worried about what he will tell Rafi, but he knows that he’ll have to face the disappointment on his brother’s face. He knows that his younger brother depends on him, and that it’s his responsibility to make sure he’s OK. Their parents died in a car accident in December after he wrote his final exams. Their life in Johannesburg has never involved their relatives, as none of their relatives attended their parents’ funeral. Lesiba is determined to take care of his younger brother by working in the Furniture Store. He also pays for his own college fees.
Again, Lesiba hears the strange voice: “You have to be strong for yourself and everybody else. Believe in yourself and your decisions.” He quickly opens his eyes and puts down his glass of water after he hears these words. He is starting to feel very worried now, as he finds it difficult to understand the reason behind these voices.
His younger brother Rafi comes home from school and finds Lesiba standing still, looking out the window.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
Lesiba is surprised to see Rafi. “Oh! You’re back already?” he says. “It’s nothing, I was only day dreaming.”
“Okay, so when will you pay for my school trip?” asks Rafi.
“I wanted to talk to you about that,” explains Lesiba. “I can’t afford to pay for your school trip, Rafi.”
Rafi starts to cry. “I knew it!” he shouts. “You hardly do anything for me, I wish my parents were still alive!”
“Do not talk to me like that, you know very well that I try my best for you!” Lesiba shouts back.
“You try nothing! Nothing at all!” says Rafi as he leaves to go to his bedroom.
Lesiba is very frustrated. It is the first time that Rafi has spoken to him like that. He is only a 10-year-old kid, he doesn’t understand anything. He is now thinking of considering Theo’s plan. It seems like it could be the only solution to his problem.
***
How would you feel if you were in Lesiba’s shoes? Should Lesiba consider Theo’s plan, or should he rather listen to the mysterious voice?