The saying, “All men are dogs,” is something I always believed, growing up. The men that my mother had been with aided that belief. From drunken Dave, to abusive Mike, they were just not good enough for her, Steve. Her past relationships made me think of men as an obstacle to a woman’s happiness. I was okay with the thought of spending my entire life alone, but it seemed as though destiny had other plans.

My name is Akhona, a girl who spends half her time in her head. I come from an isiXhosa home, which is the only isiXhosa-speaking house in my neighbourhood. I’m from a humble town in South Africa. I don’t know much about my past, but I believe that I’m responsible for my present and future.

Recently, my mom was fired, from her job and things have been much more difficult for us. My brothers and I are all she has, and I pray that I never disappoint her.

“Molo, mama, unjani? (Hello mother, how are you.)” I said as I entered the kitchen.

I wanted to surprise her with how well I had started speaking our language. She would always criticise me for not being able to speak my mother tongue. I felt like I hit the nail on the head, that day her face brightened up as soon as I said those words.

“Ndiphilile, enkosi, ninjani? (I’m fine thanks, how are you?)” she replied.

I felt stupid. I didn’t know what she said, but I didn’t want her to know that. So, I just smiled and gave her a hug. She was busy cooking by then, it was our favourite. I arrived in time after a visit from a friend to help her set the table.

“Wow! Mom this is amazing!” Themba, my younger brother exclaimed, as soon as we started eating, we all laughed as if we had no care in the world.

Sometime later, the sun gave way to my favourite objects in the sky, the moon and the stars. I always enjoyed the night. It meant time had come for me to start my favourite activity, dreaming. I gazed at the night sky in astonishment, the harmony of the moon and the stars in the sky amazed me. Without a warning, I fell asleep on the floor next to my bedroom window.

hahahahah! Laughter was echoing all around me, I was in this huge house, with little children running around screaming and laughing. The house was decorated as if prepared for a wedding.

“Akhona, come quickly!” a girl exclaimed while pulling me.

I went with her. We entered into this big room with gifts on the bed and five women were anxiously waiting.

“What’s going on?” I asked, confused and happy, at the same time.

They laughed and said, “Do you want to walk down the aisle looking like that?”

“Aisle? Is someone getting married?” I asked.

“No all this is for Kiki,” one woman said and then they all laughed again. Kiki was the little dog that she pointed to while replying.

Another woman grabbed me by the arm and started dressing me up. It was a beautiful wedding dress. It had a long Veil and the dress was a floor sweeper. The V-neck line showed off my chest and the makeup enhanced my beauty.

I was taken to a church where a handsome man was waiting for me. My stomach almost exploded from all the butterflies that were flattering inside. I asked the man who was with me, “Is that my groom?”

“Yes,” he said.

I almost fainted. I walked down the aisle slowly, breathing heavily. In less than an hour, I was going to get married, to a man who stole my heart immediately after I saw him. I kept on inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth while touching my stomach.

I arrived at the altar. The man with me gave my hand to him. He smiled and said, “What did I do to deserve you? I can’t believe that today you will be mine.”

I was surprised by everything that was happening. I couldn’t stop looking into his eyes. Everything went smoothly, I got married and then we went home, as husband and wife.

He led me to our room, slowly pulled me towards him, put his hand on my waist and slowly kissed me.

“I love you,” he said.

“I love you too,” I replied.

I spent the entire night in his arms. That night was an expression of our love.

The next morning, I woke up seeing his smile with a tray of our breakfast in his hands. He came up to me and wanted to start feeding me.

“Won’t you let me wash up first?” I asked him.

“Okay honey, but be quick,” he smiled and carried me to the bathroom. He wanted to stay with me but I pushed him out and slammed the door.

“You’ll just have to wait for me!” I exclaimed from the bathroom, giggling.

When I was done I put a towel on and went out to him. Not paying attention to the fact that I wasn’t wearing anything underneath, he rushed to me and carried me in his arms.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

I smiled. “Can we eat now?” I asked.

“Right, I almost forgot,” we both laughed and then ate.

In the evening, he arranged a table decorated with candles and roses that spelled out: I love you.

He took me by the hand pulled me closer. Just then it started raining. He dragged me into the rain and slowly run his fingers through my hair and just when he was about to kiss me, I heard someone calling me, “Akhona, Akhona, Akhona, wake up its late!”

Tell us: What do you think of Akhona’s dream?