Tragedy fell down on the Zondo family. Danny and Denise felt guilty because they didn’t do what their father had asked. Naledi was torn apart by Sipho’s death.
“Mom, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t do what dad wanted” said Denise, kneeling down close to his mother. “I found Danny, but he was in a state. I disappointed him. Please forgive me.”
Naledi cuddled Denise as Danny walked in. He looked terrible. He stood by the door and as he looked at Naledi, he started to cry.
“I’m sorry, ma,” He cried as Lerato held him back. “I didn’t burn the farm Ma, it was my father, Thomas, he…”
Naledi looked at him. “Come and sit down, please, Danny.”
She signalled him to come and sit on the mattress next to her. He sat next to her, and then she cuddled both of her sons, side by side.
“We have each other now. Sipho is dead,” Naledi sobbed. “The two of you were all he talked about when he drew his last breath.”
“What did he say, mom?” a tear rolled from Denise’s eye.
“He just wanted you two to get along. That’s all he wanted, so he could rest in peace” said Naledi.
They were silent for a moment before Naledi asked Danny, “about the farm, did you say your father burnt it?”
“Yes, Mom, I visited Thomas. I didn’t know who else to talk to,” he sobbed deeply, “so, I confided in him, and his idea of love was him getting revenge on you.”
“Sipho didn’t care if you set the farm on fire or not. He wanted to see you and tell you that he loved you,” she looked him in the eyes as she said it.
“Now, he is dead and I didn’t get to hear him say that.” Tears flew out of Danny like a river. “I’ll never get to hear him say that.”
“It’s all my fault, bro. Please forgive me?” Denise asked Danny, full of sincerity.
Naledi cuddled them in comfort.
The funeral week came and passed. Sipho was laid to rest in a dignified manner. Family and friends were all there to support the Zondos.
Danny found Denise sitting at the end of the farm.
“Heita, bro” Danny said, trying to start a conversation with Denise.
Denise stared at him.
“I didn’t get a chance to say sorry for everything, man,” said Danny.
“No man, I owe you an apology. For everything I put you through, especially Lerato, I’m sorry,” said Denise.
Danny didn’t reveal how he felt about the apology, he just stared at the farm.
“What do you plan to do with the farm, since it’s your inheritance?” curiously asked Danny.
“Well this farm is a legacy, it’s our father’s legacy. And I think he would have liked it if we grew the far together. So, how about, I give you 50% of the inheritance, and we can do this as brothers?” Denise made an offer.
“I don’t know if I can work here again. A lot has happened,” shrugged Danny.
“Don’t do this for me, but for Dad. It is the only way his spirit can rest in peace. Besides, bro, it won’t hurt if we finally found each other. I’ll shadow you” Denise appealed.
“What about Hope?” Danny sounded unconvinced.
“Well, we are family. I promise to know my place. All I want is for us to right the wrongs between us and become better men. Since dad is no longer around, can you help me to be a better man?” asked Denise.
Danny drew Denise close with a hug. Thankfully, Naledi returned and witnessed her sons being close to each other without beating the heck out of each other. She smiled.
If you were to write a concluding chapter to this story, how would you want it to end?