“I, Sipho Zondo, give my legacy to Denise Zondo due to cultural reasons decided amongst the family” the lawyer kept reading. “All my shares, car, and house are properties of Denise Zondo. It’s up to both of my sons to keep the peace after I am gone.”

Danny stood up in shock, “What is going on here Dad?! What’s this nonsense he’s reading?”

“This is not nonsense. I gave him a draft of this to legalize. As it is stated, it is for everybody’s own good,” said Sipho.

Denise was shocked and speechless.

“What ‘cultural reasons?’ You told me that I was the chosen one to carry the legacy. You said the farm was mine, so I could groom Denise!” furiously said Danny.

The parents looked at Mr. Khaya for an explanation: he cleared his throat. “Young man, the ancestors are not resting. You replaced Denise’s twin and now they feel that a stranger is leading the family.” He shook his head. “Our culture doesn’t allow that to happen.”

“I’m not a stranger to this family! What the hell are you talking about!?” shouted Danny.

“Danny, don’t shout at your elders, we didn’t raise you like that!” said Naledi.

“No, I object. I forbid you from doing this to me. I will take over the reigns as I was promised!” he banged his fist on the table.

Sipho coughed before jumping to the point. “Nobody wanted to do this. We are fixing a mistake your mother made when she upset our ancestors. Now, you have to share what you were promised with Denise in order to please them”.

“If we don’t, you will be caught in their wrath” concluded Naledi, as Danny stared at Khaya.

“It is the truth, young man. Remember how the ancestors forced your mother to come and confess?” said Mr. Khaya.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m honoured. Dad, I promise, I won’t let you down. Thank you for this second chance,” Denise said, his voice full of gratitude. As he broke his silence, he saw Danny looking at him.

“This is my gift of life. To both of you… See Da..” Sipho started.

“No!” said Danny, rudely interrupting, “you are nothing but a coward, Sipho. You are using death as a way to shield you from all of this! Damn you, all of you, for using me!” he shed tears. “You can’t expect me to take this laying down. So, if I can’t get what has been promised to me, nobody will!” Danny’s voice now turned to anger.

“What are you saying Danny?” curiously asked Denise.

“I will destroy the farm! I will destroy the entire Zondo family!” Danny started pacing back and forth with aggression.

“Calm down boy!” exclaimed Sipho.

“Don’t tell me to calm down. You Zondos are the same as my parents: you use anyone and everything to get what you want. I’ll fight back. You have been so unfair to me ever since you knew I was not your son,” he said threateningly. He walked to the door and banged it very hard.

Sipho yelled. “Danny, wait!!” but all he heard was the door slamming.

“Thank you” said Denise. “I’m sorry, I will talk to Danny. I will try to make him understand.”

“ I just hope this was worth losing my son” he looked around experiencing shortness of breath.

How would you react if something similar to this happened to you? Can you empathize with Danny or was his reaction uncalled or?