That night, I let Lunga have his way with me, and he huffed, puffed, and groaned on top of me like a wolf. When he was done, he rolled over and slept snoring loudly. When I slowly stood up, I realised that I had bruises on my thighs, and there blood slowly oozing out of them. I then jumped into the shower and let the water flow, hoping it would flow away with my problems as well. I cried, and as I the tears fell down my face, I wondered what had gone wrong.

We used to be very happy and ambitious. Lunga was not always as cold as he was, and he was once warm and kind. We had been dating since high school, and we had also gone to university together. I had my degree, and I was working as an editor for a publishing company. He, on the other hand, worked as a psychologist, but I wondered why he had never seen his own problems. He had dedicated his whole life to helping other people, but he could not help himself.

**********

When I woke up the following morning, I took a bath and did the same with my boys. I did as I was told the previous night, and I dolled myself up and made the boys look handsome.

“Oh! Wonderful family,” Lunga said, laughing as he came down the stairs in his white jeans and a yellow shirt. I would have been instantly attracted to him if he was not as cold as he was. He was tall, light in complexion, and he had a very beautiful, toned body. “My wife,” he said, kissing my cheek.

I smiled in response, and watched him as he greeted our kids. Vuyo, who was eleven and more like me, knew what his father got up to. Then innocent young Owethu, who was five, saw his father as a hero who could do no wrong. We had had Vuyo when we were both doing our second year in varsity, and, at the time, we were both happy and scared.

“Get in the car,” Lunga said, smiling while handing the car key to Vuyo, who looked at me before taking the key.

I nodded at Vuyo, indicating that it was okay. He then took the key and walked to the car with his little brother. When the children were gone, Lunga sat down next to me, and he smelled and looked good.

“You’re beautiful,” Lunga said.

“Thank you,” I responded with a smile.

“I think it’s time I sent my uncles to finish paying off your dowry,” Lunga said.

“That would be good,” I responded.

“It will be,” Lunga repeated, and when he stood up, I stood up too. “Oh, and I want another baby,” he said.

“I’d love one more,” I responded, nodding and smiling. We then walked out of the house, then got into the car left.

***

Tell us: Do you think Lunga will change after having another child, or do you think he will continue treating his wife the same way?