“Vusumzi,” his father said, as soon as he walked in. He raised his hand up.

“Please father. You will meet my potential wife this weekend,” Vusumzi promised, before he went to his outside room.

“What’s this I hear about a potential wife coming here?” his mom walked in.

“I thought you said you are not dating,” she continued.

“I am, ma,” he said.

“Who is she? Where did you meet? Is she from this village?” his mom was elated.

“Please, ma, wait till she comes here.” Vusumzi refused to say more.

***

Saturday came and his parents were waiting for their daughter-in-law. His father was beaming with pride, he was in his Sunday best. His mother too, she had even prepared her best meal. They had gone all out for Claudia.

“Claudia, please don’t mention to my father that you’re transitioning,” Vusumzi pleaded.

“Why? You know I want to be loved for who I am!” Claudia said.

“I know. But, dad is old school. He won’t understand this. He’ll think I’m – I’m gay,” Vusumzi said.

“You are gay! You sleep with me, while I’m still a man. And you fell for me, before I even told you that I want to transition,” Claudia said.

“Please Claudia. Let’s not do this now,” Vusumzi begged.

“Whatever, Vusumzi! But, your father will want to know why I won’t be able to bear you kids.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Or we can adopt,” Vusumzi suggested.

“Don’t be dumb, Vusumzi. Your father isn’t stupid. They’ll want to do all that cultural stuff for your child,” Claudia shook her head.

“IVF. We can get a surrogate mother. Meanwhile, you can fake a pregnancy till our surrogate mother gives birth.” Vusumzi smiled at his brilliant idea.

Claudia laughed. “You’re crazy, Vusumzi. They’re bound to find out,” she said in a low voice.

“Not if I have anything to do with it. Plus, after we get married, I’ll buy us a home far from here.” Vusumzi stopped outside his home.

“Are you ready?” he asked his lover. Claudia nodded. They went in.

***

Tell us: How do you think the parents will react?