“Granny, there is this guy who wants me. I want to date him,” Xolile sighs and smiles.

Granny sits on the chair staring at Xolile and she shakes her head. Granny loves the warmth of the sun and feeling the breeze. Granny and Xolile are sitting in the garden with different colour daisies and a green lawn all over the yard. A four-roomed house is situated in Dorothy’s yard, Xolile’s mother. She died, together with her father, in an accident after a lorry collided with their Sedan. Granny has been looking after Xolile since her parents passed away.

“Make me some tea, I want buttered cheese scones too,” Granny commands.

“Did you hear what I said?” Xolile frowns.

She doesn’t like it when her Granny doesn’t listen to her. She knows her own stubbornness comes from Granny; Granny doesn’t listen when she is against her. Especially this talk about guys she fancies, she wants Xolile to concentrate on school.

“Are you desperate for a man? Do your studies first and the rest will flow like honey,” she yell loudly.

Xolile drags her feet inside the house. As an only child, she is stubborn but obedient and a good child. She understands she only has Granny in her life. At eighteen, she wants to be like other girls her age who are not single. She is in her second year, studying Mechanical Engineering with two more years to go. But she recognizes she is missing the fun her peers have.

Granny looks up at the sky, a few birds fly higher. Granny has always loved nature, that’s why she tends the garden and waters the flowers when she has time. She doesn’t notice Xolile standing with a tray, on it is a teacup, teapot, a jar of milk and a plate of scones.

“Now sit down I tell you a story,” she commands.

Xolile puts the tray on the table in front of Granny and sits on the chair opposite. Granny pours the tea and bites the scones slowly. Xolile is annoyed and keeps frowning.

“This tea is nice. I know you want to get married and be loved but I want you to know that you shouldn’t seek love, let it come to you,” she sips the tea and talks sincerely.

“But Granny, some men are shy. Should we wait for them? The guy made a move already…” Xolile says louder, irritated.

“Love comes but now it’s early, finish your degree and the rest will flow,” she speaks calmly.

“Tell me the story,” Xolile sighs.

***

Tell us: Do you agree with Granny that one shouldn’t chase love?