“You’re still asleep? You have guests!” Lumko says, bursting into the cottage.

“Guests?” I ask, then I wake up and wear my slippers.

“Yes. Freshen up. Ten minutes,” Lumko responds, then walks out.

When Lumko is gone, I take a bath, and think that it may be the wardens. When I was done, I walk to the breakfast table, and find Missy and Amanda sitting with Nikiwe and Lumko there.

“Missy?” I say.

Before responding, Missy stands up. “Hi, how are you?” she asks.

“I’m okay,” I respond, motioning for her to sit down, and I sit down too. At this point, Lumko and his wife excuse themselves.

“Hi, Amanda,” I say, smiling at my daughter.

“Hi. Did you get my gift?” Amanda asks.

“We’ll buy it this afternoon,” I assure her.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Amanda says to me.

“I have a few thousands in my account,” I said, shrugging, and she nods in response. “Has your mother told you who I am?” I ask.

Before responding, Amanda looks at her glass of juice and sips it. “Aunty Amy says you’re bad,” she says.

“Bad?” I say, looking up at Missy, who then looks away.

“You don’t look bad,” Amanda says, smiling.

“That’s because I’m not,” I respond, holding her hand.

“I know you’re not. I saw your picture with mom, and mom says she was married to you,” Amanda says.

“We were,” I say, smiling.

“Did you guys have me? When you were married?” Amanda asks, looking at me, and I nod in response. “Where were you? Why aren’t you and mommy married anymore?” she asks.

“Too many questions, honey,” I say, laughing. “What matters is that I’m back now,” I continue, hold her hand.

“Well, mom says I have to be nice to you,” Amanda says, shrugging.

“Can I fetch you at day care tomorrow?” I ask. Missy stares at me, and I know I’m pushing it, but I say it anyway.

“Can she, mommy?” Amanda asks, and Missy nods in response.

***

Tell us: What do you think is going to happen now that Missy has allowed for Sindisile to see Amanda?