Later that night, I wake up around a quarter to eleven at night, but Nikiwe is not by my side. There is no trace of her, so I drift back to a sound sleep. In the morning, I walk to the house, and it’s a Saturday, so I figure my cousin will be around.

“Morning,” I say to Nikiwe and the girls as I walk into the kitchen.

“Hey,” Nikiwe responds, then she shifts and starts frying the eggs.

“Where’s daddy?” I ask Lumko’s youngest daughter.

“He’s at work, aunty,” she responds, shrugging, then she sips her glass of milk.

“Even on Saturdays?” I ask.

“Daddy’s always working,” the little girl says.

“Mommy, hurry up. We have a playdate at Dora’s place,” the eldest daughter shouts. She is about nine years old, and the youngest is six.

After a while, we eat breakfast, and when we are done, Nikiwe drives the kids to Dora’s house. I’m left with the house chores, so after cleaning, I take a bath. I wear a pair of blue denim jeans, a black jersey, and some sneakers. When I’m done, I sit down and watch a movie. But, while I am watching then movie, I hear light footsteps, and it sounds like stilettoes.

“We need to talk,” Nikiwe says.

“Ah, my in law,” I respond, smiling at her.

“Cut the crap, Silindile. What happened last night was … good, but it was also a mistake,” Nikiwe confesses.

“I know, and it will never happen again,” I respond, standing up.

“Glad we’re on the same page,” Nikiwe says, facing me.

“It’s okay. I don’t want to ruin your marriage, I just want my family back,” I say.

Nikiwe nods. “What would you like for supper?” she asks.

“It’s still early for you to start with the pots,” I respond.

“You’re right,” Nikiwe says, but I can see she’s uncomfortable around me.

“I’ll go see Missy,” I say, walking out, and she nods in response.

***

Tell us: Do you think Silindile will ever manage to get back together with Missy?