When I got to my cousin’s place, I walk through the house and sit by the pool. I brought a case of Heineken, so I take one bottle and open it.

“Why do you look so down?” Lumko asks, sitting next to me.

“I saw my child, man,” I respond, sniffing.

“Where?” Lumko asks, then he takes out a beer.

“I went by her house. She’s so grown up. I missed out on a lot, and I’m afraid she’ll grow up thinking Amy is her momma and not me,” I respond, bring the bottle to my lips.

“We wouldn’t allow that,” Lumko assures me.

“You should see how grown up she is, man. She’s very talkative too,” I say, laughing sadly.

“She takes after you on that,” Lumko responds, laughing.

“Yeah. I wish I could just tell her she’s mine,” I say, staring at the bottle in my hands.

“Fight for your child, man,” Lumko says, then sips the beer. “How do you drink this?” he asks, laughing.

“It’s good,” I respond, taking a sip, then I giggle.

“You should fight tooth and nail for your daughter,” Lumko says.

“And Missy too. She still loves me, man,” I say, looking at him.

“How do you know?” Lumko asks.

“I just do,” I respond, shrugging.

After that, we continue sipping our beers in silence. Lumko then goes to bed at nine, and the girls are having a sleep over at their friends. After a while, I make myself a sandwich.

“You’re up?” Nikiwe asks.

“Just to make some food,” I respond.

“I need water,” Nikiwe says.

I nod in response while she takes out a glass and pours water in it. She then leans by the sink and gulps it down.

“I’ll go to bed now,” I say, taking my plate.

“Good night,” Nikiwe says, then she locks the door behind me.

***

Tell us: What do you think Silindile can do to successfully be in her child’s life?