Efe hadn’t returned home, and I hoped he would show remorse and we would have our hands entwined. I missed his warmth because it always sent comfort into my soul. I felt like I was in the clouds, love struck. The bed was cold, and I heard the heavy wind howling outside. The reflection of the trees outside my house revealed itself through the window. I couldn’t sleep, and I kept tossing and turning with blank thoughts in my mind. My mind was full of nothing but my instincts alerting me to make a decision.

I was irritated, and the bed felt like I was sleeping on an uncomfortable rock. I turned to the window and watched the shadows of leaves swaying back and forth. I got bored quickly and switch on the television on. The news on SABC was worse, so I sighed and switched it off. All I wanted was Efe, and the ripple of anxiety was spoiling my mood. “Efe come back,” I thought.

The thought of losing him was draining me. “What will I do?” I thought. I had hope though, and I was also disappointed. Then I heard a squeezing sound that echoed outside, but I felt it was in the room. I grabbed the duvet, feeling the sweat on my back and my trembling body. I didn’t know how, but that was how I fell asleep.

The sun was gently sprinkling through the curtains, warming the inside of my house. I was exhausted and restless, but I had to work, so I dragged myself to prepare for work. I had forgotten about Efe for a while, but he scars on my face made me remember him. I hid them under a deep foundation and dark makeup, but I had a dark complexion, so I knew that the true reflection of someone is without make-up.

Efe came into my mind at work, and I ended up feeling unfocused and messing up the dishes. I burnt the onions, and the stew was tasteless.

“Are you sick or something?” Kayla asked, but I shook my head in response. I didn’t have energy, plus the lack of sleeping was taking my energy away.

“Drink an energy juice please, or you want us to get fired?” David shouted at me from behind.

He was right, though, so soon after that, I gulped the energy drink and quickly felt alive. But I was still not concentrating. I burnt the tomato gravy and added raw potatoes into a lettuce salad.

“You should have stayed at home,” Kayla said with a sigh.

“Sorry,” I said in a low tone and picked all the diced potatoes from the dish. I could get fired, so I couldn’t wait until I got home because I believed that Efe would be there.

When I got home, I found Efe there, and I was happy. I jumped on him and he held me tightly, like he missed me. I believed he loved me. It’s true, couples go through thick and thick, but those who loved each other stood together in the storms and rain. I vowed in my heart never to question his infidelity. Who knew what would happen when I asked about his cheating ways? He might leave for ever.

All that reminded me of my mother saying ‘Don’t be a bore that always talks like a mosquito, men don’t like that. Be quiet and see!’

I accepted who Efe was, and I gave back more and expected less from him. Even if I had to buy a mountain to keep him, I would do that, as long he was by my side.

***

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