“My father argued that since I was almost nearing the school age, there was one thing he could never rob me off, the best education. I remembered his words when he said, “With all due respect, when it comes to Princess, as he used to call me, she is my responsibility. And I want to take her to the best schools in Gauteng since I am relocating to Gauteng. Life has taken a lot from her, but not her education. Please understand that. I will hire a maid to be with her all the time.” It made sense for everyone. It was a bunch of roses but with canker in it.

“Aunt Cathy was the best auntie ever. She was lovely to both my dad and I. She worked for us for a long time until she had to leave because she was getting married. Her marriage set me on the spot light. Dad was very responsible. I used to brag about him to other kids. For some unknown reasons Aunt Cathy used to tell me to inform her if anyone does anything to hurt me, including my dad. She was a mother for me. I assured her that my dad was the best father on earth and could never harm his princess. I even remember asking Aunt Cathy to marry my father because the two of them were the best people in my life and could be a perfect match. They laughed their lungs out and they told me that Aunt Cathy had someone to marry her, uncle Rod. Uncle Rod used to buy me ice-cream, red grapes and all the goodies which make a young girl like I was go crazy.

“When Aunt Cathy got married, I moved into my dad’s room. He was such a father. But At some point, for some reasons known only to him, his behavior changed. I did not tell anyone since I trusted my dad with my life.” Now the girls were sitting on the edges of their sits.

“I asked him why he was doing all those funny things to me because at pre-school we were taught that all he was doing to me was abuse. He said to me, “Teachers aren’t right all the time my princess. They do not know everything, especially Mrs Peterson; she doesn’t even have a child. So, for her, showing how much a parent loves his or her child, she considers it as abuse. Can you see what I mean?”

“I believed every word my father said. Shame on me and my trust and innocence, this is where I lost the whole game.

“He threatened me not to tell anyone of our new lifestyle. If I ever told anyone, I would find myself in Metz village and staying there with Granny Alice. I hated that village. The last time I was there, there was no electricity or tap water. I hated darkness at night and during the day, the idea of carrying plastic buckets to fetch water at a tap somewhere a distant in the village disgusted me. The queues, Jesus! So, because I was young, though no longer innocent, I zipped up.

“Aunt Cathy got married and left us alone. What a secret couple we were? Our lifestyle continued until I got used to it. How heartless of my father? I am not sure whether to say father or husband. It is such a trauma. My behavior altered a big time. I was so rude, reserved and defensive. I hated my father a lot. I longed for death like a lunch-bar chocolate. I hated my father, but he told me to work on my attitude before worst things happened to me. I imagined something worse than the terror I was going through already.

“I remember my class teacher in primary once asked me why I was so reserved but having some hidden bitterness. I denied that there was anything bothering me and I swore by my late mother. I just said that at times I missed to have a mother, especially when others talked about their mothers. How on earth could I miss someone I never set eyes on? Shame, they believed me.

Tell us: What would you do if you were in Pers’ shoes?