On the third day, her boss called her into his office before she knocked off. “Hilda, I don’t know what happened to you, but whoever made you take that vow of silence has helped you tremendously. I know how hard-working you are, and I have decided to give you a permanent post in our company.”

Hilda smiled and wrote down ‘thank you, we’ll talk tomorrow’ on a note. Her boss nodded, and she left.

As she passed the alley where she met that old man, she remembered it was the third day. She went into the passage to look for him but couldn’t find him. As she turned to leave, a good-looking, clean young man stopped her. “You have done well,” he claimed.

Hilda jumped. She wanted to run, but her determination kept her feet firm. “Who are you?!”

“It’s me. The old man who gave you that potion in your purse.”

“But that man was old and dirty. I don’t understand.” The old man possessed shape-shifting powers, which he would use to appear as different people and, at other times, as different animals. Even the people who would go to him to consult with various problems didn’t know how he looked. They only knew where to find him.

“When you walked past me on Monday, I could sense your elevated sense of self. I wanted to teach you a little lesson.” Like before, Hilda could not believe it. She wanted to speak, but words failed her. For the first time in her life, she had nothing to say.

“And by the way, that thing in your purse is just pure virgin oil. Nothing special.” Hilda took out the bottle and looked at it. She was angry because she fell for the man’s tricks, but a thought hit her. The past few days have been so peaceful, and it felt like her life was finally coming together. The bottle may have contained a magic potion, after all. For a moment, she stood still and stared at it. Hilda thought about drinking it to be sure, but she shook her head.

The voice of reason spoke to her. It was all her doing. Her not running her mouth the past few days made her life better. She threw the vile onto the ground and ran to the bus terminus. The bus ride home felt like it was taking forever. When she arrived at her drop-off station, she ran home like her life depended on it. She was bawling her eyes out. Hilda burst into the house and saw her mother cooking beside the stove. She hugged her mother tightly.

“I am so sorry” were the only words she could muster.

“I know, Hildy baby. I’m happy you learned your lesson.” Hilda released her arms from her mother and looked at her. “I only did it to help you.” Zanele had orchestrated the whole thing.

“I do not care if you did it or not.” Hilda went back in for another hug. “Being in my head alone with my thoughts these past few days has made me realise many things. I now see that all my actions made everyone around me resent me.” Hilda sobbed uncontrollably on her mother’s shoulder. Her mother hugged her even tighter. “I truly apologise for everything I have put you guys through.”