“Tools let her go my boy. There’s plenty of fishes in this sea big boy, and they do want to swim with you.” Jabu mocked when he found Thulani standing in the shadows watching Nozie and the Greek god laughing under the tree. What Thulani hated was how Siya turned up on the worst day of his life and suddenly made his cranky girlfriend giggle and snort. The whole set up was another annoying fact, the clear moon in a star filled sky, the cool summer breeze and the way everything just seemed to be at ease and smell fresh. Chose a perfect night to rock up, why don’t you? he thought. And the fact that Nozie was a helpless romantic killed him.

“Fish.” He said absentmindedly to Jabu, who was now confused by the comment.

“Huhh?” Jabu’s confusion was evident. “My friend, you need a hot chick who wants to do you now. Take Noni home, she won’t wait forever.”

“She can go. I have my fish in sight.” He said waving him to vanish which he did, heading back to the party. He went to the bathroom but when he returned Nozie and Siya had gone. He stood in the middle of the street and looked up and down and up again, but they were nowhere to be seen. He sobered up immediately as panic and worry took over his mind. The only thing he was thinking was that Nozie was drunk and Siya may take advantage.

Who knew what these college boys did to young innocent girls? If he so much as breathes too closely I’ll skin him alive. Who cares about a six pack and biceps? I can take him. I’ll fight tooth and nail, Thulani thought to himself. He was almost by her street when his soliloquy was interrupted by a scream.

He ran the whole way shouting her name. “NOZIE! NOZIE! WHERE ARE YOU?” He ran until he saw some bushes up ahead, a small empty patch that had long grass. It was pitch black as the street lamp close by was not working. He called again as he went into the grass. He heard something and he stood completely still, he took a deep breath and held it in so he can listen properly. He could smell her perfume, she was very close by. But his heartbeat was making such a ruckus he couldn’t hear well. He started walking away then he heard a muffled cry.

Nozie bit deep into the hand of her oppressor as a last resort as she had no more energy or power to fight him of. She was fighting a sleep that was overpowering her fast, a dark shadow that just came over her without warning. Deep inside she was willing herself not to fall asleep but it was hard, darkness was closing in. She gave a final yelp that sounded like it didn’t even reach her throat. Then total darkness covered her eyes and senses.