“Once again, I am sorry for kicking you out of the house,” my uncle said at the house. “My brother must be turning on his grave right now, and thanks for helping your aunt, my child.”

Those people thought I was the old Nontethelelo, but I was no longer naïve because pain had changed my heart. It was no longer fragile, and I was strong. I could deal with pain, and I was not like them. They were there displaying their needs to me.

“We’re here to tell you that the house belongs to you,” my uncle said. “Your father said that after turning 21 years old, we should move out and give you ownership of the house. We’re really sorry for kicking you out of your father’s house.”

“Uncle tell me, if you didn’t see me at the hospital, would you’ve had the courage to come to me?” I said. “And who the hell showed you my house? I don’t want to think about the past, today I am here because of Nonsikelelo and Ndumiso. As you can see, today I’m a woman with a forgiving heart, but do you know why? It’s because I believe in God. I’ve suffered in this life, but the almighty made me meet these wonderful people. By the way, you can live in my house since you didn’t have the time to build yours”.

“I’m really sorry my niece,” my aunt said. “It was the work of the devil, and thank you, my child.”

“Stop blaming the devil for your sins,” I said. “Of course you did it on purpose, and I am tired of your sorry. Thank you, just leave my house.”

Ndumiso was holding my hand throughout the entire time, but I was burning inside. I was finally able to control myself, and Nonsikelelo asked them to go. They left because they couldn’t just barge in and act like they were sorry. I had hyenas who pretend to like me, but I was glad I would be graduating soon with my N4.

“Let’s have dinner at my house,” Ndumiso said. “My mother said she misses you.”

“You know I’m really scared of her,” I said. “Besides, Pearl doesn’t like me since I was their maid with Sipho.”

“But she likes you,” Ndumiso said. “And forget about that chicken called Sipho, he’s a womaniser. Can you imagine, he was cheating on her and he didn’t even love her. He just wanted my dad’s money, and don’t mind Pearl, she’s naïve.”

I agreed with him, even though I was scared. Later that day, I cooked because Nonsikelelo said she would come back late that day. I had to wait for her because I couldn’t leave the kids alone. Ndumiso stayed with me until Nonsikelelo came, and she wasn’t even that late. I got ready and went to Ndumiso’s house. His parents and siblings welcomed us, and Ndumiso helped me buy a gift for his mom.

“You are welcome, daughter-in-law,” Ndumiso’s mother said.

“Thank you mother,” I said.

Tell us: How do you think Pearl is going to react now that Nontethelelo was visiting her family with her brother?