Thando had been anxious after the call he received. The caller, known as Bra Easy-Money, was a drug dealer, a brutal criminal gang leader, and ex-convict in their township. He ran the streets and controlled almost all the Rands people on the streets worked hard for. He normally targeted people he knew were vulnerable or desperate in order to execute his dodgy deals with them. Of course, the money was tempting, but at whose expense?

Br Easy-Money had instructed Thando to come to his house later to discuss a business plan.

Thando was eager to tell his father, until another call prompted him not to. Bra Sipho from the garage got back to him regarding the interview. He did not get the job, but as disappointed as he was, he acknowledged that the market was competitive, and the unemployment rate was at its peak. People who came for the interview had more experience than him, so he eventually brushed it off and shared the news with his father.

After telling his father the bad news, Thando decided to take a walk because his mind was full of unanswered questions. He remembered how happy he was when his mother was around. He was thinking about how habitually reluctant he had became when he had to take care of himself. He also thought of how his father worked tirelessly to make sure he got everything he needed, and that was one of his worries.

Thando felt like he had lost control of his life. He had gone from grieving over his mother and coming back home, to starring at the walls and ceiling the whole day with no means to contribute financially at home.

As Thando was about to turn left at the corner next to the spaza, he saw Bra Easy-Money at his house. It was easy to spot him from far because he was climbing a ladder next to it. Despite that, his muscular physique and height made it easy for people to recognise him from a distance.

Thando decided to go to him to discuss the offer he had made the other day. He knew it was a bad idea, yet he went there because he felt like it could be an opportunity for him to regain control over his life. As he approached the gate, a buffed man who looked like bouncer came to the gate. He smirked when he saw Thando and giggled.

“Finally, the mouse has arrived. Excuse the nickname, but the boss said I could give you one. That’s the tradition when you join us,” the man arrogantly said.

Thando ignored the man and went to Bra Easy-Money, who quickly descended the ladder and wiped off the dust on his hands with his shirt.

“Hahaha, look who came. I knew you were smart. I have been waiting patiently for you. What has been keeping you busy, my brother from another mother? You nearly forfeited a great business deal,” Bra Easy-Money asked as he gave Thando a chair to sit on.

***

Tell us: What do you think about Thando’s decision to agree to Bra Easy-Money’s offer?