Dear Yenzokuhle

13 February 2016

My next class is an hour. I can’t really write fast enough.

I’m sorry, that we couldn’t visit. We thought it would make it harder for you before you had the baby. You needed to be safe. You needed to figure things out on your own. The police came for us shortly after you left. They kicked us out for good because the building was being renovated for something else, a greater purpose than sheltering nobodies like us. We ran as far away as we could from our hideout areas because Malibongwe was out for Fetta’s blood. Nkele turned against us too, and we couldn’t seek shelter with them any more. Things were even harder, Yenzo. And we all figured you didn’t need that kind of stress. A part of us thought you’d be better off, but the small selfish part of my heart has decided to not let you go so here I am, fumbling for words, writing to you.

I came to ask Sister Zimi how you were, you know. I needed to see if you were okay, after everything. It was weird without you in our small group. We’d gotten so used to having you around. After all the promises we made to each other long before you, you were an exception. We shunned our fear of people leaving us once we let them in. You became family, Yenzo. You still are. I heard about your baby. I’m so sorry. We all are. But I’m happy you are back with your mom.

I wanted to tell you that you changed our lives – in a way you will never know. Having you at the crib brought us closer: we learned to confide in each other, to care, to feel.

We have all found our standing places now. I have just gotten funding to complete my matric at a high school in Alexandra. It isn’t a big deal really, but it isn’t as bad as Hillbrow. The church partenered up with my orphanage after I almost got killed in a street brawl. They decided it wasn’t safe for me in the streets. I stay with the pastor and his wife now. It wasn’t easy at first to open up and trust strangers, but they have been good to me, for a lot of months now. They have two kids: Zoe and Thando. Zoe reminds me so much of you: she talks a lot and honestly doesn’t know when to stop. But she’s still a sweet girl nonetheless. I have taken up Physics and Maths because I want to do something in microbology. You didn’t know I was a nerd too, did you?

Anyway, this is my first week. This boy in class, Kagiso, says I smile a lot. You would laugh at that. I guess I am learning and trying at the same time. I am selfish too – I’ve written a whole paragraph entirely about me!

Things changed after you left. We all decided we wanted more. Life would never be okay on its own. We needed to get up and fix what was broken with us. Not everybody could do that. It was hard accepting we are special too. But that was the first step. To acknowledge that we are human, and that we deserve better.

Aunty Rita helped me get my previous reports and my matric certificate, and I didn’t want to settle for just anything so I decided to upgrade my poor matric results. This is my second chance at life, Yenzo, and I’m not choosing anything less. Bonga finally got called for that competition he entered. We saw his name in the newspaper that advertised the finalists. We were all shocked. He got a bursary to study art at the local college. It pays for his accommodation too and he stays at the student residences so I think he is much safer and happier there. I’ve seen him a couple of times, but I’m also snowed under with schoolwork. We are all so happy for him. I wish you were here. He missed you a lot. We all did and still do.

Simon is teaching dance classes in a small centre that has been built to empower young kids in Claim Street. He also stays there. I saw him yesterday – he seems to be having fun. It also looks like his soccer career is about to start soon. He’s closer to being a skhothane.

And finally, Fetta stopped smoking. Well, he is trying. He was too addicted and he needed to do something. He admitted to having a problem. He is in rehab now, getting all the help he needs. He will take it from there. I wish I could write you something longer and explain explicitly how much life sucked without you. But this is my way of asking you to please stay in touch. My roommate is already reminding me that I have a class in a few minutes. She is such a sweetheart. I need to go now. Talk soon.

Love,
Luntu

 * * * * *

Tell us: Did you enjoy this story? Who were your favourite characters and why?