Eight years later

Dr Anele Mbele had graduated from medical school in Cuba and now worked in the children’s ward in Addington Hospital in Durban. She was one of the few women who had finished her studies, paid for by the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department. Many of her contemporaries dropped out because of unplanned pregnancies and others had joined a church with an overzealous pastor and forgotten the main purpose of going to Cuba.

But for Dr Mbele, caring for people, especially sexually abused women and children, was more than a job. It was her life’s work.

Her life too was still affected. After the abuse she suffered as a child she battled to trust people, especially men. It was easier to avoid socialising and dating, and simply come to the hospital every day, and do what she did best. She didn’t even want to know her neighbours, although she was aware that a young man lived next door, because he was always making conversation. She tried not to meet his eye. She didn’t want everyone to know she was a doctor, least of all a single man who lived alone.

Now, as she walked briskly to reception, her mind was on the staff cuts that were being implemented at the hospital. Addington was already a difficult environment, made worse by budget constraints. The HR manager, Mr Mkhwanazi, had to make the cuts and, as always, had asked for her opinion. He liked her and respected her and had already marked her for promotion into management. She was on her way to a difficult meeting in Dr Mkhwanazi’s office now.

“Excuse me? You! Yes, you! You are needed in the HR Department,” she snapped at the young man in the white coat who was leaning on the reception desk, chatting to the woman behind the counter.

Dr Mbele’s voice was firm and he jumped at her harsh tone. She never paid men attention but this one looked familiar.

“Anele, is it you? Wow! It’s such a small world, hey? I’m glad to see you in this place. Having a familiar face around will sure make it easier to find my feet in this new job.”

Who was this person?

Oh, dear heavens, she thought after a while. It was that guy … her neighbour, Thamsanqa. Dr Mbele did not need this complication in her life.

She cut him short, repeating, “You are needed at the HR Department, immediately,” then turned and left him gawping at her.

“Aybo, I thought I was talking to someone I know,” Thamsanqa said to the pretty receptionist who was chuckling to herself after watching Dr Mbele give him the flat hand. “She’s so cold. Anyway, let me rush to where I’m needed.”

***

Tell us: Do you think Dr Mbele can be happy in life if she continues hating all men?