The following day, school is upside down and distracted by the shocking truth that came out the night before.

“I’ve always known that both Cindy and Mpumi are evil. I just couldn’t prove it,” says one student.

“Imagine if ever Itumeleng died for something he didn’t do,” another one commented.

“I’ve always told you that in this world…men are dogs and women are snakes,” added a 24-year-old from the back seat.

After school, Stacy rushes to the hospital. Racing inside Ward 18, she sits down next to Itumeleng and holds his hand. “Hey, it’s me, Stacy…I know you can hear me. I came to tell you that the truth finally saw light. Cindy and Mpumi were arrested this morning for filing a false police report. They are in police custody as I speak.”

Upon hearing the good news, Itumeleng opens his eyes for the first time in two weeks. And using his shaky hand, he removes the oxygen mask. He looks at her and whispers, “Stacy…”

She leans closer, “Yes, it’s me. I’m here.” Stacy can’t believe it. She sheds tears of joy and calls a nurse. Itumeleng gradually gains consciousness and strength. Later on, his parents arrive and they all share a small celebration by giving thanks to the Almighty Lord.

Cindy and Mpumi are given two options by the judge: either they each pay a R20,000 fine or spend 12 months in prison. Cindy’s parents are able to pay up while Mpumi remains behind bars.

However, a week later, Cindy is arrested and sentenced for two years in prison. Itumeleng’s lawyer charges her with crimen injuria for impairing Itumeleng’s dignity by falsely accusing him. And all three of his attackers are found and sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder.

Two weeks later, Saturday, some time past 4pm, Itumeleng and Stacy link up for their first picnic date at Jelo Park. The wind is calm, the heat is mild, and the grass is moist. A nude-brown blanket rests under the shade of a huge old tree.

Itumeleng begins, “Thank you for coming.” Stacy blushes. “So before we dig in, there’s something I wish to express…when I first saw you two years ago, at the library, I fell for you before I could blink. And all around your aura, I felt your goodness and the warmth of your soul. For the first time, my mind grew blank. In that second you froze my world, as I stood in awe of what the heavenly father placed in front of me.” Itumeleng pauses.

He looks at her, “What I’m tryna say is…I love you, Stacy.” He looks down in embarrassment. “All these years I’ve been too scared to tell you this. I was afraid that you might not feel the same way about me.” When he raises his eyes, he sees Stacy surprised and speechless, “But I’m not afraid any more. Because you’re the only one who believed me when everyone else burned me. In my darkest moments, you were there. The last thing I saw was you and the first thing I saw when I woke up…was you.” Itumeleng grabs her hands.

They lock eyes and everything else fades. “Stacy, will you be my one and only girlfriend?”

Stacy smiles, “Yes! I would love that.” She leaps over and hugs him tightly.

And for the next few hours, the couple eat, drink, laugh and have fun. Bliss fills the air as Stacy sits in front of Itumeleng, resting the back of her head on his chest to admire the beautiful orange-tinted clouds, as the sun says goodbye to the lovely day.

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