Sihle and Sheila clapped their hands together in sync like an orchestra as MaKhumalo’s hand glided across the dotted line. She’d signed the house agreement and handed the deposit slips to Dan, who received them with a large smile.

Busi, standing next to Gogo, cheered up as well. Dan’s phone rang. It was his boss and this time he had only good news to tell him. He excused himself, allowing the ladies space to celebrate with hugs.

Lunch was a feast, and later that day, when MaKhumalo and Busi were finally alone, packing away the day’s dishes, Busi sparked a conversation with her grandmother, allowing her words to mirror the misty feelings hovering around her heart.

“Gogo, I didn’t know any better. I’m so sorry. I promise to change my ways now. Look what I decided to do with my life now.” She pulled out registration forms for college and MaKhumalo’s heart jived in joy as she hugged her Busi.

“It’s all water under the bridge, my child, and besides, you’re not the only one who’s done stupid things because of love,’ MaKhumalo chuckled.

“Haibo, Gogo, what do you mean?” Busi laughed along.

“You see the tattoo on my belly…when I met my first boyfriend…” MaKhumalo couldn’t go on, and her cheeks turned reddish.

There was an awkward silence in the room. Busi’s jaw dropped in disbelief. Then she burst out in loud giggles. Laughter and joy echoed into the depth of the night and around their new home, and love and forgiveness filled the empty spaces in their hearts.

Tell us: Did you enjoy the story? Have you ever kept a secret from a loved one? How did you feel?