Thandi visits the Sithole house a few days later. She brings Liyana’s suitcase and cellphone, items that were found during a raid of Dalia’s house, shortly after her arrest. She also issues Liyana various university and bursary application forms.
“It is not too late to get in,” Thandi beams.
Thobile lays out a spread of food on the table, bought with the money the neighbours donated. They did not have the heart to take it back. Thandi wants them to listen to the news, so Bongani slaps the old television set to life. They all flock to it. The news channel is focused on Beast’s Bar. It looks worse than I remember … Liyana thinks as she watches the police load Beast and his accomplices into a police van.
The commentator reports: “The alleged suspects are believed to be working with a number of police officials to move drugs and prostitute women. The arrests follow the submission of evidence from an undercover police officer who was appointed to investigate corruption in the force. Thanks to his brave efforts, a number of girls have been rescued from this bar and will be returned to their homes …”
“So that is why Junior was at that bar that night?” Liyana turns to Thandi.
“Yes, Mvelo has always been one for extreme situations. Speaking of which …” Thandi pauses to get her phone from her pocket. “He wanted to speak to you.”
The social worker dials the number and passes the phone on to Liyana. As soon as Liyana presses it against her ear, Junior’s familiar voice comes through.
“How are you, Liya?”
“Oh Junior – I mean Mvelo – I just heard the news. Wh-Why didn’t you tell me?” she stutters.
“I wouldn’t have been undercover anymore if I did,” he jokes. “Anyway, I am sitting with Thulisiwe and she has been asking about you.”
“What!?” Liyana gasps.
There is a brief moment of silence before Thulisiwe comes on the line.
“Liyana! I have been so worried. Beast was so angry about your escape. He kept interrogating us. Telling us that he would hunt you down and … and …” she trails off.
“I am fine. They brought me back home,” Liyana says.
“I know. This nice man next to me told me, but I wanted to hear your voice,” Thulisiwe responds.
“So what happens now?” Liyana asks.
“They are going to bring me home,” Thulisiwe breathes out. “I have been away so long and I want to get back to my mother’s house.”
They settle into meaningless chit-chat before the phone returns to Junior for a final farewell. Liyana hands Thandi’s phone back as she joins them around the table. Thobile and Liyana smile at each other. It feels like a fresh start and they wouldn’t dare ask for more.
*****
Tell us: Do you think someone like Thulisiwe can recover from the things that have happened to her? What did you think of this story?
