On the first night that Nontobeko and her two daughters are alone in the house it finally dawns on them that Thuthukani is really gone. What’s left of him are memories and photos on the wall.
Thuthukani’s illness started as heartburn. They were coming back from a traditional ceremony held at Lindelani’s house. Soon he was vomiting blood and having consistent diarrhoea.
“Maybe there was something wrong with the goat meat,” said Nontobeko.
“Please tell mom I’m not well,” said Thuthukani.
“There’s no need to worry Ma. Hearing you are not well will bring on her diabetes.”
“Nontobeko, I’m not well. I’m losing strength.”
Right then Thuthukani started frothing at the mouth. He was rushed to hospital. He got better after two days. Nontobeko went home to prepare for her husband’s return. She decorated the lounge with balloons. She cooked a delicious lunch. Everything was ready when she received a call from the hospital. Thuthukani had died.
***
It’s a hot Wednesday morning. Nontobeko is napping in her bedroom. Her youngest daughter walks in.
“Mama, Bab’ Lindelani is here to see you,” says Sane.
“Okay, my girl, I’m coming.”
Lindelani is sitting on the sofa, sweating profusely.
“Sane, please bring something cold for Bab’Lindelani to cool down,” says Nontobeko.
Sane brings a jug of orange juice and two glasses.
“It’s too hot! Maybe God is punishing us for our sins,” says Lindelani.
“I’m sure you didn’t come here to talk about the heat,” says Nontobeko coldly.
“Am I no longer allowed to see my brothers’ children?” says Lindelani.
“You have never visited them when your brother was alive but now when he is dead you care?”
“I didn’t come here for that. There is an urgent matter we need to discuss.”
“What is that?” asks Nontobeko.
“My brothers’ will. Where is it?” says Lindelani.
“It’s with his lawyer.”
“Don’t think you will spend my brother’s hard-earned money with boyfriends!”
“How dare you insult me like this, Lindelani? Anyway, our lawyer is coming on Monday to read Thuthukani’s will. I was going to tell you and the rest of the family but you decided to jump the gun and insult me.”
“Good, I’ll let the family know,” says Lindelani, cracking a smile.
“It tells a lot about your character that you never cared for your brother when he was alive. All you care about is his money.”
“I’ll see you on Monday,” says Lindelani.
Nontobeko can no longer hold back her tears as Lindelani gets up and leaves. Her daughters rush to the lounge when they hear her wailing.
“Don’t cry, Ma. All this pain you are feeling will pass eventually,” says Sane comforting her.
Tell us: What does this chapter clarify about Lindelani’s motives for wanting to marry Nontobeko?