Zinhle was off work again. She was really sick with bad flu, dehydrated, and needed to go to the hospital.

At home Simphiwe was struggling too. He tried to be strong but it was not easy for him, because his heart seemed to be broken into little pieces. He told himself he would never love again because he didn’t want to feel the pain of betrayal.

In hospital Zinhle was waiting to see a doctor. She sent a text to Simphiwe. Maybe he would read her message, even if he didn’t want to see her. She had to try.

I wasn’t flirting with Busiso; he just asked me to go to dinner with him. After everything you have done for me, no other man will replace you in my heart. It hurts me that you don’t believe me and trust me, but because of my past I understand why it’s not easy for you to believe me.

Zinhle wiped the tears from her eyes.

I just hope that one day you will find it in your heart to believe me and forgive.

Zinhle was called in to see the doctor and when she came out there was still no message from Simphiwe.

She was home again. Time passed. Then at last a message came through.

I still love you but I don’t know if I will be able to trust you again. How could you hide something like this? I’m trying to focus on my work ‘that pays me peanuts’. I don’t have time for your texts.

And then a few minutes later:

It’s my first day as a manager. I have a lot to catch up on. As for meeting with you, I don’t think that will happen any time soon. Maybe in the future but for now I’m trying to move on with my life.

Zinhle refused to give up. She texted again:

Baby I know what I did was wrong. Please let me show you how sorry I am. Let’s just meet and talk about this like adults, then it will be your choice if you forgive me. Please baby, don’t act like a coward. I will wait for you. Bye.

She didn’t have to wait long.

OK I’ll come by your house after work.

Zinhle couldn’t look Simphiwe in the face. He was still angry. He told her that he didn’t have all day. He just came to hear what she had to say.

“It wasn’t my intention to hurt you. I made a mistake but nothing happened. I just had dinner with him.”

“If you really loved me how could you go out with another man? Worst part, you didn’t even bother to tell me. I’m sorry … I just can’t trust you.”

Simphiwe left Zinhle crying. She had seen another side of him that she never thought she would see.

Two weeks went by and still Zinhle hadn’t heard again from Simphiwe, despite all her messages. At work she couldn’t concentrate.

On the next Sunday she was off, she decided to visit his mother, Thoko. She had not seen her for a long time, and even though Simphiwe wanted nothing to do with her, his mom had been nothing but a mother to Zinhle; the mother she had not had growing up. Surely what happened between her son and Zinhle shouldn’t affect them? She would always be the best mom to her.

When she arrived at Simphiwe’s place, she was surprised to discover Thoko very ill. Simphiwe had not even told her that this old woman she loved was ill!

“Mom I am really sorry to see you like this. I didn’t know you were sick but I am here for you now. Tell me, did you go to hospital?”

“Yes my child. And I am happy to see you. I was discharged yesterday, but I am still not feeling well. I’m thinking of going back tomorrow but I have no-one to go with me. My boy is working and it’s very busy at work. It’s his first month as assistant manager,” she said proudly.

“I will take care of you, starting from now,” said Zinhle. “I’m taking two week’s leave. I will come here every morning and leave when your boy comes back from work.”

“Wow my child, that makes me very happy, but you don’t really have to do that. What about your job? I will be fine.”

“I know if I was in this situation you would do the same. Please Mom, let’s not argue about this. I have already made my decision.”

“I am really blessed to have you in my life, thanks,” said Thoko.

Zinhle, meanwhile, was thinking that Simphiwe would finally see that she meant it when she said she loved him. He will realize that I am the best thing that ever happened to him; that I’ve been there when he needed a close person to be there for him, she thought.

“What is wrong my child? Is there anything bothering you? It looks like you are somewhere else?”

“I was just thinking. Don’t worry about me. Have you had breakfast yet?”

“Mmm … it looks like I will be spoiled. I’ve had my breakfast but you can bring me water. I need to take my medication and sleep.”

But before she could fetch the water Simphiwe stormed in.

“I will get the water!” he shouted.

***

Tell us: Do you sympathise with Simphiwe and how he is behaving?