Philile built this beautiful house for her parents before she got married. There are two modern rondavels in the yard. They are built with bricks and roof tiles, and have aluminium windows.
Some members of her extended family have been taken in by her parents. Two of her cousins, Sindi and Zethu, are taking down clothes from the washing line.
“I overheard her say her husband beats her,” Sindi whispers to Zethu.
“How can he beat her when she is so educated?” whispers Zethu.
“If he beats her, why is she coming back here? She should solve her issues at her house with her husband. Just look at this, now we have to give up our bedroom and sleep on sofas because of her,” says Sindi.
Philile’s dad returns from work later that evening. MaNxumalo briefs him on what is happening in Philile’s life. He calls her into their bedroom. Philile sits in front of her parents. She glances at her reflection in the mirror and she hates that she looks defeated, humiliated and ashamed. She has completely lost her spark.
“Philile, your mother tells me you are having problems with your husband,”
says Mhlongo.
“Yes, Baba.”
“Before we go any further, I have a question. Does your husband know you are here?”
“No, Baba. He doesn’t know. I have switched off my phone because I don’t even want to speak to him. He hurts me, Baba. He beats–”
“Don’t embarrass us, Philile. It’s not right to run away from your problems, as if you are a child. What will we do if the in-laws come and demand we pay back their lobolo?” says Mhlongo.
“But, Baba–” says MaNxumalo.
“Shut your mouth, MaNxumalo. I’m speaking!”
“But, Baba. How can you be worried about money when my life is in danger?”
“I speak and you speak over me? Is that how things work in my house now? I haven’t even gotten a chance to say what I want to say and you are already speaking.”
“I’m sorry, Baba. Go on.”
“I’ll call the Zungus and set up a meeting with them. You and I and your mother will meet them. We will meet and come up with a solution. Because you have to understand that all marriages have problems, and all problems have solutions,” says Mhlongo.
“I don’t want to go back to Mxolisi, Baba. He is making my life hell. He nearly killed me.”
“But he is your husband, Philile. You vowed in front of people and God that you will be together until death do you part!”
“I never thought that my marriage would turn into this, Baba. My life is in danger! I’m losing my mind because of Mxolisi. Please let me stay here for just a few more days until my heart and mind heals. I promise I’ll attend whatever meeting you want to set up, but I need a few days.”
“If they say they are ready to meet us tomorrow, we will go tomorrow.”
“Hawu, Baba?”
“Yes, Philile. You have to sort this out as soon as possible.”
Philile’s tears wet her pillow until she falls asleep.
***
Tell us: What do you think of Philile’s father’s attitude? What will Mxolisi’s family say about the matter?