Tebogo sat under the tree in a tavern courtyard, with a bottle of Coca Cola in front of him. He was so deeply buried in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice Dimakatjo, who was calling him from the street.

“Hee monna, someone is calling you there,” said an old man sitting on the veranda, drinking beer.

Tebogo turned towards Dimakatjo, who waved with a smile. Without any word, Tebogo stood up, took his drink and walked inside. He stood next to the pool table, watching through the window. He saw Dimakatjo turn and leave, walking slowly, his head bent forward. Tebogo’s heart sank as he realised that he had hurt his friend again. But there was no other way. He had to do what his heart was telling him was right. Silently, he took his cellphone and started dialling.

“Hello.”

“Hello, it’s me. Can we meet?”

“Now?”

“Yes. At the tavern.”

“OK, I’m coming. Just give me few minutes. My auntie is leaving for work now,” Morongwa told him.

Tebogo joined a group of young men who were playing pool. He had made his choice and was ready to live with its consequences. What his heart was telling him, was what was important.

An hour later Morongwa arrived, looking more beautiful than ever. Her slender body drove Tebogo crazy; he felt his heart throbbing.

“Dumela Tebogo,” Morongwa greeted him, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.

“Hi, let’s go and sit outside and talk.” Tebogo said.

“Sure,” she smiled, sitting on a chair under the tree.

“Do you want a drink?”

Morongwa nodded. “Just buy me a cider. It’s Friday and my aunt is working night shift. I can have some fun.”

“OK,” Tebogo said. He came back with a six pack of cider and potato chips. He sat next to Morongwa with a heavy heart. They started sharing the chips. Morongwa opened a can and started drinking. Tebogo took a deep breath and began talking.

*****

The next day, Tebogo visited Dimakatjo. He found him in his bedroom, still sleeping, even though it was ten o’clock in the morning.

“Ao! Dimza, boy. Are you still sleeping at this time? Did you forget about the coach’s punishment? All players should be at the sportsground at 3 o’clock today for a 20 km workout. Remember?” Tebogo said, sitting on a chair next to the bed.

Dimakatjo squinted at Tebogo, his eyes red and swollen.

“What do you want Tebogo? Does your girlfriend know that you’re here?”

Tebogo looked embarrassed.

“I thought so. Please, bro. Just leave. You made your choice. I understand. She is your girlfriend and you love her. Go Tebogo. Go before Morongwa knows you were … with an albino.”

“I’m sorry, Dimza. I am really sorry for everythi–”

“Well, don’t be. I’ll survive. I’m used to rejection anyway. All my life I’ve lived with it, remember? I just didn’t expect it … from you.” Dimakatjo buried his face in his pillow.

***

Tell us: Is Dimakatjo right to reject Tebogo?