In Alexandra township a taxi driver heads home after a long day at work. The streets are idle as people go into their homes to sleep. Alexandra’s night creatures take over the streets. This reminds the exhausted taxi driver that he once again forgot to buy rat poison for the night creature in his room. He parks his taxi and goes into his room.

Nathi lies on his bed staring at the roof after a long day of driving to and from Jozi. People were scarce today so he did not make much money. He keeps rubbing his face in frustration. Month end is a highly awaited time yet very stressful when you live from pay cheque to pay cheque. He must decide between two important things, yet he only has money to cover one: the rent or Gugu’s weave.

“Gugu is still pissed that the house rat ate her only weave, so I have no choice but to sort her out. She’s the love of my life anyway,” he says to himself. “I will ask my boy Thabo to speak to Mam’Dineo about paying the rent late,” he thinks, rubbing his face vigorously.

The next morning, Nathi is in high spirits. He usually plays his Tevin Campbell CD when he is happy but today he whistles a happy tune instead. Gugu is happy and so is he. He stops at the robots and as he waits for the robot to turn green, a big Ford Ranger arrives at his side playing loud music. A rich-looking guy in a blue suit reduces the music and takes off his shades.

“Nathi?” he asks.

Nathi stops his whistling and looks over. Recognition and surprise hit both their faces simultaneously.

“Hey man, it is you,” the guy says.

“Yeah, zikhipani [what’s up]?” Nathi asks half-heartedly.

“Nex, mfo [Nothing much, bro], just rushing to a business meeting,” the guy says, inspecting Nathi’s cap and face.

The robot goes green.

“Sho,” Nathi says, and he speeds off. A sombre mood settles over him after seeing his classmate from Grade 10 looking so polished, his tune long lost and forgotten.

Tell us: Why do you think Nathi is no longer feeling happy?