The following morning, they greeted one another normally and life went on. Their mother and Asanda were clinging to the hope that Londiwe would reveal her problem. But nothing happened. The mother was worried about her two children. She was worried that the child who was doing Matric would be distracted from her studies. And Londiwe might also lose focus amid her unwillingness to speak out, and the sisters might eventually not achieve their goals.

Since Asanda was in Matric, she now communicated more with her mother. They discussed issues concerning the submission of application forms for university entry. She was very excited and wished that the year had ended already so that she could go to the University of Cape Town.

“Mama,” said Asanda, one day, “you know, I must submit my applications to at least five to seven universities. That will be enough. I will not be rejected by all these universities. My Grade 11 results are excellent enough to guarantee my acceptance,” she said. Asanda was proud of her school results.

“It is fine, my princess. What confidence! Please continue behaving well even when I am not present. Always remember that you represent my name in everything you do, my child.”

“Yes, Mama, I will behave myself well and will also be a good example to my siblings,” Asanda replied shyly.

Her mother was pleased to hear those words. “I am happy that my words have not fallen on a rock but have fallen onto fertile soil so that they may bear the right fruits.”

Her mother promised to help her in applying to universities as she wished. They were the first to submit the application forms when the application window opened. Some universities responded quickly, clearly impressed by her excellent Grade 11 results. Other universities even offered her bursaries. This was good news that thrilled the family amid the prevailing problems in their home.

When some people came to her school to facilitate the learners’ applications for bursaries, she also submitted her application. When the facilitators saw her results, they advised her to send her application to an institution that would offer more money. She did as she was advised.

Two Cape Town- and two Johannesburg-based universities accepted her. The Johannesburg-based universities offered her bursaries. Her heart was attracted to Cape Town, though. She dearly wanted to study at the University of Cape Town and she wanted to be the first in the family to fly in an airplane. People say that those who hunt catch the prey. Matric is also a hunt: a tool to be used to find space in higher-education institutions.

All eyes were on Asanda, as she would be the first grandchild to study at a university. A message arrived confirming that the University of Cape Town had approved her application. The family was very happy and their mother even ululated. Tears of joy streamed down her face.

When Londiwe heard the ululating, she emerged from her room, wondering what the source of that joy could be. She had her suspicions, though.

“Asanda, I have been accepted in Cap…” She had not even finished that word when tears flowed down Londiwe’s face. But those tears were caused by sorrow, whereas the tears flowing down Asanda’s face were of joy.

“Londiwe!” their mother shouted.

“Yes, Mama!” Londiwe responded.

“Why do you not talk to us? When will you stop crying and refusing to answer when we want to know the reason for your worries?”

“Mama, I am sad because my sister is going to a distant university and I will be left without a friend at school and here at home,” she replied.

“I am here,” replied her mother. “I will be a friend to you and your brother.”

“No, Mama,” Londiwe cried, “it is different. Sometimes you scold us and you are always busy with schoolwork and other issues,” she explained, as she wiped the tears off her face.

“Londiwe, my child, your sister will be away for just three months and then come back to visit us. We will also go to Cape Town to visit her, where we’ll get time to enjoy ourselves as a family.”

Londiwe stopped crying and smiled. She could see that her mother was just consoling her.

“It is fine, Mama. I will try to accept the situation and get used to it.” She was putting on a brave face so that her mother would stop asking questions and worrying.

“Mama,” she continued, “I am telling the truth. I think I must try to find a new friend. How about that?”

“Good, my child! I will be happy to see the mood improving in this home and everyone happy,” her mother replied.

After a long discussion, all the family members were their old selves again.

Tell us: Do you think that Londiwe has found a solution for the problem she is facing?