Brian enters the sitting room carrying a plan for the clinic he is building with Siphokazi’s family’s money. Her father is a building contractor and, apart from financing the clinic, has promised them a new house as a wedding gift.

Brian has worked hard and has qualified as an architect. He has been designing the community clinic and drawing up the plans for months.

But the only thing Siphokazi worries about is how big the letters will be above the entrance, with her family name on them: ‘The Mavela Clinic’.

He shows his creation to Siphokazi, who is reclining on the sofa, sipping champagne.

“So what do you think?” says Brian. “I believe this is the best plan I have ever designed.”

The joy in his eyes is palpable as he explains the design.

“Here, there will be ramps so people who use wheelchairs will have easy access.” He points to another part of the plan. “And there, a greenhouse for organic food. And there a wifi spot. And a garden so that patients can take in fresh air.”

Siphokazi sips and places the glass on the side table. She pulls herself up. “Brian, I think it’s good. In fact I think it is brilliant,” she says.

Brian’s smile grows weary, and he fixes his glasses as he senses a ‘but’ coming.

“To be honest, it’s good. But, what’s with the garden?” says Siphokazi.

“So the patients can sit in a garden while they wait for their consultations. Clinics can be depressing.” He thinks of the garden outside the community library, and the almond blossom, and for a moment he lets himself think about Iziyo.

“Honey, this is a clinic, not a park,” says Siphokazi.

“But I want it there. I believe in it,” Brian insists.

“Why not another wifi hotspot? Now that could be more useful.”

“No Siphokazi! I want the garden there.”

Siphokazi comes closer to him. She brushes his forearm with her manicured nails.

“I’m your boss, Brian. Just try and see it the way I see it,” says Siphokazi.

Brian shakes his head. “But I spent a lot of time working on this.”

She caresses his temples.

“No Kazi please, just–” says Brian.

Brian tries to reason with Siphokazi but she just looks into his eyes seductively as she slides her hand to caress his chest. Brian shakes his head in frustration. She always does this. She always has the final say. It means nothing to her whether there is a garden or a wifi spot.

It’s the power over him that she loves. She never lets him forget that he is from a poor family in Vilakazi Street.

“I am your boss. The Mavelas are funding this project. You will do as I say,” Siphokazi whispers into his ear.

Siphokazi lives in the lap of luxury. When Brian visits they drink champagne in her expensive apartment, but their relationship is cold. She has stood him up more times than he can count plus he has found messages on her phone from a man he doesn’t know. When Brian asks where she was she tells him to ‘chill’.

When they got engaged her father threw them the biggest party and gave them each a new car. He helped with varsity fees. Brian is in debt to the whole Mavela family.

But today – he can’t look the other way. He knows Siphokazi is unfaithful but he feels trapped. And they have already set the wedding date.

Bryan leaves Siphokazi’s apartment and stops at the bottle store where he buys a bottle of whisky to drown his sorrows. He drives and drinks. He’s going nowhere in particular. His thoughts are all over the place. He drives around until he needs to pee. He stops the car and relieves himself in the bushes at the side of the road.

The still air is as cold as he feels inside. The quietness is as lonely as his heart. He only realises as he zips up his pants that he is on Vilakazi Street, in his old neighbourhood.

He starts walking. His feet know the way. He could walk to the community library blindfolded. He opens the gate and walks through to the garden at the back. Someone is sitting on the bench under the almond trees. It is definitely Iziyo.

Iziyo is whispering, eyes closed, hugging her stomach. Brian wants to turn back and leave – but he spots something glistening on Iziyo’s wrist. It is the bracelet that he gave Iziyo six years ago. She is still wearing it! He stops and watches her, searching for his forgotten courage.

“Hey, Iziyo. Is it really you?” Brian says. She turns and looks up through tears.

“Hi. It’s me, Brian.” Iziyo wipes away the tears with the back of her hand.

“Can I join you?”

Iziyo nods.

Tell us: Does Brian owe the Mavela family too much to now break off his engagement? What would you do?