Noni’s aunt is waiting for her at the front door. When she sees Noni she starts screaming at her.

AUNT LUCY: Why do you always take so long when I send you to the shop, Noni? Yhoo! I don’t even know why I am asking you…

NONI: I am sorry aunty. When I was on my way home there was this man…

AUNT LUCY: Exactly! A man – inkwenkwe – that’s always the case. The way you love amakhwenkwe.

NONI: But Aunty, I don’t…

AUNT LUCY: Spare me the explanation, girly. You know what ntombazana – every time you walk out of that door you are so eager to meet boys. And one day, ndithi, one day you will get what you want.

NONI: I don’t know what you mean. You don’t give me a chance to explain, kodwa Aunty.

AUNT LUCY: Hey! Shut up! You know, you are so much like your mother. I do everything for you, and you are not grateful… and your mother is God knows where, drinking herself to death. And your father, who never wanted to accept you as her daughter, is gallivanting the streets of Veeplas with different girls…

NONI: (tearful) But Aunty, you are not fair, what did I do? Why do you have to bring my parents up every time you are shouting at me. I know my mother is an alcoholic, you know I don’t know where my father is. I don’t need to be reminded about this every…

AUNT LUCY: Hey! Don’t tell me what and what not to say to you. This is my house. I feed you and clothe you, so you will do as I tell you while you are under my roof. Give me my change.

Aunt Lucy takes the money from Noni.

NONI: (mumbling to herself) Every time I suffer hurt and injustice, I need to be strong. Aunt Lucy is not my enemy here, she wants what’s best for me and is trying to protect me in her own way even though it is tough. As for the boys, I won’t go there until I am ready. I will wait for the right time… yes, I will wait.

Tell us: Do you think that Aunt Lucy is being fair to Noni?