Melusi



Zandile. Just one word, but it shattered the peace I had created for myself. She was someone from my past, a name I thought I had left behind. But there she was, appearing unexpectedly.

Melokuhle, sat silently on the bed, searching for comfort in the room’s shadows before getting inside the blankets. The usual joy and conversation in our room had disappeared, replaced by an uncomfortable silence.

I approached the bed, my hands in my pockets, feeling a mix of emotions.

How could I assure Melokuhle that everything was fine when the truth was that Zandile meant a lot to me? She was my first love, the person I thought I would spend my life with before she suddenly left to work in Canada. I believed I would never see her again, but her return shattered that illusion.

Questions filled my mind. When did she come back? Why was she here? But how could I explain any of this to Melokuhle? How could I tell her about the history between Zandile and me?

I sighed heavily, feeling overwhelmed. Sitting next to Melokuhle, I reached out to touch her shoulder, but she spoke softly from under the blanket.

“Goodnight, Melusi,” she said curtly, ending any chance of further conversation.

Feeling helpless, I stood up. I needed time to think, to understand these complex emotions.

I left our lodge and found solace in a nearby bar, seeking refuge in its dimly lit atmosphere.

To my surprise, Zandile was there. I hesitated, considering leaving before she noticed me, but she saw me before I could make run for it and called out. Reluctantly, I sat across from her, my heart racing.

Zandile smiled and ordered a beer for me, reminding me of the past. “I can’t believe it’s really you,” she said, taking a sip. “How long has it been?”

I shrugged, knowing exactly how much time had passed. Five years had gone by since we last saw each other, and those days were etched in my memory. “It’s been too long,” I finally replied, my voice reflecting mixed emotions.

Zandile looked at me, searching for traces of the past. “So, you’re married, huh?” she said, leaning back. Her words carried unspoken regrets. “I guess it wasn’t fair to expect you to wait for me,” she added, her gaze fixed on her drink, hiding her pain. “I never stopped thinking about you,” she confessed, her voice trembling with emotions.

Countless thoughts swirled in my mind, a whirlwind of feelings. I wanted to tell her how I had hoped she would come back, how I longed for her every night. But the words stayed trapped within me, drowned by the taste of the bitter beer I hastily drank.

“But it doesn’t matter now. You’re married,” Zandile said, glancing at my wedding ring. Rising from her seat, she concluded, “You did well.” With a final nod, she turned to leave.

I watched her walk away, feeling a mix of longing and regret. Suddenly, an urge surged within me, overriding rational thoughts. Without hesitation, I jumped up from my chair and chased after her, realising that this unexpected encounter might be the push I needed to confront my unresolved feelings.

The night wrapped around us as I tried to catch up with Zandile, my breath heavy from the chase. Time seemed to slow down as I closed the gap.

The night held a sense of anticipation, as if nature understood the importance of this moment. And in that fleeting instant, I made a decision that would change everything.