Zandile



The sun had already set, and darkness enveloped the outside as I fumbled with my keys, attempting to open the door. With a sigh of relief, I managed to unlock it and stepped into my apartment. I switched on the lights, placing my keys in the bowl in the kitchen and kicked off my shoes before turning on the dining room light.

However, my relief was short-lived as I let out a sharp scream, causing my bag to fall to the floor.

There, sitting on the couch, is someone I never expected to find – Melusi. My heart raced as I gasped, trying to catch my breath. “Melusi, you scared the hell out of me,” I said, my hand pressed against my chest.

But there is no smile on his face, no trace of emotion as he stood up with an unsettling smoothness, resembling a predator ready to strike.

“Where is she?” His voice cold and demanding, sending shivers down my spine.

I tried to think of something to say, to buy myself time to get out of this situation, but my mind went blank, paralysed by fear with Melusi standing so close.

He seized me by the throat, pinning me against the wall. Each second that passed, his grip tightened, cutting off my breath and making my eyes bulge out, tears stung my eyes as I frantically slapped at his hand, desperate to loosen his hold. “Me..lu..si,” I managed to gasp, my voice barely audible.

As the lack of air made me feel light-headed, he finally released me, and I gasped for breath, my lungs aching as they greedily took in the air that was denied to me moments ago.

“Where is she?” His voice was dark and dangerous, filled with anger and concern for Melokuhle.

“What do you see in her, Melusi?” I pleaded, my voice shaky. “You and I can start again somewhere new, away from everyone’s prying eyes. Give us a chance, and let her go. Be with me.”

But his expression remained resolute, and he cut off my plea with a stern warning. “Don’t make me ask again, Zandile.”