After the eating, and the loud conversations our mothers kept pulling us into, we all settle on the lounge.

“Remember Sibongile’s and Lwandle’s 2nd birthday?” Mom’Thuli asks

My mother nods, setting her cool drink aside. “Yes. What a big event it was!” She laughs.

“We still have the photos. In the album. Go get them, Sibongile.” Mom’Thuli says

“You still have them?” My mom asks. “I lost them!” She exclaims.

“Yoh I still have pictures of the girls.” Mom’Thuli laughs.

Sibongile stands up, and straightens her dress. She has a nice butt. No!

No! I can’t be thinking that. 

“Come, Lwa.” She says to me.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“To get the album. From my bedroom.” Sibongile replies.

I smile. I catch my mom glaring at me. Mom frowns.

“Hhayi. Sibongile go alone.” Mom says, eyeing me.

I want to laugh.

“Leave the kids, hawu. We were forcing them to bond, and now that they’re comfortable around each other, you want to separate them? Go with her, Lwandle.” Mom’Thuli laughs, downing her cool drink.

My mom frowns and looks at me, she tries to tell me something using her eyes. I look past her and smile.

“Lwandle.” Mom says, shaking her head.

I shrug, stand up then follow Sibongile to her bedroom.