Lukhona



I placed my school bag on the table and walked into the lounge, finding Siphephelo on the couch with her phone in hand and her uniform lying on the ground. I sigh, “Siphe,” I called out, but she ignores me.

“Siphephelo, tidy up your uniform and put it where it belongs,” I half-shouted.

Exhausted from the day, I should be relaxing now, but it’s already 5 p.m, and I still have to cook dinner and do my homework later. I watched as Siphephelo stormed into our bedroom, “Have you seen Ma?”

It had been two days since our mother last came back home. She spends most of the week away, and although I should be worried, I know where to find her at all times.

“No,” I replied.

Yesterday, I managed to make R80 at the car wash. It’s not much, but at least it’s something.

Entering the bedroom, I found Siphephelo lying on the bed with her phone. “Have you eaten anything?”

She nodded as she lowered her phone. “There were two slices of bread.”

“Okay,” I handed her R20, “Go and buy tin fish. I have to make dinner.” She took the money and ran out of the door.

I walked into the kitchen and switched on the two-plate stove, ready to prepare what little we have for dinner.