Fanele looks into the eyes of his father. He wants to believe him, but something convinces him otherwise.

He looks at his grandmother for answers, but Mrs Ntini is just staring at her hands. He turns to look at his mother, Nomalanga is still scratching her head. Fanele sighs and then reluctantly asks

“How would you make anything better?”

“By taking all of you back home with me.” Muzi says

“Even my mom?”

“Even Nomalanga. I’ll take her to the best rehab.” Muzi promises.

“We have twins, I’m sure you’d love to meet them, ma.” Portia says to Mrs Ntini.

Mrs Ntini smiles and her eyes brighten up. “I’d love to see them.”

****

Two years later.

Portia and Muzi just came back from the hospital with their new born son.

“He looks so pretty.” The twins gush over their little brother.

“Whats his name?” They ask

“Xolani.” Portia replies and smiles gently at her son.

“Where’s your older brother?” Muzi asks the twins.

“He went out with aunt Nomalanga. She fetched him.”

Portia smiles at her husband, funny how life has turned out.

**

Mrs Ntini died a few months after Muzi moved them to the city, she had lung cancer. Nomalanga went to rehab, came out clean and she’s now working as a receptionist, while furthering her studies online. Fanele has developed a close bond with his father, and is the best big brother his sisters could ever ask for. Life turned out okay for the Ntini’s.