“Ma, I had a son all along.” Muzi says, his eyes shining with tears. “Do you know where Noma is?” He asks.

“She comes around 8 to get a plate of food, then she leaves. I’ve sent her to rehab three times already, and she always goes back to this vile thing that’s eating her up. She used to be such a beautiful and smart girl.” Mrs Ntini shakes her head.

“Oh, God. I..I am so sorry.” Muzi falls down on the floor and cries loudly.

Mrs Ntini doesn’t hush him, instead she looks at the door, as she sees Fanele coming in with his mother, Nomalanga.

Nomalanga walks in, she looks dirty, as always. Her hair is tied into a messy bun, her white skin, is now brown and she smells. She keeps scratching herself and biting her nails.

“Muzi?” She says, as she spots him, sitting on the floor..

Muzi looks up, and face to face, he comes across his childhood sweetheart. He remembers their dreams, they wanted to own a big house, with three cars, then have two kids, a boy and a girl.

“Nomalanga?” He stands up, and walks towards her. “What happened?” He asks, desperately.

Nomalanga looks away and bites her nails, then smiles sadly at Muzi. “Don’t judge me.” She says, then looks to Mrs Ntini. “Can I get food, ma?” She asks.

Mrs Ntini hands her a loaf of bread and a tin fish, she takes the food and shoves it on the black plastic she has. “Thanks ma.” She smiles and turns to look at her son.

“Mommy will be okay, okay?” She says to him.

Fanele nods, his tears falling. Muzi realizes just how much he has destroyed.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Do you want me to accompany you to school, in the morning?” Nomalanga asks.

“Yes, mom.” Fanele smiles.

Nomalanga hugs him, then bolts out the door.