I finally stop when the noise dies down. I realize I’m further away, but I’m not scared. There are huge trees, and a small damn here. What if I just threw myself in? Then mama and papa would have only 2 kids to worry about? And four mouths to feed.

I walk closer to the dam, and close my eyes. In the count of three.

“Mbuso!” 

I turn, and standing there, is Ofentse. She’s wearing tracksuits. She looks tired, like she was running. Did she follow me here?

“Hey.” I say.

“Where you going to jump?” She asks, pulling me away from the dam.

I look back at the dam, and nod.

She hugs me, so close and tight. Then she starts sobbing. “You stupid boy.” 

Does she care about me?

“I’m sorry, Ofentse.”

“Never do that again.” She scolds me.

I nod. She takes my hand and leads me back to the direction of our shacks.

When we get there, the trucks are long gone. Only people are left gathering their furniture. Some are on the phone, crying and some are already looking for new places to live. 

I see mama is trying to call Papa, but she can’t reach him.

“We are not leaving! We are staying. The government said, if homeless people saw an empty field, with no occupants, they must move in, didn’t they?” Bab’Sibanda says.

“Don’t be stubborn, those men will come back.” Another man says.

“Don’t be a coward!” Bab’Sibanda shouts. “Asiyindawo!” He roars.

The residents agree with him. 

“Mama, are we staying?” I ask her

Mama shrugs, “I’m trying to call your father.”

Ofentse hugs me and walks away.

“Sir Manzini’s daughter, hey?” Nhlanhla tries to smile.

I smile back. Yes.