Mangled Shoes

Untitled Part 45

Women were never safe, no matter where they were, as demonstrated by Goom's persistent concern for Deborah's safety, even when she was in his own house.

Deborah left the house softly. A 'pair' of adolescents were humming like rabbits outside when she bumped into them after lighting a cigarette.

"Eeeuw."

And what about civility in public?

How about virginity?

How about decency? With respect. Not only for other people, but nevertheless for Deborah in particular...

Hurry up! The ultimate form of respect is self-respect. In the end, our relationships reflect the qualities we lack within ourselves. "Treat others as you would like to be treated," the Englishman recommends.

Were these kids truly able to comprehend love? Or was this just lust masquerading as affection? If love is kind and patient, then how could this spur of the moment have been love? The milk had already spilled, and it was too late to stop it now. When the milk is free, why buy the cow? A wise saying from Africa

These youngsters developed the practice of not remaining at home in an attempt to find comfort. After party, after party. Most people like Deborah, you'd think, came from dysfunctional backgrounds. Some struggled with self-discovery and social acceptance, while the others were just wild party animals! Away from the world.

Deborah took the opposite course and left Adam and Eve's offspring alone. There didn't seem to be anywhere to hide and engage in extramural covetous behavior like lighting a cigarette. When they got back inside, there were a few girls sitting by the stairwell with a hookah pipe between their knees. That was standing on a concrete surface.

When the girls were drunk, they seemed to be more friendly.

"You're so pretty." Cathy said.

She is a tote, indeed. She has a nice nose. Her pal said

"I'm grateful, ladies. Now, may I light this cigarette with your coal, if that's okay? Deborah inquired nicely.

"Okay, feel free. I guess I could take a puff after you light it. With Cathy,

Cathy spoke incoherently. She was talking shit while intoxicated.

"Before you give me the drag, just tell me why you smoke."

The question was left open-ended.

DJ Goom ended the night off with a classic Mafikizolo tune. 'Love Potion.' Teenagers lay all over the couches and in chairs. Drooling, snoring. They had had too much to drink.

"Saka,saka, saka,saka..." cheered one of the girls from earlier.

Along with the song "Undenza ntoni wo kutheni ngalali ebusku wo," Cathy and her buddy broke their waists in a traditional East African dance.

It was early in the night for these two. A couple more bullets would be needed for them to pass out. Perhaps after Zion made his comment, they are more aware today. unable to sleep because they are afraid of creepy crawlers.

What are their expectations when they attend these parties? Just another day in paradise?

How do you function in dysfunction? I ask. Many were focused in school, which helped them crumple right through.