Amahle's Diary 1

Chapter 19

I entered her number into my phone, my stomach fluttering with nerves. The ringtone had barely begun its melody before she answered.

"Hey," I said, my voice filled with a mix of anticipation and hesitancy, "I feel like you've been eagerly anticipating this call."

"Of course, darling," she replied, her tone warm and understanding. "My little sister just went through a whirlwind. So, how was it?"

"Relax," I reassured her, "I'm still untouched."

"What? What went down?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

I began to spill all the details, recounting the events.

"Wow," she responded, "he didn't even attempt to sway you?"

"I don't know why," I admitted, "considering I was willing. But no, he didn't."

"Well," she said thoughtfully, "he did you a favor. Breakups hurt like hell."

"Really?" I questioned, surprised by her perspective.

"Absolutely," she affirmed. "You should keep him, sis."

"I only plan to," I replied with a shy smile.

Changing the topic, she asked, "When was the last time you spoke to Bomi?"

"Just yesterday after school," I answered.

"How's she holding up?" she inquired, concern lacing her words.

"She sounded better," I shared. "I think it's finally sinking in that Granddad is in a better place."

"Has it sunk in for you, though?" she probed gently.

"I'm just taking it one day at a time, sis," I confessed. "How about you?"

"Same here," she admitted. "My only prayer is that Granny wakes up."

"She has to, Nathi. She just has to," I insisted.

Shifting the conversation to a somber note, she asked, "When's the funeral?"

"Bomi said it's going to be next week Saturday," I informed her.

"Last time I spoke to Dad," she revealed, "he mentioned driving to EL to help plan the funeral. Are you writing Friday?"

"That's good," I acknowledged. "Yeah, I'm writing."

"Even on your birthday?" she questioned, her surprise evident.

"Oh my god," I exclaimed, "I even forgot it's my birthday next week. Yeah, I'm writing."

"Too much has been on your mind," she sympathized. "It's understandable."

"I guess," I sighed. "Sisi, I have to go, there's a call coming through."

"Ok babe, take care. I love you," she said warmly.

"You too, sis. Love you more," I replied before ending the call.

I picked up Mom's call, the ringtone a gentle interruption in my quiet moment.

"Hey baby," she greeted warmly.

"Hey, Mom, how you doing?" I responded, my voice soft and tinged with concern.

"Better than yesterday. I'm just taking it one step at a time. How are you?" she inquired, her motherly tone filled with care.

"Fine, I guess," I replied, my words wrapped in a veil of reservation.

"Don't stress, you can't afford to be stressed right now. You writing your trials?" she asked, her concern evident.