Red Lace

Chapter 47

MIHLALIKAZI TSHAWE-MNGUNI

I am woken up by Yoza holding a cup of coffee.

"Thank you," I say quietly, taking the cup from her. "is he out yet? Any news?" I ask quickly and she looks at me with pity and shakes her head no.

"You have to call the kids and let them know what is happening," Biko says and I suck in a breath and let it out.

"I don't want to scare them. Khaya is going to make it, we just need his doctor to confirm everything," I say. It's not me having some kind of faith but it's to convince myself. Khaya can't leave me, I can't have that. Not now. Not after we just reunited.

"Mnguni," the doctor says walking over to us. We all stand up.

"How is he? Is the operation over? when can I see him?" I ask quickly and he lets out a breath.

"There were some complications during the surgery," he starts off and tears roll down my cheeks, that's never a good sign and his face is not promising, "Mr Mnguni lost a lot of blood but the surgery was a success but unfortunately due to the blood loss and everything we had to medically induce a coma. He could wake up today or in a few months' time," his doctor says and I feel my legs failing me. Biko is quick to catch me before I hit the ground. Everything goes blank.

NICHUME SIPHOSETHU MNGUNI

I call mom's phone but it rings until voicemail. I don't know whether to be worried or what. Lethu says she didn't come home yesterday and he has nobody to drive him to school. I called dad but his phone goes straight to voicemail, Ntando and Akin are on their way home right now to drive him to school. I try mom again and this time its answered.

"Mom," I say.

"Its Yonela baby," aunty Yoza's voice comes on shocking me.

"Where's mom?" I ask, I can't even hide my fear and panic right now.

"Your mother fainted. Chume your father had a heart surgery yesterday after he collapsed at work, his surgery had complications but he is okay. He's in a coma." Yoza explains. I have to close my eyes and focus on my breathing with every word she speaks else I will have a heart attack and give birth right now which we can't afford. "Nichume, I am telling you this so that you do not stress and panic about your parents going MIA. You are stronger than we give you credit baby, just focus on the twins and we will worry about your parents okay," Yoza says but her words aren't as calming or soothing because how do I not worry or stress about my parents?

"Okay," I say.

"When your mother is ready to see you or talk to you guys, I hope you will be ready okay? For now you and your siblings focus on school," Yoza says and then says her goodbyes. I am left with my phone in my hand and in disbelief because how did dad even come to have a heart surgery. How did we not see the signs?

"Morning sister," Ntando says walking in and throwing herself on the couch beside me.

"You and your boyfriend need to drive Lethu to school. Mom is," I bite my tongue trying to refrain from sharing something I shouldn't. "Mom and dad are at the hospital visiting a friend," I say quickly and she nods.

"Lethu!" Ntando calls out and our little brother runs down the stairs.

"No running!" I call out to him and he giggles jumping over the last stair and onto the floor. I shake my head no with clear disapproval.

"Yours will be worse," As if reading my mind Ntando says. I shoot her a look and she is quick to rush out of the lounge with Lethu. Just then my phone rings and its Yethu.

"Long time no see," I say as soon as I answer the call.

"How are you Chume?" he asks and I chuckle.

"Coping. what's up? It's a little too early for you to be calling me," I remind him.