Through Her Eyes

Chapter 2

Riding down the road on my old, rusty bike used to be somewhat therapeutic to my young and innocent heart as a child. Yet now,  I find myself loathing the once-refreshing touch of the wind on my sensitive skin. Home isn't far off from where I am for my regular therapeutic sessions. You see, I live in a quaint corner of Westville, near the Linwood Curve Road, a section specifically built for patients who come from the cozy houses, adorned with charming white picket fences, that surround this winding path. Linwood Curve Road stretches on gracefully, its asphalt like a dark ribbon winding its way through the picturesque landscape till it finally reaches it's end at the Linwood Estate, where I reside.

The town's naming process may have been peculiar, however it certainly adds a touch of uniqueness and charm to the place, making it easy for visitors to find their way amidst the natural tranquil surroundings. Tall, ancient trees lined the road over the miniscule bridge which had a thin river flowing towards the Westville River, their branches swaying gently like arms welcoming travelers into their sanctuary. The melodious chirping of colorful birds provide a serene symphony that complements the peaceful atmosphere.

The town was small yet enchantingly  nestled at the heart of Gauteng. Unlike the exaggerated dramas of Rosewood or Riverdale from mainstream TV shows, this is a real town where  residents mind their own business, shielding themselves from the prying eyes of outsiders. The citizens go about their lives without indulging in the gossip and intrigues that plague larger communities. Much rather, murder had barely been a subject around these areas. At worst, the only few nosy individuals would be, blood or extended relatives who would occasionally stir up minor commotions, but fortunately, my family lives far enough from them, sparing me from their meddling eyes and ears.

Westville, however, has its distinctive sections: Upper Westville and Lower Westville. As the names suggest, these areas form homes to vastly different segments of the population. The Upper side caters to the wealthy, boasting magnificent mansions which stand as proud sentinels, guarding the secrets of their affluent owners. The homes had their own, lavish gardens, meticulously manicured and adorned with vibrant flowers which bloomed, with an added  touch of elegance to the already awe-inspiring residences. Glimpses of sparkling swimming pools would peek through ornate gates, symbols of prosperity within. Yet cars were guarded, and upon their sight gave detail of the owner themselves.

The new lavish sports cars had their own group of owners, the new and wealthy. While the cars filled with  more seats for people were of those who were more middle aged with children/

On the other hand, Lower Westville struggles with the harsh reality of poverty, the modest houses standing in contrast to their upscale counterparts on the Upper side. These homes had worn-out paint on the walls with the occasional broken windows. However some of their homes boasted of large mansions yet their surroundings only brought down their value. A beautiful garden was a hard find in those areas which raked of the sour garbage stenches. The struggle for survival is palpable, the streets louder, and the faces more weathered by life's challenges.

There's no middle ground, no trust fund to fall back on for those residing in Lower Westville nor the Upper Westville. The area was built of new money, and the old money was slowly dying out into other provinces. Thus those who never seize the chance to escape the town would find themselves ensnared in the relentless cycle of limited opportunities and resources, yearning for a glimmer of hope in their challenging circumstances.

The tax bracket in this area had always been formidable, making it necessary for residents to have multiple income sources or, better yet, marry into a wealthy family. Yet, even such unions are rare. I know of only one close relative who managed to marry into a much richer family, but it resulted in her being ostracized by her own family.