BEING A WIFE OF A PRISONER

Chapter 42

SEVEN YEARS LATER

BUSISIWE

Junior: Mama look at me.

Me: Get down from there.

I yell rinsing his school shirt and drop it on the basket with other clothes. It’s been seven years and during this year’s I had the ups and downs of life. My first happy moment after Aza’s death was the birth of my son. He’s the apple of my eye and I would do anything for him.

Junior: Mama look.

He attempts to jump from the tree but slips and fall on the ground. I drop the basket I was picking and rush to him.

Me: Junior.

I hold his hand trying to make him stand and he cries louder.

Me: Okay.

I rush to my room and pick up the towel and dash back outside.

Landlord: What’s going on?

Me: I think he broke his arm.

Tears fill my eyes as he continues to scream.

Me: Mama is here baby. Everything will be okay.

I wipe my tears and look at my landlord.

Me: Please help me strap him on my back.

She carefully picks him up and I strap him on my back as tall as he is. I hate that he took that man’s height. And like any denied child he looks just like his father.

Me: Please lock my door. I’m rushing to the clinic.

I sniff walking out of the yard.

Me: It’s okay baby. Just hold on a bit.

I bend down to remove the thorn from my flip-flop and continue with my journey. I’ve got pegs crossing all over my chest making a line. My legs have a mind map because of the water and my boobs are not in the bra but who the hell cares? I don’t care about my appearance because my son comes first. I barge in the clinic and rush to the reception.

Me: My son broke his arm.

Receptionist: Sorry my sister you will have to stand in the queue just like everyone else.

I turn to look at the line and turn back to him.

Me: Please bhuti. He broke his arm.

Receptionist: I’m sorry my sister but my hands are tied. It’s the policy an I don’t want to lose my job

I burst in tears running out of the hospital. Junior hadn’t stopped crying either adding more to my frustrations. I flug a taxi and jump in.

Me: Sorry bhuti I didn’t bring my wallet.

The car abruptly halts.

Driver: That’s not how I work sisi.

Me: (crying)  My son broke his arm and my first priority was to find him help. I can give you my address. I will pay you back I promise you.

I plead with him wiping my tears.

Me: Please.

He turns back to the road and he brings the engine to life.

Me: (sniffing) Thank you.

SANDILE

I crouch down and open my arms for my daughter. I caught her and spin her around causing her to giggle.

Me: How is my little princess doing?

She giggles. The nanny walks in the room panting.

Nanny: I’m so sorry sir. She out ran me when I put her dress on.