prologue

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 As I pack up my things, my pa, Lihle, calls out from her desk, 'It's 5 pm, ngiyahamba manje, do you need anything?' I shout back, 'No, mama, I'm leaving now.' It's Friday, and I know she's eager to go out or visit her boyfriend, Graig. She bursts into my office without knocking - a habit I've grown accustomed to. 'Can we go out for dinner with Liz?' she asks in her signature pleading tone, which no longer moves me. I agree, though, needing some fresh air, despite knowing that 'fresh air' is a luxury in Kimberly.


I head home for a quick power nap, knowing that dinner with Liz (our receptionist-turned-friend) will be an adventure. Liz drinks like a fish, so dinner is never just dinner. After a two-hour snooze, I freshen up and do my makeup, receiving a call from my mom. We catch up, and I update her on my day. I finish getting ready, wearing a short black bodycon dress, Steve Madden heels (which I know I won't last in), and gold hoops to accessorize my bald head. I lock up, leaving my lights on, and head to pick up Liz and Lihle. Graig's car is outside Lihle's apartment, signaling that he'll either join us or she'll stay behind -ayisekho ke indaba yale girls night.


We end up leaving with Liz, with the love birds leading. Graig takes us to Hartland, the only club-like spot in town. The place is packed,  he leads us to a table occupied by two guys, Nkosi and Lwazi Mabaso, who introduce themselves as brothers of Graigs friend. I can tell they're from Durban by their distinct accent. Liz and I opt for Don Julio, while Lihle sticks to her modest cocktails, a stark contrast to her usual self.

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