Melo: "What do you want, Ntsikayomuzi?"
Me: "Just thought we could walk together. You know, call a truce."
Melo: "You think a simple walk will make us friends?"
Me: "No, but it's a start."
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When 15-year-old Melokuhle Nanayemhle Bhengu and...
I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear. It was 3 am, and I was already dreading the long journey ahead of me. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and swung my legs over the side of the bed.
I took a deep breath and began to pray, asking for guidance and protection on my journey. As I prayed, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.
When I finished praying, I headed to the bathroom to take a bath. The warm water felt good on my skin, and I took my time, savoring the moment then got dressed.
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As I got dressed and ready for the day, my mind began to wander. I thought about my life and all the twists and turns it had taken. I thought about Mgani, Mkhulu, and Uncle Spider, and how they had all passed away.
A sad thought crept into my mind - maybe if they were still alive, my life would be different just maybe I wouldn't be in this situation.
I pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand. I took out the laundry I had washed the day before and ironed the clothes that needed it. I carefully packed them into my suitcase.
As I was double-checking my stuff, my phone rang. It was my mom.
"Mommy dearest," I answered.
"Nana," my mom replied.
"How are you?" I asked.
"I'm good and you," my mom said.
"I'm good," I said.
"I was calling you to wake you up, but since you're already up, it's okay," my mom said. "I'll send you money so you can buy snacks on your way here."
"Thank you," I said.
"Is Lubanzi already awake?" my mom asked.
"I don't know," I replied.
"Nanayemhle," my mom said gently.
"Ma?" I responded.
"Talk to me, baby. What's happening?" my mom asked, concern etched in her voice.
I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Ma, I don't know. I feel like Dad and Nkosenye are not being fair to me. I'm the only one having these dreams, and they come in riddles that only I can solve. But no, they're just ignoring me, like they don't know how this hurts. And they do know."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "And also, I don't get what's with them and the Ndlovus or Boyabenyathi or whatever. But then, Mom, the least they can do is explain how they'll hurt me or maybe tell me why they will even think of hurting me. But no, every time I talk about it, it's like I'm opening old wounds. Ma, it's like I'm asking rubbish, and it's not me, Ma. It's not me."
I felt the tears start to roll down my cheeks. "I don't care about the Ndlovus, all I care about is Mgani's last wish, and unfortunately for them, it includes the Ndlovus. And now, look where their selfishness has led us. We're not talking, and here we are, in the wee hours of the day, going from province to province. It's not fair, Ma. It's not fair on me."
