Sunny Side Up♡

Chapter 41: Tell me it's a joke?

Narrator's Pov

Thandi is a mess right now. It's been three days since her daughter went into the waterfall, and she's heard nothing. No word, no sign, no nothing. She's starting to regret supporting Melo's decision to accept her calling.

She can't eat, can't sleep. All she does is cry and worry. She's always been a strong woman, but this is breaking her. She's never felt so helpless in her life and all she wants to see right now is her Nanayemhle even though she partially blames herself for their current situation.

Mandla is no better. He's always been the strong one, the rock of the family. But now, he's falling apart. He's anxious, worried, and scared. He keeps thinking about all the things that could go wrong, all the things that might happen to Melo.

They're both just sitting around, waiting for news. Waiting for something to happen. Waiting for Melo to come back as that's what Gogo Nokwanda has instructed them to do. But then the waiting is what is adding on to their fears because the more they wait, the more they realise that their daughter has not come back yet.

Melo's pov:

As I slowly opened my eyes, the blurry darkness gave way to an ethereal glow. I found myself submerged in crystal-clear water, surrounded by an endless expanse of turquoise. Schools of iridescent fish darted past me, their scales shimmering like diamonds.

In the distance, I saw three regal figures perched on a throne-like structure, crafted from coral and shells. They were unlike anything I had ever seen - humanoid, yet with delicate, shimmering scales that seemed to change colors in the light. Their long, flowing hair rippled like seaweed, and their eyes sparkled with ancient wisdom.

Each queen wore a crown that seemed to reflect her unique personality. The first queen's crown was a delicate, filigree-like structure adorned with glittering pearls and rubies. The second queen's crown was a bold, golden circlet, set with a massive, gleaming emerald. The third queen's crown was a whimsical, twisted mass of coral and shells, with a glittering sapphire at its center.

As I gazed at the queens in wonder, the first one spoke in a voice like music. "MaNdlovu," she said, her eyes fixed on me.

I shook my head, still trying to clear the fog from my mind. "No, I'm MaBhengu," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

The third queen chuckled, a melodious sound that sent ripples through the water. "How are you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I'm good," I replied, trying to sound calm despite the surreal surroundings. "And how are you?"

The second queen smiled, her emerald crown glinting in the soft light. "We are good," she said, her voice like a gentle breeze.

I hesitated, unsure what to say next. "Uhmm..." I trailed off, feeling a little awkward.

The third queen chuckled, her coral crown rattling softly. "Allow us to introduce ourselves," she said, her voice like a playful splash. "I am Queen Kalindi, ruler of the coral reefs. This is Queen Nalani, mistress of the open waters." She gestured to the first queen, who inclined her head graciously. "And this is Queen Akua, sovereign of the ocean depths."

I stared at the queens in wonder, still trying to wrap my head around this underwater world. "I'm glad to meet you all," I said, trying to sound polite. "But...where am I?" I hesitated, realizing how silly the question sounded. "I mean, what am I doing underwater?"