Eric Boskati

With the phone still on her ear, she nodded, then turned to
Tembani smiling and said, “Please take a seat, sir. Ms Matsho
will be with you in a few minutes. She’s just waiting for
the doctor to sign her off.” Tembani took a seat facing the
doorway toward the corridor and reflected on the previous
day’s events. The police had taken him to the police station
for questioning. He had asked the officers if he could make
a call to his lawyer, to which they agreed. When his lawyer
arrived, Thembani made his statement and was released two
hours later. Lizzie and the boy were both taken to the hospital
following the police officer’s call for an ambulance. A quick
examination of her wound revealed that it was not as deep
as everybody had thought. The doctor explained that most
of the blood came as a result of shock. She was nonetheless
booked off for three days. Tembani had phoned her the day
before just to check how she was doing.To his surprise, Lizzie
told him she would be released in two days. He had told
Lizzie that the police had released him the same day following
his lawyer’s intervention. Lizzie had asked if Tembani would
be able to fetch her from the hospital on the day she was to
be discharged. He had agreed and promised to be there on
time.At that moment Lizzie came through the doorway with
her handbag on her arm. To Tembani’s surprise, she was not
wearing the clothes she was wearing the last time he saw her.
She had on a black leather jacket and underneath it was a
slim-fit white blouse that revealed a truly feminine cleavage.
Her long legs were in black pants and perfectly perched on
high heels. She made her way toward Tembani.Tembani stood
up and stretched his arms in a warm welcoming hug. In the
middle of the reception room the two locked themselves in

46 -I Wish We Have Never Met

a fond embrace. The receptionist watched the scene with a
smile. When the two disengaged the receptionist remarked,
“Oh my God, that was so cute.”The two looked at each other
and smilingly thanked the receptionist.

“Are you alright?” asked Tembani as he looked Lizzie up
and down.

“Yes, I’m alright,” responded Lizzie, looking at him as if
to say the look over was unnecessary.

“You look stunning for a patient,” remarked Tembani, still
looking at her. “That’s all a façade. I’m really in a bad shape
and my mind is in turmoil,” said Lizzie in a serious tone. “I
just hope there will be no third time.” She said looking up at
him.

“Third time? What’s that supposed to mean?” asked
Tembani while the two walked side by side to where the car
was parked.

“You, always coming to my rescue.”
“Oh, that? I really don’t know what to say, Lizzie.”
“I’m just saying.This is too much for me.”
“How come you’re wearing new clothes? This is not
what you were wearing when I last saw you,” asked Tembani
in an attempt to change the subject.
“Oh, these? You’re right. They’re not new, though. I
phoned a colleague of mine to fetch them from my place.”
“And what about your niece? Talitha, where is she?”
“Talie? I asked my colleague to take her to her place. I
think she’ll be safer there.”
“You did all of that while you were in here?” asked
Tembani, a little bit confused.
“Yes, why?”

47 -ERIC N BOSKATI

“All of that in the condition you were in, Lizzie?”
“I’m a woman, Tembani; multi-tasking is not a problem
for me. I would even have called you first if my battery did not
die,” said Lizzie while Tembani opened the car door for her.
When he had also made himself comfortable in the driver’s
seat, he told her,“You’re an amazing woman.”
“Lizzie looked at him. “I think you’re exaggerating.”
Lizzie didn’t know that Tembani’s use of the word had
nothing to do with multi-tasking, but everything to do with
him envisioning her as a future Mrs Nzise. He looked at her
and smiled. Lizzie smiled back. Tembani turned his eyes on
the road ahead.
“Do you know anything about the boy who did this to
me?” asked Lizzie, pointing at the bandages around her neck.
“Do you think it’s the right time to talk about that,
Lizzie?” Tembani was not really sure if Lizzie was ready
for something like that. In his mind, the less said about the
incident the better for both
“I just want to know, Tembani. You know, everything
happened so fast that day. I’m still trying to figure out how it
all started and why.”
“I understand, but still, Lizzie...” said Tembani, trying to
figure out how he could make her skip this subject.
“I just want to be clear, that’s all. It’s really bothering me.”
“Well…if you insist…”Tembani shrugged his shoulders.
“All I know is what I was told by the police.”
“It’s alright.”
“They said that the boy was one of three boys who tried
to hijack a car at the four-way stop as you enter Langa towards
the taxi rank. Fortunately, the police were not far off from

48 -I Wish We Have Never Met

where this was happening. When they heard gun shots they
quickly ran to the scene.That is when all three started to run
and the police chased after them.”

“That is so horrible…then what happened?”
“They just ran into the neighbourhood and jumped
fences.”
“What happened to the owner of the car they tried to
hijack?”
“A young lady of about twenty-six years of age was shot
twice. One bullet went through her left cheek and the other
just grazed her left shoulder. She’s alive.”
“Oh my God! Are you serious?”
“Dead serious, Lizzie.”
“What about the boy you shot? Is he dead?” Tembani
turned and looked at her.“He’s still alive, but critical.”
“Meaning?”
“I heard he was badly hurt and is in a hospital somewhere
and is being watched by the police.”
“Oh my God! Why is my life like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“So messed up! Car breakdown, stolen tyres, and a
stranger attacking me in my own house.Why all this?
“This has nothing to do with you, Lizzie.This is how the
world is. It’s something we all have to live with, unfortunately.”
“What about that police officer who thought the whole
thing was a love triangle?”
“Oh, that one? I really have no idea where he got that
from. His colleagues are also surprised he said that.”
“Maybe he thought what was happening outside wasn’t
related to what was happening inside the house.”

49 -ERIC N BOSKATI

“You could be right, yhaaz.”
“Before I forget, Tembani, could you please go by the
fast-food restaurant? I’m famished and I’m in no mood to
cook.”
“No problem,” respondedTembani as he quickly changed
lanes in preparation for a turn toward the fast-food restaurant.

50 -I Wish We Have Never Met

Chapter IX

After eating the take-away meal for supper, Lizzie
asked Tembani to keep her company and to sleep
over for the night. She had explained to him that what had
happened three days ago still lingered fresh on her mind,
making it difficult for her to be on her own. Tembani
understood but thought it awkward to just agree with Lizzie’s
suggestion. He asked if it won’t be a good idea to call on her
colleague to come with Talitha for a sleepover. “You three
would make good company for each other,” he had argued.
Lizzie had shot the idea down, pointing out that her colleague
had already done enough for her. As a married woman with
children, her husband might not be pleased with such an idea.
Reluctantly,Tembani agreed and made it clear that he would
be comfortable sleeping on the couch. Lizzie suggested that he
sleep in Talitha’s room arguing that he’d be more comfortable
there. Tembani joked that he could not take that risk as he
feared dreaming of poppie huis and waking up the following
morning as a nine-year-old Tembani.
“I’ll be alright on the couch, I’m telling you.” Lizzie gave
an impulsive but controlled laugh.
“I give up,” she said, giggling.

51 -ERIC N BOSKATI

It was about 21h46 when Lizzie politely excused herself
to go to bed.“I feel tired,” she said, yawning.

“The medication must be taking its toll,” said Tembani,
noticing how exhausted she looked.

“Yeah, you’re right. The doctor had said the pills would
help me relax. I’ll bring you the blankets and a pillow.” She
went to her room and from the wardrobe took out some
linen and brought it to the lounge. She placed it on the couch
beside Tembani. “These will make you comfortable. I still
believe you’ll be more comfortable in Talitha’s bed,” she said
giggling.

“I won’t take that risk, sorry,” said Tembani jokingly.
Lizzie laughed even more.

“You needn’t worry about me, Lizzie. I’ll be comfortable
here,” he reassured her. Lizzie came and stood in front of
Tembani.Tembani looked up at her, wondering what she was
up to.

“Come on, stand up,” she said and Tembani stood up, still
confused. “Give me a hug.” She stretched out her long arms
over his shoulders.

“Oh…you mean that?” The two locked into an
affectionate embrace and disengaged a few seconds later.
“Goodnight,” said Lizzie turning away from him.“Goodnight,
Lizzie, and sleep well.”

“Thank you.” Tembani could hear her closing the door
behind her. He looked at his wristwatch and the time was
22h02. He took the remote and tuned in to channel 119 just
to cool his mind.The sitcom Cats’ Family House was on screen
and a good watch to soothe his mind too. He took a relaxed
sleeping position on the couch and told himself he’ll be asleep

52 -I Wish We Have Never Met

probably an hour later.

53 -ERIC N BOSKATI

Chapter X

It was about two hours later when Tembani felt his
body getting heavier and his eyes blurry while on
the television screen. Sitting up, he arranged the pillows and
blankets fittingly across the couch. He took off his trousers and
sweater and threw them both on the empty couch opposite
him. He slid between the blankets to sleep. Around 2:30 am
he was awakened by what sounded like a screaming sound.
He wasn’t sure where the scream came from, whether inside
the house or outside. He was, however, sure he had heard it.
He pulled his head out of the blankets and tried to listen.
The sound came from Lizzie’s room. To be sure, Tembani
listened one more time. He heard it again and this time it was
a bit louder. Slowly he reached under the couch cushion for
his revolver. He stood up and, very careful not to make any
noise, he tip-toed to Lizzie’s door. Leaning against the door he
listened for one last time.The light in Lizzie’s room was still on
but the scream had died down. It was replaced by a groaning
sound. His heart began to pound against his ribs and he was
beginning to sweat. Tembani carefully reached for the door
handle while holding the gun with his right hand. He wiped

54 -I Wish We Have Never Met

sweat from his brow using the back of his right hand. He
counted to three before bursting through the door. He dived
toward the floor with the gun pointing in Lizzie’s direction.
The sound of Tembani landing on the floor startled her. She
gave a loud scream and, not knowing what was happening,
jumped out of bed. She ran for the door, but her legs wobbled
and she fell in the doorway with a thud. Tembani ran after
her and caught up with her as she tried to get onto her feet.
He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards himself.
The two scuffled and jostled while on the floor. Lizzie tried
to wrestle herself away from Tembani’s grip, but he held her
so tight she couldn’t move. Lizzie screamed and beat Tembani
wildly on his chest with her fists.

“Lizzie, it’s me…it’s me, Lizzie…it’s Tembani, Lizzie.”
Lizzie was screaming and violently twisting and turning and
trying to pull herself away from Tembani.

“Let go of me...let go...let go.” She was hysterical.
“It’s me, Lizzie…it’s alright. It’s me.” Tembani put his
hands on her cheeks and slightly shook her head sideways.
“Lizzie, look at me…look at me.” Lizzie was wrenching
herself away from Tembani.
“Lizzie…Lizzie…look at me…It’s Tembani.” Slowly she
came to her senses.The struggle must have exhausted her.And
like a punctured tyre, her full body weight fell into Tembani’s
arms.
“It’s alright now. Look at me.” Lizzie slowly opened her
eyes and noticing Tembani, she clung on to him for her dear
life.
“It’s alright…you just had a bad dream…it’s all over now.”
“Oh,Tembani…oh my God.” She was sobbing.

55 -ERIC N BOSKATI

“It’s alright now. Come on, sit down.” He helped her up
and guided her towards the bed. When she was on the bed,
Tembani quickly ran to the kitchen and brought her a glass
of water. “Here, drink. It will calm you down.” Lizzie drank
the glass of water and gave the empty glass back to Tembani.
Tembani took a seat next to her on the bed. “Tell me, what
happened?”

“I had this terrible dream…and this huge man with an
axe was chasing me and I…I…couldn’t run fast enough and
he was catching up with me.”

“You had a nightmare…it’s understandable...it’s normal.
It’s all about what happened three days ago. Come on now,
you go to sleep. It’s still very early in the morning.” Lizzie got
into bed and looked at Tembani as if to say “You’re not going
away”. “Tembani, please don’t go. Please don’t leave me…
please.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Lizzie. I can hear you perfectly
from the living room.”

“Don’t go,Tembani. Please stay here; please.”Tembani sat
on the edge of the bed trying to reassure Lizzie that he was
not going anywhere.“It’s alright, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I feel safe with you here. Don’t go. Come and sit here.”
Tembani shifted as he moved up the bed closer to Lizzie.

“Can you hold my hand, please?”
“No problem,” said Tembani stretching his arm toward
Lizzie’s hand. He touched it and let his fingers feel it. Her
hand was smaller than his, but warm and very soft. Her entire
body was shaking like a twig. He tried once more to calm her.
“You’re safe now…don’t worry.”
“I’m so sorry,Tembani.”

56 -I Wish We Have Never Met

“You don’t need to apologize about anything, Lizzie; just
relax now.” Tembani thought if he could change the subject,
the mood and present scenario could change too.“One thing
I forgot to tell you was that your dinner that afternoon was
top class.”

“Oh, Tembani, are you’re flattering me or just trying to
change the subject?”

“Seriously, Lizzie. I mean it.”
“You think that will calm me down?” Tembani laughed
before saying,“I wish I could have some even now.”
“Really now,Tembani?”
“I’m not joking, Lizzie. You really have a good hand
when it comes to cooking.” “Like I told you that day, I just
love cooking. It just comes naturally to me.”
“You really are a good cooker.”
“I can teach you a few recipes if you’ve got time.”
“Oh, I’d love that.”
“Really?”
“Yes, for real.We can start tomorrow if you’re ready.”
“I’d prefer the weekend.”
“It’s a deal.”Tembani was now drowsy, and Lizzie noticed
it too. His head had swung twice only to be pulled back
each time. She looked at him for a while trying to figure out
how she was going to handle the situation. As she looked at
him, her heart swelled with pride that this man, a stranger a
few weeks ago, was now her knight in shining armour. She
wondered if it was just coincidence that they met on that day
or providence. She had been lonely for the better part of her
adult life and ever since the father of her late son passed away.
Yes, men had come and gone, but none have lasted more than

57 -ERIC N BOSKATI

six months.And that is how lonely she has been.
Tembani started snoring and impulsively stretched his

long legs alongside Lizzie on the bed. She got out of bed and
began to push and pull Tembani to make him comfortable.
Perhaps it was now her turn to look after him. She looked at
him one more time.This time her heart started beating faster.
She was not anxious or scared, but something inexplicable
augmented her heart rate. She covered him with the blankets
and arranged the pillows for his comfort. She went to the wall
and switched the lights off. She slid into the bed with her
back against Tembani. Facing the wall, she laid there thinking
how safe she was with Tembani next to her. It’s been years
since she had slept like that with a man next to her, and it
didn’t matter to her which side she was facing, as long as she
knew he was on her bed and in her room. She could hear
Tembani’s heavy breathing behind her. For some reasons it
stirred her, making her emotionally restless. Her hand went
behind her looking for Tembani’s hand and when she found
it, she took it and put it right across her waist. Her body
pressed against his, she continued to play with Tembani’s
hand.Tembani was still asleep but no more snoring. His heavy
breathing had an alluring scent. It made her feel vulnerable
and helpless under its spell. Not knowing whether she was
crazy or not, she desperately wanted to awaken him even
though she couldn’t tell why. Her body, and all of it, wanted
not just his presence but him touching her. She turned around
to face him and looked at him one more time. The more
she did that, the more she wanted him awake. She feigned
a cough, hoping it would make him blink or open his eyes.
Tembani was fast asleep. Taking care not to awaken him, her

58 -I Wish We Have Never Met

soft hand touched his lips and gently brushed his face down to
his chin.The caressing went down his chest, gently touching
it. She proceeded down to his torso feeling his biceps, then
down to his waist. Tembani groaned and shifted. Startled,
Lizzie abruptly stopped what she was doing.Tembani was still
asleep but by now Lizzie’s inhibitions had all gone and she
was without shame. She couldn’t stop what she was doing,
and so she resumed her affectionate exploration of Tembani’s
torso. She repeated the motion starting from his lips, his face,
down to his abdomen and between his legs. Slowly Tembani’s
hand came up between them. He opened his eyes.They both
looked at each other. He touched Lizzie’s breast and gently
massaged it. His hand then went up to her cheek, behind her
head and slowly pulled her toward him. Consumed by lust or
love, the two kissed each other passionately in the dark.

59 -ERIC N BOSKATI

Chapter XI

It was around 19h30 when Tembani entered the
Renaissance Restaurant at the foot of Table Mountain
in Cape Town, upper Woodstock. The restaurant overlooked
a mixture of English and Dutch architect houses below. As
you stretch your eyes further down, the scenery changes to
tall imposing buildings that look down on you as you enter
the Cape Town central business district on your right. A little
further down is the Cape Town harbour with its big vessels,
cranes, and containers mechanizing the deep blue waters of
the Atlantic Ocean along the west coast. The owner of the
restaurant was a young but brilliant entrepreneur who generated
his wealth from investments in discounted Broad-Based Black
Economic Empowerment share schemes. He also bought
stocks at market value in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
His name wasThamsanqa Xishe.A self-taught financial analyst
with a suave and taste for finer things. Thamsanqa was born
in King William’s town in the Eastern Cape before his parents
moved to Cape Town in the early 90’s. After graduating
from the Witwatersrand University with a Bachelor of Arts
degree, he worked as a cashier, a waiter, and then as a public

60 -I Wish We Have Never Met

relations officer in the City of Cape Town. His only dream
was to own a chain of restaurants. So far, his dream seemed
well on track. He had recently opened two more restaurants,
one in Komani and the other one in East London, both in
the Eastern Cape. The Renaissance Restaurant was known
for its original in-house cuisine and beverages. Originality
was Thamsanqa’s linchpin in the restaurant business. “Unless
you bring something new or something unique in the market
you, won’t survive,” he would say whenever he was asked his
secret for success. Regulars referred to the restaurant as ‘RR.’
As an inspiration to young people he had been conducting
seminars around the country on how to start a small business
from scratch. He was well known for his poignant but incisive
assertions. He would tell aspiring entrepreneurs, especially
those that needed funding, that no matter how many seminars
you attend, there are only four ways you can get the funding
you need. “Either its money from your savings, money you
borrowed from financial institutions, winnings from a lottery,
or money you’ve inherited. It’s only in these four ways, but
in all the seminars you may attend they’ll tell you these four
ways in many different ways and make it all sound as if they’re
telling you something new.” At 34 years of age his net worth
was estimated to be around R14 million.

Tembani marvelled at the interior design of the ‘RR’
restaurant.The roof was thatched with big poles cross-cutting
the ceiling to give it a massive look of solid construction.
Dangling from the ceiling were huge overhanging chandeliers,
so big that the thought of them falling from the ceiling had
a frightening tinge to it. The walls were paper-walled and
on them were big posters of various jazz and afro-pop artists

61 -ERIC N BOSKATI

either on stage or at leisure. On each side of the four walls
were stuffed animals.There was an elephant, a buffalo, a lion,
a tiger and a rhino,Africa’s ultimate big five.

This was new and unique, thought Tembani to himself as
he made his way into the restaurant.There were dozens or so
patrons in the restaurant enjoying their meals and conversing
in low tones. The quiet night was only punctuated in the
background by the late Brenda Fassie’s melodious song, Life
is Going On. A waiter approached Tembani and greeted him
before asking if he was looking for a table. “For two, please,”
he confirmed.The young waiter smiled and hastily said,“This
way, sir.”Tembani followed him to the far end of the restaurant
to a neatly and well-laid table with glasses in various shapes
and sizes.“I guess this is what you’re looking for, sir,” he said,
turning around to show him the full view of the beautiful
star-filled night sky through the window.Tembani nodded and
responded,“I guess so,” while pulling out a chair for himself.

He took out his cellphone and put it on the table.Then
his hand went to the inside pocket of his coat.You could tell
by the frown on his face that something was amiss. He stood
up with a puzzled look and went through all his pockets
until he found what he was looking for in the back pocket
of his trouser. He placed it in the palm of his hand, looked at
it, and assured himself that it was still intact. At a distance it
was difficult to tell what it was. Tembani himself made sure
only himself had that privilege. A waiter came and asked if
he would like to order anything. He ordered cranberry juice
with ice cubes.

He looked at his wristwatch then at his cellphone and
wondered where Lizzie was. The time was now 19h50 and

62 -I Wish We Have Never Met

they had both agreed to meet at the restaurant at 19h40. She
was now ten minutes late.To eat out wasTembani’s idea. Lizzie
was sure this was not a good idea. “What’s wrong with my
home cooked meals?” she had asked. Tembani waxed lyrical
about her home cooked meals, trying to explain that there was
nothing wrong with them and that she just needed a break.
“You need to know how it feels to enjoy meals prepared by
someone else.” He had said but Lizzie was not convinced.
However, seeing how determined Tembani was, she yielded.
It was this attitude that made Tembani panic, wondering if
Lizzie had changed her mind.

The waiter brought Tembani’s order. He opened the juice
can and poured it into a glass.Tembani thanked him and took
a sip from the glass. A few minutes later, a tall beautiful lady
in her early -30s came in through the door. As usual, she was
on high heels. She took two steps before a waiter approached
her.Tembani watched her as she enquired from the waiter if
he was already there.The waiter nodded and pointed toward
Tembani’s direction.

63 -ERIC N BOSKATI

Chapter XII

Lizzie made her way toward the table where Tembani
was sitting. Looking at her,Tembani couldn’t believe
how lucky he was. Lizzie was drop-dead gorgeous. She had
installed a thick and firm golden weave that rested well over
her shoulders , crowning her beautiful brown round face and
giving it a majestic look resembling that of an ancient Egyptian
queen. Her long eye lashes gave her an incredibly beautiful
spark and fanned over her eyes like rose petals at springtime.
Her body was draped in a tight-fitting white polyester top
that blended well with her cream mini-skirt. Draped over her
shoulders was a long unbuttoned brown coat that went down
about her knees. It gave her a classy and elegant look that
Vogue magazine would have been proud of. As she walked
between the tables to get to where Tembani was sitting, heads
turned. Female patrons couldn’t help but reprimand their
partners for their ill-disciplined and restless eyes. Surely and
without any doubt the night belonged to Lizzie. As she got
closer,Tembani couldn’t believe that this was the same woman
he made love to a few days ago. He thanked his ancestors and
perhaps the Goddess of love, Cupid herself, that this was not

64 -I Wish We Have Never Met

their first date. If it was, he would’ve stuttered throughout the
night. He pulled himself together and stood up to pull out a
chair for her. “Thank you,” said Lizzie in a cool, controlled
voice.“How are you?”

“I’m alright except for a little panic.”
“I’m sorry about that.The cab driver took the long route.
He kept apologizing and there was nothing I could do. The
poor guy was panicking more than I was. Anyway, how are
things?”
“Alright; on your side?”
“I’m getting there, thanks for asking.” She hung her coat
on the backside of the chair and put her handbag on the
empty chair next to her and continued.“Today I got a quote
for all the tyres. I think by the end of this week I’ll be sorted.”
This time a waitress instead of a waiter approached their table.
Turning to Lizzie she asked if she was ready to order anything.
“Latte for now, please.”
“Anything else?”
“Once I go through the menu, sweetie, but fine for now.”
And you, sir?”
“Give me a few minutes, ma’am.”The waitress went away
and Tembani looked at Lizzie.“You said you got a quote.”
“Yep.”
“I think mine is better than yours, though.”
She gave him a serious look before saying,“What do you
mean?”
“So good I paid them already. They said they have no
problem coming to your address to fix the tyres. And before
the end of this week, you’ll not only be sorted, but you’ll be
able to drive your car.”

65 -ERIC N BOSKATI

“You’re not joking,Tembani?”
“No ma’am; stand-up comedy is not my thing,” said
Tembani smilingly. Lizzie gave him a blank stare and her mind
was in deep thought.
“Are you serious?” she asked again.
“I’m dead serious, Lizzie. I wouldn’t joke about
something like that.” She moved her chair back, stood up, and
came around toward him. She gave him a big hug. For a few
seconds she clung to him.When she disengaged her eyes were
teary.
“Thank you,Tembani…you’re a real gentleman.”
“I think you deserve some peace of mind.You’ve been
through a lot lately.”
“You’re a caring man,” she said and picked up the menu.
“What is in here to eat?”she asked rhetorically.Both were now
going through the menu.A few minutes went by with neither
of them saying anything to each other.Then, out of nowhere
the waitress reappeared.“Have you made any decision yet on
what to order?” she asked smilingly.
“I’ll start with your salad. It looks appetizing,” Lizzie was
the first to make an order.
“Yes, ma’am, the greens have been sautéed in olive oil and
sprinkled with black pepper and the bacon tastes wonderful
too. It’s really a good starter.And your main course?”
“I want something meaty. Something I’ve never had
before.”
“You’re in the right place, ma’am.We have the Moroccan
beef stew with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and dried fruit, and
it’s very delicious. The beef has been marinated in lemon
herbs with our original spices. As for our sweet potatoes, we

66 -I Wish We Have Never Met

use organic potatoes that are cooked at low temperatures to
preserve their taste and nutritional value. It’s the same with
our chickpeas, ma’am. To make sure they go down well, we
serve them with our in-house sauce mix of ginger, garlic, and
parsley.”

“That sounds alluring.”
“Indeed, ma’am,” the waitress went on.“Our philosophy
comes from the Chinese proverb,“Let food be thy medicine,”
and in each of our dishes we infuse herbs and spices that
maintain, improve and repair your body’s health.”
“Impressive,” said Lizzie with a smile.The waitress smiled
back and asked,“Anything else, ma’am?”
“For now, that will be all.Thank you.”
“And you, sir?” she turned to Tembani.
“For a starter, I’ll take this.” He pointed at the menu.The
waitress came over to have a look. “Oh, that one. It’s indeed
very nice, sir, I must say.”
“Is it tripe, like u pens?” asked Tembani eagerly
“It is, sir, it’s real tripe.This is the famous starter dish that
won our chef the first prize on the television show called Chef
Wars.”
“I’d love to have a taste,” said Tembani, very interested.
“You’ll no doubt enjoy it, sir.Your main course?”
“Let me take this.”Again, he pointed on the menu.
“That’s grilled steak with tomatoes, onions, and
mushrooms,” said the waitress, jotting down some notes.
“And, please, when you bring our main course, don’t
forget to bring a bottle of wine.”
“Red or white, sir?”
“Make it dry red, ma’am…something special, if you

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know what I mean.”
“Indeed, sir…dry red will go down well with the beef

and steak, and luckily we have our in-house original list of
wines. I recommend that you take Imbali; it’s a dry red.”

“I trust that it’s really good?”
“Imbali dry-red Sir is one of our original in-house wines
. It’s processed, fermented, and distilled in Stellenbosch where
our wine cellars are. As you know, Stellenbosch is most
famous for its distillers, wine cellars, and vineyards. Imbali
was produced by Mr Kanyo Zibele, a wine specialist who
also studied at Stellenbosch University and graduated with
a Masters’ degree in Oenology. The wine has twice won the
National Best In-house Wine award judged by a panel of six
wine connoisseurs.”The waitress looked at both Tembani and
Lizzie, wondering if she was not boring them.
“We are listening,”Tembani encouraged her.
“To cut a long story short, sir, the Imbali also serve as an
aperitif, meaning it will make you guys enjoy your meals.
“This is overwhelming.You really do know your story. I
think the proof will now be in the pudding.”
“With pleasure, sir. I’ll be back in a few minutes with
your starters.Any drinks in the meantime?”
“Same juice with no ice this time.”
“And you, ma’am?”
“Still enjoying my latte.Thank you.”
The waitress left their table, leaving the two on their
own. “You look so beautiful tonight; I forgot to say,” started
Tembani.
“Thank you. I hope you’re not flattering me.”
“Of course not.You really blew me away.”

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“You’re exaggerating.”
Ten minutes went by as the two engaged in chit-chat.
The waitress returned ten minutes later with their starters and
left. Fifteen minutes later the waitress reappeared with their
main course and a bottle of wine. She opened the wine bottle
and diligently poured it into each glass.“Thank you, sweetie,”
said Lizzie gratefully. “You are welcome, ma’am.” She took
the empty dishes and promised that they’d enjoy their main
course meals more than they did their starters.Three minutes
went by as the two were busy with their meals. “I thought
the waitress was exaggerating. This is really delicious,” said
Tembani immersed in his meal.
“I had not once ever thought that one day I’d be in this
position.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean enjoying a meal besides fast food cooked by
someone else.”
“I knew you’d enjoy it.”
“I’ve tried several times before, but the meals were not
as enjoyable as this one today.” She took a long sip from her
wine glass and when she put it down, she said,“That too tastes
good.”
“Real good,” averred Tembani.“And there’s something I
need to tell you, Lizzie,” said Tembani, still enjoying his food.
“Is it serious?” asked Lizzie, taking another sip from her
glass.
“It is very serious.”
“I too have something to tell you.”
“Is it serious?”
“At the moment I cannot tell…but later on it might be.”

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“How so?” asked Tembani fiddling with his fork and
knife.

“I still have to follow up on something to confirm the
seriousness thereof.”

“I see…should I go first with mine, or will you go first?”
“Please do…before I get nervous,” said Lizzie
“That’s because you’re wine-shy, Lizzie,” Tembani raised
his hand.This time a waiter instead of a waitress came running.
“Can we have another bottle of wine? The same, my brother.”
“With pleasure, sir.” The waiter ran back to the kitchen
and two minutes later he was back with a bottle of wine. He
put it on the table and retreated. Tembani pushed aside his
plate, took a napkin, and wiped his mouth and hands. He took
the bottle of wine, opened it, and said, “I’ll do the honours.”
He poured it into his glass and waited for Lizzie to finish hers.
When she was done, he poured her a glass and said, “Now
let me say what I wanted to say.” Lizzie took the filled glass
but before taking a sip she stopped and looked at Tembani
expectantly.“I’m listening,” she said.
Tembani’s hand went inside his jacket and brought out a
piece of jewellery.“Lizzie, would you marry me?” He blurted
out the words and showed her an 18-carat diamond ring.
Lizzie took a sip but choked. The wine spilled all over her
and spoiled her blouse and miniskirt. She returned the glass
to the table and took a napkin to clean herself. She didn’t do
a good job of it as the wine left big purple blotches on her
clothes. Everyone turned around and looked at their table.
Tembani had the ring in his hand and he asked again,“Would
you marry me Lizzie?”
“Oh my God…Tembani. You’re embarrassing me.” She

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took the napkin and covered her face.“Please,Tembani, don’t
do this. Please.”Then the people around started singing, “Say
yes, yes, yes, say yes…” Lizzie moved the napkin from her face
and said,“Okay,Tembani…alright, I’ll marry you.”

“Yeah…yeah,” came the chorus from the restaurant
patrons and staff.They all clapped their hands.Tembani quickly
put the ring on Lizzie’s finger. He went around the table and
gave her a big hug before kissing her on the forehead.Then he
returned to his chair and sat down. Four gentlemen and three
ladies at the far end of the restaurant corner started singing
Cliff Richard’s classic song,

“Congratulations and celebrations,
When I tell everyone that you’re in love with me,
Congratulations and jubilations,
I want the world to know I’m happy as can be.”

Everyone in the restaurant turned and looked at them.
When they were done, the rest of the patrons gave the singers
a thunderous round of applause. Tembani and Lizzie both
smiled and joined in the applause. “This is wonderful,” said
Tembani smiling from ear to ear.

Lizzie looked at him across the table with a frown on her
face.“I said yes only because you were embarrassing me,” she
whispered.

“That’s all that matters to me. I only wanted a yes, and all
the patrons here are witnesses.”

“This is not on,Tembani. I’ve messed up my clothes.”
“That can easily be fixed.You need not worry. Let’s enjoy

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this moment.”
“No, not like this,” she shook her head.Then she looked

at the ring on her finger.“How did you know it would fit my
finger?”

“Didn’t I tell you that I’m psychic?”
“It’s beautiful.” She looked at the ring, turning her finger
in all directions.
“It’s an 18-carat. Beautiful, just like you.”
“I love it,” she said, still looking at it.“You’re so cruel, do
you know that?”
“What about you, a thief of all people?”
Looking surprised, she asked,“A thief?”
“Yeah, a thief.”
In bewilderment Lizzie asked again,“What did I do?”
“You stole my heart,” said Tembani, taking a sip from his
glass. Lizzie took her half-filled glass and pretended to throw
it at him.Tembani burst out laughing. “Oh my God. I didn’t
know you’re like this,” she said smilingly.
“For someone I love, I can be anything.”
“This is a shortcut, though, and you know it.”
“Shortcut?”
“To my heart.”
“You can’t blame a man for loving. Anyway, you said
you’ve got something to tell me. It’s your turn,” said Tembani,
his eyes a little blurry.
“Oh, you have not forgotten?”
“No…no Lizzie. Just a little warmed up, that’s all.” He
looked at Lizzie expectantly. Lizzie looked at him without
saying anything.“I’m listening,” said Tembani nudging her on.
“I don’t know how to say it.”

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“You said it’s not serious. It should be easy to say.You can
have another glass of wine.”

“No, I’ve had enough now.”
“Then say it, my beautiful wife-to-be.”
“Oh my God.We don’t even know each other that well,
Tembani.”
“We know each other enough to get married. I’m
listening.”
“You really want me to say this?”
“Of course, Lizzie. It was not easy for me to propose to
you. I’ll always drink this Imbali wine in memory of this day.
It helped me,” said Tembani with a smile.
Lizzie looked at him and loved what she was looking at,
but she quickly cautioned herself.We don’t know each other
that well, her mind kept reminding her. She admitted, though,
that no man had captivated her heart like the one before her.
“Go on,” said Tembani, a little impatient.
“The other thing that made me arrive a little late here is
because in the last few days I’ve been suffering from heartburn
and nausea.” She looked at him and Tembani said nothing.
Then she continued,“Just before I left, I remembered I had a
pregnancy test kit that I never used and I decided to use it.”
Again, she looked at Tembani, who said nothing.“The results
showed that I am pregnant.”
“Yes, yes, and yes!” said Tembani in excitement. If you
were looking at their table, you would have thought he had
just won something big.
“Not so fast, mister,” said Lizzie, taken aback by Tembani’s
instant celebration.
‘What do you mean ‘not so fast’?”

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“I haven’t finished yet.The pregnancy test kit could have
expired.This might be a false alarm.”

“I’m so glad that very soon I’ll be a dad.”Tembani stood
up, came around the table, and kissed her on the lips.“Did you
hear what I just said,Tembani?”

Still on his feet, Tembani shouted, “She is pregnant.”
Patrons, waiters, and waitresses turned and clapped their hands.
This time a few came to their table to congratulate them.
Lizzie had difficulty handling all of that, but Tembani was
enjoying every bit of it.When the noise died down,Tembani
returned to his seat. “I’m so, so happy, Lizzie. You’ve really
changed my life.”

“And you’ve overwhelmed mine.This is all too much for
me.”

“Don’t worry, we are in this together. It’s us versus the
world.” Lizzie shook her head. “Let me have another glass;
I thought I was done.” Tembani took her glass, poured her
some wine, and then did the same with his. He put down the
bottle and raised his glass to Lizzie’s and said, “To Lizzie and
Tembani.” Lizzie raised hers and the two glasses clinked. “To
our new life. Here we come.”A few people somewhere in the
restaurant clapped their hands. Then Tembani’s phone rang.
“And now?” he said picking it up.“Hello?”

“Hi,Tembani. It’s Mbu here.”
“Yes, sure, Mbu.What’s up, bro?”
“I’ve got bad news, bro.”
“What?”
“Lulama’s son is in hospital.”
“You mean our son?”
“Yeah, and apparently he’s in a serious condition.”

74 -I Wish We Have Never Met

“When was this?”
I don’t know man. I just got a call an hour ago.”
“Which hospital?
“Khayelitsha.”
“Damn, Mbu.”
“I know, bro.When do you think you’ll be able to go and
see him?”
“Tomorrow, I guess.”
“So, you’ll be flying to Cape Town tomorrow?”
“What do you mean, Mbu? I’m in Cape Town.”
“This guy! Since when? I’m also in Cape Town.”
“You’re not joking, Mbu? Serious?
“I’ve been here for the last three months.”
“You didn’t even tell me?”
“I didn’t even know you’re in Cape Town.When did you
move from Jo’burg?”
“It’s a long story, bro, but I’ll tell you when we’re face to
face.”
“No problem. Can’t we then go together tomorrow?”
“I think that would be a good idea, but broer, you just
ruined my night.”
“I’m sorry about that. I thought I should tell you.”
“I hear you…I’ll do my best.Thanks.”
“Sure, and bye.”
“Bye.” He put down the phone and all of sudden the
atmosphere in the restaurant turned gloomy and foreboding.
“What was that?” asked Lizzie, really curious. Tembani
looked at her and said, “I think we need to leave. I’ll tell you
everything on the way.”Tembani called the waitress and asked
her to bring the bill.When she brought it, he added a gratuity

75 -ERIC N BOSKATI

to the amount of five hundred rands. He swiped his card for
the payment and both he and Lizzie left the restaurant to the
ululations and applause of patrons and staff.

76 -I Wish We Have Never Met

Chapter XIII

The time was 11:30 in the morning and Tembani
busily polished his shoes in preparation for his visit
to the Khayelitsha hospital. Early in the morning, he had called
Mbulelo just to get clarity on the circumstances surrounding
his son’s admission. Mbulelo had told him that he had no
further details. His sense was that the matter was serious and
urgent. Fair enough, thought Tembani as he looked at his
wristwatch. It was standard practice among many families not
to divulge the details of such matters until they met face to
face.The time was now twenty-five to twelve and that meant
he still had two hours to go before he could leave for the
hospital. He had heard that visitation times were between two
and three-thirty in the afternoon.There was enough time for
him to go past Lizzie’s place for a chat. Last night he had
explained everything about his relationship with Lulama to her.
Lizzie had listened carefully and without interruption.When
he was done, a barrage of questions followed. Tembani tried
his best to answer all of them, leaving nothing to guesswork.
He gave her all the details and made sure that there were no
gaps or holes in his story. His aim was to gain Lizzie’s trust.

77 -ERIC N BOSKATI

He pleaded with her.“Out of all this, I’ll need your support. I
don’t know how it will turn out, but as long as you’re next to
me, that’s all I need.” Lizzie had agreed and had pledged her
support for him.“I’ll be right beside you,” she had said.“Every
step of the way.”

“Thank you, my love. I really appreciate that.”
“At least you should agree with me that we really don’t
know each other that well,” she had also said.
“Let’s not go there, Lizzie. We will be getting married
soon.That’s all that matters right now.”
“What I mean is that I too have my own story to tell.”
“You sure do. I understand that, but you shouldn’t worry
yourself too much. We will fix each other as we go along.
We’re both not perfect.”
There was something about Lizzie’s statement that
worriedTembani- “I too have my own story to tell.” He didn’t
know whether it was her tone or her demeanour.There was
something deep, something intense in the manner she said it.
And it was because of this that Tembani thought it wise to
pass by her place and see how she was doing before heading
to the hospital. Tembani arrived at Lizzie’s place at exactly
13h35. Lizzie saw him coming through the door. She stood
up and welcomed him in with a big hug, wrapping her long
arms around his shoulders.
“I love you, Tembani, but I don’t know how to say this.
I feel like something bad is going to happen,” she whispered
in his ear.Tembani pulled back and looked at her.There were
tears in her eyes. He wiped them with his hands, cupped her
face, and kissed her on the lips. “There’s nothing bad tht is
going to happen, Lizzie. You just worry yourself too much.

78 -I Wish We Have Never Met

You need to relax,” he said, and came forward and hugged
her again. Lizzie wiped her eyes and went to the kitchen.
She came back carrying two glasses filled with soda. She gave
Tembani one glass and sat down on the couch opposite him.

“Have you been to the hospital yet?” she asked.
“Not yet; I’m actually on my way there.” Tembani
noticed that on the coffee table there was a pile of papers and
newspaper clippings.
“Going down memory lane?” he asked out of curiosity.
“Not necessarily…remember I said I have my own story
to tell? Some of it is in here.” She pointed at the files on the
coffee table.
“Quite a story, by the look of things,” remarked Tembani.
“You could say that,”said Lizzie,looking at her fingernails.
“So, how do you feel about seeing your son for the first time?”
“To be honest, Lizzie, I don’t know. I never imagined it
would be anything like this.”
“Let’s hope, though, that as soon as he sees you he’ll be
alright.”
“I hope so too.”
“What about your ex-girlfriend? When last did you see
her?”
“Come on, Lizzie. I told you yesterday. The last time I
saw her was when I passed my matric. She’s a married woman
now.”
“I’m just rechecking facts,” said Lizzie, hiding her smile.
“I hope it’s not jealousy.”
“I’m a woman, I’ll admit it,” said Lizzie, looking at
Tembani with an enquiring eye.Tembani stood up, came over,
and sat next to her. He stretched his arm over her shoulders.

79 -ERIC N BOSKATI

Looking in her eyes and in a low tone, he said,“Lizzie, I love
you. I’ll love you for as long as I live. Don’t ever doubt my
love. All the love I have in my heart is for you.Whatever else
is left of it is for our children.” He kissed her on the forehead
and said, “Believe me.” Lizzie looked him straight in his eyes
and threw her arms around his shoulders. “Oh, Tembani, it’s
like you’re God-sent. I’ve always wanted someone like you.A
loving and caring man.Your love healed me and I thank God
for that.”

“I told you yesterday we are in this together.”
“I believe you, sweetheart.” She kissed him on the
forehead.Tembani’s phone rang. He looked at the screen and
it was Mbulelo.
“Mbu?”
“I’m on my way to the hospital; where are you?”
“I’m on my way there too.”
“Cool, we’ll meet there, then.”
“Sure.”
“Bye.”
He ended the call and returned the phone to his pocket.
He kissed Lizzie on the lips.“Let me go, sweetheart,” he said,
standing up.“Mbulelo is already on his way there.”
“You’d better hurry, then…and here.” She gave him the
bunch of newspaper clippings. “Key parts of my story.You’ll
find them there.”Tembani looked at the newspaper clips and
took them. “It’s alright,” he said, rushing for the door. “I’ll
look at them when I have time. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye, and be careful out there,” said Lizzie, and Tembani
was gone.

80 -I Wish We Have Never Met

Chapter XIV

Tembani drove his car at sixty miles per hour
knowing from experience that it would take him
nearly twenty-five minutes from Kwa-Langa to Khayelitsha
Hospital on the N2 freeway. He steered his car steadily past
other cars, all the while with his mind in deep thought. He
was not lying when he told Lizzie that he was not sure how
he felt about seeing his son for the first time. His mind was
a pendulum swinging from merriment to gloom and from
gloom to merriment. Not knowing how the situation would
turn out once he saw his son. He also didn’t know who to
blame between himself and Lulama. For years, he had been
nursing a psychological wound that festered with each year
that he did not see his son. In his social circles and whenever
he saw a young boy, he’d lift him up and run around to assuage
his emotional pain. Deep down, he was groaning and yearning
to see his son. When people talked about deadbeat dads, he
found himself guilty in the first degree.Today, his impending
reunion with his son felt to him like an acquittal. He was,
however, scared of Lulama’s reaction, not knowing whether
she would maintain the guilty verdict or issue his immediate

81 -ERIC N BOSKATI

release to fatherhood. He had imagined that the day he saw
his son for the first time would be the most memorable and
fulfilling day of his life. He never thought that the venue for
such a day would be a hospital and that it would be a day
when his son was fighting for his life in a hospital bed. He
consoled himself by tapping into his traditional beliefs.When
he was still young, he was made to believe that sometimes the
father’s absence in a child’s life can be the reason for many
misfortunes and ailments. Tembani hoped that his situation
was one of those cases. He hoped against hope that when
his son saw him, all the ailments and misfortunes would no
longer have a hold on him.

He slowed down his car as he entered the Site C informal
section of Khayelitsha, swerving left and right to avoid a
collision with reckless taxi drivers coming from the opposite
direction. On occasions, he also had to be careful to avoid
hitting potholes. He was on a busy street that required him
to be more alert than is usual. Pedestrians would randomly
cross the road from one side to the other without warning.
Tembani kept his cool and continued dragging his car along
the one-lane road of Site C, Khayelitsha until he was at a four-
way stop at Site B, another section of Khayelitsha informal
settlement. As he waited for the traffic lights to turn green,
he looked around the area and was stunned by the number of
stalls hawkers had erected alongside the road to sell their stuff.
This area was the most hard-hit by unemployment. Quite
clearly, the people had not succumbed to hopelessness and
despair. And despite their daily struggles, they still had the
courage to wake up every morning to go and man their stalls,
canteens, and spaza shops, hoping that today would be better

82 -I Wish We Have Never Met

than yesterday and tomorrow even better than today. Along
the road, there was a row of tshisanyama stands with smoke
billowing into the hot afternoon sky. Other stalls were selling
chips, energy drinks, and not far off some were selling clothes.
Further down the four-way stop were vessel containers
written ‘Salon and barber shop’; other containers were turned
into spaza shops, stores for cellphone, repairs and hardware
stalls. Tembani was impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit of
the locals.

The traffic lights turned green. He sped his car straight
to Makhaya, a small section of Khayelitsha where the hospital
was situated.A few minutes later he entered the huge hospital
gate. Once inside, he drove around the parking area, looking
for an empty parking bay. He found one and parked his car.
He looked at his wristwatch; the time was 13h50. He took out
his phone and dialled Mbulelo’s number. Mbulelo’s response
was quick. He told Tembani that he was already inside waiting
for him in the reception area.Tembani rushed to the hospital
entrance and found Mbulelo sitting on an armchair waiting
for him.They greeted each other, then went on by giving each
other excuses as to why one did not tell the other about being
in Cape Town. Looking at the wall clock, Mbulelo hurriedly
advised Tembani to fill the visitors’ log book. Afterwards, the
two rushed down the corridor to ward 142 to join Lulama
and her husband.

“Do you know why the boy ended up in here?” asked
Tembani, out of breath.

“You’ll probably hear everything once we get there.”
They found Ward 142, and outside the ward were two police
officers that were on guard. Mbulelo and Tembani introduced

83 -ERIC N BOSKATI

themselves to the satisfaction of the two officers.“You may go
in, sirs,” said the short police officer with a deep voice.

84 -I Wish We Have Never Met

Chapter XV

Mbulelo pushed the door wide open and both he
and Tembani went in.The light above the patient
lying on the bed was a little bright. His face was covered with
an oxygen mask and drips went the length of both his arms.
There were two drip chambers hanging on both sides of the
bed. At the foot of his bed was the patient’s screen monitor.
The green line on the monitor showed that the patient’s heart
rate was precarious.There was a woman sitting on the other
side of the bed looking at the patient with teary eyes. Her
husband was close by and his hand held firmly onto hers.
Tembani could tell that this was Lulama and her husband.
It had been about seventeen years since he last saw her. She
looked more mature now than when she was a teenager. Now
she exuded an aura of authority about herself, no longer the
young girl he used to play tricks on. Seeing her as she was was
a humbling experience forTembani. Her husband’s stature and
demeanour complemented her marital status. The husband
was short with an air of respectability about him. Together,
they looked dignified. Mbulelo was the first to greet them
and Tembani followed suit.The man introduced himself as Mr
Hlati and Lulama as his wife.Tembani introduced himself and

85 -ERIC N BOSKATI

Mbulelo did likewise.
“Alright,” said Lulama’s husband. “Now that we know

each other, I think it’s important to explain why we are all
here.” Both Tembani and Mbulelo nodded in agreement.

“We got a call the day before yesterday that Bongoletu
was in hospital. As to why, we had no clue. The person who
called us didn’t even bother to tell us why. Quickly, my wife
and I made our way here. That was two days ago.” Both
Mbulelo and Tembani nodded.

“When we got here, the doctor told us that Bongo had
suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and that it punctured
one of his lungs. According to the doctor, he had lost a lot of
blood as a result of that.” Both Mbulelo and Tembani looked
at each other.“A gunshot wound?” asked Tembani in shock.

“That’s what the doctor told us.You know, this boy was
no longer staying with us. When we tried to guide him, he
didn’t want to listen. He left us to stay with his friends at
Site B. His friends are not the type you’d recommend for any
child.They’re well-known scoundrels in Site B; zinjubaqa.”

“Was he going to school when he left you guys?” asked
Tembani.

“We thought he was, until we received a call from his
teacher asking about his whereabouts,” explained Lulama to
Mbulelo and Tembani.“When we confronted him about that,
he left us for his friends.”

“To cut a long story short,” came in the husband, “he
was shot while they were robbing a motorist.We are not clear
as yet about the details. The belief is that he was shot by the
police.”

“Where was this?”Asked Tembani anxiously

86 -I Wish We Have Never Met

“We really have no idea. All we were told is that it was a
robbery or something like that.”

“And how is he now?” asked Tembani worriedly.
“He’s been in a coma for at least four days now.”
“This is so sad,” he said, tears blinding his eyes.“I’ve never
seen my son and even now with all the medical equipment on
his face .This is bad.” He was wiping tears from his eyes.
“I hear you, my brother. I plead with you, please let’s
not shed any tears now. He is still alive. Please, my brother, I
know your pain. My wife told me everything about you and
your son.”That seemed to work and Tembani quickly calmed
himself down, still wiping his eyes. “I apologize. I’ve always
wanted this day to be a memorable day in my life.This is my
firstborn. He can’t even see me nor even feel that I’m here. It’s
so bad, really.”
“Please my brother, please,” Mr Hlati begged him.
Tembani nodded and apologized once more. He turned to
look at the patient on the bed.
“Times like these need all of us to pull together,” Mr Hlati
went on.“Life is so precious, such that when it’s threateningly
at risk, all our energies should be turned into one powerful
force to save and keep it.”
“I think I saw something,” exclaimed Tembani excitedly.
Everyone looked at him.“His fingers just moved,” he pointed
towards the bed. They all turned to look at the patient’s
fingers. Indeed, his fingers were moving. His hand also lifted a
little.“Where is the nurse?” asked Tembani, rushing out of the
ward. Seconds later, he came back, followed by the nurse.“His
hand was moving,” Lulama told the nurse.The nurse went to
the monitor and looked at it for a few seconds. “His blood

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pressure is coming alright,” said the nurse, her face close to
the monitor’s screen,“and the oxygen saturation is improving
too.”All four of them were also watching.The other hand was
moving too. Everyone in the room looked at the patient as if
seeing a ghost. All of a sudden, both hands stopped moving.
“This is good,” said the nurse.“It’s the first time he has made
any movements since he went into a coma few days ago.”

“Really?” asked Tembani, a bit excited.
“His eye,” Mbulelo pointed at the patient. There was
movement of his eyebrows and his head moved too. “He’s
coming alright.We will have to leave the ward in case we put
too much pressure on his nerves.”
All four looked at the patient one last time before exiting
the room.“I think he’s coming alright,” repeated the nurse.
“You see? Your presence did work,” said Mbulelo to
Tembani excitedly.
“He must have longed to see his father too,” added Mr
Hlati.
“Of course. That has always been his wish,” followed
Lulama.Tembani only smiled.
“Let’s be careful and not get carried away, people,”
cautioned Mr Hlati. “He could be acknowledging us or his
father in particular.We just need to pray.”
“I think you’re right,” replied Tembani, and all four went
outside the room. Once they were outside the ward,Tembani
thanked both Mr Hlati and his wife for the manner in which
they handled the whole situation.“We were doing what every
couple would have done in our position, my brother. Nothing
extraordinary.”
“I think we need to at least sit down for a few minutes.

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I have a few things I need to say,” said Tembani to Mr Hlati
and his wife.

“I think we can sit in the reception area; it’s very spacious
there,” advised Mbulelo, and all three agreed.They all walked
the length of the corridor before reaching the reception area.
After sitting down,Tembani started the conversation.

“Let me once again thank you both, Mr and Mrs Hlati,
for everything you have done in coping with and raising
Bongoletu. Like I said in the ward, I never had the opportunity
to see him.I don’t blame anyone about that.However,now that
I have gotten to know you both, I think I’d really appreciate
it if I were to be given an opportunity to spend some time
with Bongoletu as soon as he’s discharged from the hospital,
hoping his health improves.”

“I hear you, Mr Nzise, and on that one I’ll not let the
cart lead the horse. My wife is here and she’s the one who can
clear the way for you. Over to you, Lulu.” For the first time
since meeting them, Tembani looked Lulama directly in the
eye.

“You’re right to say that there’s no need to go back nor
to put the blame on anyone,” began Lulama.“I believe that no
one among us wants to reopen old wounds.We are here now
and as for Bongoletu, he is indeed your child. My husband
had always maintained that Bongo must be reunited with
his father. However, you too know that you never paid any
damages.” Lulama stopped to catch her breath.

“I know that,” agreed Tembani.
“My father passed away five years ago, but as you know,
my uncles can handle such matters. I have two children of
wedlock. In other words, I would not stand in the way of you

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being with your child once you’ve paid your dues.”
“Thank you, Lulama, and also thank you, Mr Hlati.That

was all I wanted to hear.Mbulelo,do you want to say anything?
It was you who made all this possible.”

“I’m just happy that you guys have managed to resolve
your issues.That’s all.”

“Thank you, bro. You were persistent and consistent in
ensuring that this day happened.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Good,” said Mr Hlati, “I think that settles everything. I
don’t want us to forget about Bongoletu.We must keep him
in our prayers. I’ll remind my wife to send you pictures of
your son, if that will be of any help to you?”
“Please do…that will indeed be of great help.”
“Great…from now on, let’s pray for the young man,”
concluded Mr Hlati. “Yes, we will indeed keep him in
our prayers,” said Tembani emphatically. All four said their
goodbyes and the impromptu meeting at the reception area
of the hospital building was adjourned at 15h25.

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Chapter XVI

Tembani was sure that his son would come to and
that the two of them would begin rebuilding their
new lives together.There was a spring in his step as he walked
around in his house. He felt as if a heavy burden has been
lifted off his shoulders. Seeing his son for the first time was
a major factor in his now-lively spirits. He had longed to
be a proper dad. That time has now arrived. He fantasized
about taking photos with him on the beach, in the boat at the
Waterfront in Cape Town, or going to the mall just to spoil
him. It was like a dream come true. He paced up and down
his house not looking for anything in particular. He was just
happy and excited at the prospect of being a proper daddy.
When he faced the mirror hanging on the bedroom wall,
he shadow-boxed and shuffled his shoulders like someone
getting into a boxing ring. “A dad; can you believe it?” he
asked his reflection. Then the thought of Lizzie entered his
mind. He gave an affectionate smile and shadow-boxed some
more. “Damn it, am I lucky or what?” he again asked his
reflection. He wiped his face using both his hands and looked
again. “Am I handsome or what?” He couldn’t stop smiling.

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He threw a few punches in the air and returned to his bed.
Lying on his back, he felt he needed to call Lizzie just to
give her an update of what had transpired at the hospital. He
picked up his phone on the pedestal and dialled the number.
“Hello,” came Lizzie’s voice.

“How are you doing, Ms soon-to-be-Mrs-Nzise?”
“I’m doing fine thanks, Mr Nzise”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too, sweetheart. How did your hospital visit
go?”
“It went well, my love.”
“Tell me the details, kaloku.”
“I was about to,” said Tembani teasingly. “Here are the
details. The boy is still in a coma, but whilst we were there
his fingers and hands moved.According to the nurse, this was
happening for the first time.
“Oh, really?”
“I’m telling you. The nurse said it’s a good sign he’s
coming to.”
“That is so wonderful, babe.”
“I’m really so happy to see him, even though I couldn’t
see his face properly because of the respiratory mask covering
his face.”
“He’ll get better, surely.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Afterwards, both Lulama and her
husband agreed that once the boy has fully recovered, they
will give me the opportunity to reunite with him, but, of
course, after I’ve followed protocol, if you know what I mean.”
“Damages.”
“You’re spot-on.”

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“That shouldn’t be a problem, I guess.”
“You’re right.” Tembani’s phone beeped, notifying him
that there was a message in his box. It beeped five more times
and Tembani looked at the screen and noticed that there were
four pictures and two messages.
“And then…?” came Lizzie’s voice.
“What?”
“You haven’t said anything about your ex-girlfriend.
Whether she was angry at you or not.What was her attitude,
if I may ask?”
“Come on, Lizzie; not that again.”
“Yes, that again,Tembani.You haven’t said anything.”
“I’m pulling your leg, sweetheart. The truth is that they
both came across as decent people. To my surprise, we were
like strangers to each other. If she was acting, she was good
at it.”
“What do you mean ‘acting’?”
“She was not like that when she was younger. She looks
so serious now.”
“You’re talking about a mature and married woman, my
love. Do they have children?”
“Yeah, two, I guess.”
“She was not acting. Get over it, sweetheart.” She was
giggling.
“I guess so.They looked perfect for each other.”
“I think you’re getting it now.” She was laughing.
“When it comes to us, though, we will look much more
than that.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear, my love.”
“I can’t wait to see us married.”

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“We will, and I hope you mean it.”
“I’ve got this, Lizzie.”
“Show me, big boy.”
Tembani laughed before saying, “You’re so alive these
days; what happened?”
“You happened.”
“Oh yeah…I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
“I’ll talk to you later, my love. Bye for now.”
“Bye,sweetheart.Have you gone through those newspaper
clippings I gave you?”
“I’ll do so as soon as I end this call.”
“Please do. Bye, then.”
“Bye.”

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Chapter XVII

Lying on his back on the bed, Tembani went to his
WhatsApp and opened the message box. He clicked
on the pictures that were recently sent while talking to Lizzie.
A few seconds later they all became clear. He looked at each
picture twice or thrice, not sure if his mind or eyes were
playing tricks on him. It was as if the pictures were changing
each time he viewed them. For a better and clearer view, he
brought the phone closer to his eyes. He was now no longer
lying on his back but sitting up. His fingers were trembling as
he tapped on each photo to enlarge it.After having looked at
them properly, he shook his head, trying very hard to convince
himself that he was wrong. Sweat started pouring down his
temple and face.And the banging of his heart against his chest
gave him chest pains.
Slowly he got off his bed and made his way to the kitchen
with his phone still on his hand. He leaned against the sink,
poured himself a glass of water, and drank it without a pause.
Once again, he tapped his phone to look at the photos again.
“No…no…it can’t be.” He was shaking his head.“There’s no
way in hell. Shooting my own blood?” He poured himself
another glass of water and only drank half of it.He moved away

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