“I can’t believe Khotso killed Mohato… and Zari? Those are my kids!” Thabi says as we get ready together for the funeral.
I don’t say anything. I’m still establishing my boundaries around here. Also, I’m mindful that these people got killed because of my sister.
“I underestimated him, I will admit that. I always thought that Ona was the ruthless one. But Khotso yena… he is heartless. He clearly took after Mohato their father in that regard. And with Phuthi by his side… yerrr!”
“Phuthi is dangerous?” I ask.
“More than dangerous. She’s the one who had your sister executed because Ona couldn’t go through with it.”
Wow!
“Those two… they are a dangerously powerful couple. I’m not sure if I like it. Khotso was better off with these stupid and naive girls. Pope and king have never gone to war, Phindile. The thought has never even crossed any mind. Tholoana Kingdom cannot afford it. I don’t know what’s more dangerous… pope and king going to war… or the Mohale twins going to war.” 
She’s really worried, yaz. 
She’s very stressed.
“If Ona dies, do you know what that means?” She asks me.
I have not thought about my husband dying. I mean…
“Khotso becomes king. He will be both king and pope. We’d have to become his wives.”
“At least you’ll still be queen.” I say.
“On paper. But Phuthi would be pope’s number one. That ranks higher. She might as well be queen.” 
“Hopefully, Phuthi wouldn’t let Ona die. She doesn’t seem prepared to share Khotso as a husband.”
“That’s honestly going to be our saving grace, watsiba.” 
Now we are quiet as we finish off our makeup.

We step into the living room. All the necessary rituals have been completed. Phuthi, Khotso and their kids are all here. All the members of this church and their wives are here. The stares that Ona and Khotso are giving each other are making EVERYONE uncomfortable. Phuthi, beautiful as she is, looks like she strengthened Khotso herself before they left their house today. 
The two coffins are in front of us. Rea is the one who seems… I don’t know… sad. And it’s surprising because he and Mohato never really got along. But Nandi is here for him. I know they are having issues. I know it has something to do with him impregnating some other girl. But I don’t know all the details. Nandi made sure that no one knows about that girl and that girl never comes out of whatever hole she crept out of. Thabi told me that Rea seems to be in love with that girl, but Nandi is not having it. So, it’s in the best interests of everyone if girl is just a dirty little secret that never surfaces. 

We finally leave for the hall where the cemetery will be. All of this is being televised. I don’t know how I feel about this. 
The car ride is the most awkward. Ona, Khotso, Phuthi, Thabi and myself are being driven in one car. The tension is UNMATCHED! 
Us wives keep stealing looks at each other. But we all have sunglasses on, so it’s not obvious. But we all know. 
Khotso is on his cellphone. Ona is on his. 
“Phuthi, I was wondering if you and Khotso would mind moving into the royal house until the mourning period is over.” Thabi says.
This has also caught me by surprise. I wonder what part of Thabi’s plan this is.
Thabi looks at Khotso.
“Why?” Khotso is the one who asks.
“We are all family. And we are in a mourning period. Regardless of what has happened, we need to stick together and show a united front”, Thabi.
“Pity, that couldn’t happen when it came to playing Russian roulette with my son’s life.” Ona.
“He knew the risks. And he gambled with our lives and well-being”, Khotso.
“But we are all fine, aren’t we?” Ona.
“He left the church. Why was he still getting involved in shit that involved the church? Worse, things that compromised his life?!” Khotso.
“Guys, please!” Thabi.
They stare at each other.
“How would you feel if it were Moloko?” Ona.
“You want to come for my son now?” 
“Wouldn’t you say that I’m well within my rights? An eye for an eye, right?”
Khotso laughs under his breath. 
My focus is on Phuthi and she looks like she will have Ona like he’s never been had before if he so much as touches Moloko. Thabi notices too. Then Thabi and I look at each other. 
“Do you think I enjoyed making that order?” Khotso asks Ona. His tone is sincere. It’s actually as if we are hearing, for the first time, just how hurt he is. Even Ona says nothing.
“He was my son too, Ona. And he fucked up at the highest level of danger. We had no choice. I had no choice. I had to make a decision that would’ve changed the structure of the church forever. This was not the time for people to speculate that if they choose allegiances with certain people, they could get away with pretty much anything. The rules apply to everyone… stronger for those we even allowed to leave. And we both know that no one ever leaves the church. An accommodation has already been made for Mohato and Zari where they both left and were never followed by consequences. All they had to do was stay away. But they liked flirting with the limits of the church. And now this has happened. It had to be done. And if not by me, the international deacons would’ve done it. And it wouldn’t have been pretty. I did it as gently as I could. He probably didn’t feel himself dying. He was asleep.” Khotso.
Now we all look at Ona. 
He’s actually really emotional about this. 
“To answer your question, Thabi. I don’t think we will be able to stay at the royal house.” Phuthi says.
“Guys… I know we are all in a bad place right by now. Trust me, I know. But we are all we have now. Mme Kea and Morena Mohato are gone. They were the elders that kept this family together. Now, we have Mohale elders, but none of them care about us staying close. They just perform the rituals and keep it pushing. If we don’t keep the love and closeness together, generation yabana barona will be the beginning of the Mohale clan losing each other. And in case we all need a reminder… that was the beginning of the dethroning of the Tau throne. No matter what, guys… the last thing we need to be is so divided that we can be conquered. Please… we are all hurt by what has happened. For me, it would be worse if it’s all for nothing. Morena Mohato would never forgive us if we allow our feud to endanger this throne.” Thabi… spoken like a true queen. 
Silence.
“I know that a lot has happened. But can we try? Please? We need to revive the royal house. It has to go back to what it used to be when Mofomahadi Kea and Morena Mohato were around. It’s what Mme Mathabo died for… it cannot be in vain. It’s all she ever fought for. It’s all she ever lived for.” 
Silence. 
“We need assurance that we will be safe… that our kids will be safe. Because if we even smell danger, there will be bloodshed in that royal house.” Phuthi.
“Phuthi, we are trying here. And we are rebuilding here. We have a responsibility as bomakoti bakobuhhosing… if these two are not prepared to fix this, we need to pioneer the fixing. We are their biggest influence.”
“Thabi, I’m hearing you. My only issue here is that Moloko’s life has been threatened and as Moloko’s mother, I don’t appreciate that nor do I take it lightly. I need assurances of our safety then I’ll be more open to the idea.” Phuthi.
“Ona… please guarantee Phuthi that Moloko will be safe.” Thabi says to Ona.
“He’s safe. I won’t hurt him. I promise.” 
I feel like that’s also his way of saying he supports that Khotso and his family should move into the royal house.
Khotso and Phuthi look at each other. 
“Fine, we will move in.” Phuthi says.
“Thank you.” Thabi.
“And lona… can we be a united front today? Even if it’s just for the cameras… you always lead us forward. The wives always follow behind you. For the throne, can we make it happen?” Thabi says to Khotso and Ona.
Khotso looks at Phuthi, as if seeking approval from her. She nods her head.
Khotso extends his hand to Ona. Ona accepts the hand. They shake hands. 

The car finally comes to a stop. It’s time for us to step out and head in. Khotso and Phuthi kiss each other just before we all leave the car, Ona and Khotso leading the way forward. 
Thabi, the queen, walks behind them. Phuthi and I walk in together. 

…

One thing about these people here in Tholoana Kingdom is that they are strange as hell. Strange, I tell you. 
We are at Mohato’s and Zari’s funeral. Wandi and I are sitting next to Mam’Phuthi’s parents. Shame, they came down for the funeral and I think it was absolutely thoughtful. I know Bab’Khotso appreciates it a lot. 
The mourning week was insane. The family was fighting uncontrollably. Bab’Ona and Bab’Khotso have never been in a place like this before. At some point, Bab’Ona pulled a gun out on Bab’Khotso… then Bab’Khotso dared him to pull the trigger. Mam’Phuthi promised Bab’Ona that she would murder all his children, one-by-one… and she’d make sure that he watches, letting them all die in his hands so he’s the one who sees them take their last breath. 
Never! And I mean NEVER! Never have I ever heard people threaten each other like that in my life. It was a frightening experience for everyone who had to witness this shit. But for people like Bab’Maboko and Bab’Zithulele, it was just sad. I guess they’ve been in their lives for long and this is the last thing that they’d ever expect these twins to go through in this lifetime. 
During our gossip session, Wandi and I were gossiping and Wandi told me that she suspects – from all the talks that have been going on as well as all the fighting that has been going on – that Bab’Khotso is the one who had Mohato and Zari killed. It had something to do with their church thing. But we don’t have all the details.

Then…
Zari’s family arrived! 
Ha weh mah! 
The fighting! The swearing! All these things were incredibly unmatched. It was WAR! I don’t even know how or when they all just sat down as a family and decided that this send off would be like this. You know, in all this madness, I missed my mother. I know, it’s crazy. She’s the least peaceful person there is, but her distance from all of this just made me feel like I could talk to her and have some sort of peace. I gave her a call. She was so happy to hear from me. And we spoke! We spoke for a good two hours on the line. 
She told me that she heard about my dad’s passing, but she couldn’t call or be here for me because she wasn’t sure if I’d want her around. I wasn’t even hurt. I completely understood and I actually respected that she stayed away – particularly for Mam’Fifi’s sake. She didn’t need the drama. It’s not that my mom still wanted my dad, it’s just that my mom cannot help herself… she offers drama FOR FREE and she never runs out. But in this call, I learned that she and the bishop (the religious one that raised me) have fixed things. They are living together again and they’ve adopted a child whose mother passed away. The mother was the bishop’s cousin. She died while giving birth. The child needed a home and a family. My mom and the bishop could more than provide that. So now they are new parents sort of. The kid is three now or something to that effect. We promised each other that we’d keep in touch as well as do better at seeing each other. She also wants a relationship with Melo and you know what, I’m becoming more and more open to that. I will not lie. 
Today, Melo is at our house with the nanny. Wandi and I decided against her being around all of this chaos here. 

The service has just ended. 
We are all headed to dish up and eat. The burial took place at the wee hours of the morning. This service and these coffins were just here for the cameras. 
The set up at the eating area is nice. We are sitting on couches – black couches that is. Wandi and I are sitting with pretty much everyone. The space is big enough. We’ve formed a circle with our couches. The parents seem to be sitting together as well. Then people are just buzzing about. 
We are eating and chatting.
And then…
Silence…
Everyone is staring in one specific direction.
Someone is walking towards us.
Reahile and Khanyisa stands up.
Who the hell is this?! 
Even Nandi is confused.
Khabane looks defeated. 
Everyone else is just…
“Hey”, the lady says.
“Rofhiwa, hi.” Rea.
Ubani uRofhiwa bakithi?!
“How are you holding up? I mean… with losing your brother and all.” The lady.
Rea actually hugs her, much to Nandi’s annoyance.
These people never run out of awkward moments and uncomfortable situations. Ubani lo sisi?! 
Nandi clears her throat. 
They come out of their hug. Rea looks at this woman a little longer than he should and WE ALL notice.
“I’m sorry… love, this is Rofhiwa. She’s my ex-wife and the mother of the twins.” 
Ai ai ai! 
Now Nandi feels insecure. She cannot even hide it.
“Fifi, this is Nandi –
“I know who she is… we’ve had a telephonic exchange before when she was a dirty little side bitch while I was your wife. Why do you think she’s cringing so much?”
Okay, uRofhiwa ngathi u-unnecessarily problematic.
Even Rea is unsure about how to be. He scratches his head. 
“Look Rea, I’m not staying long. I wasn’t even sure if you would let me talk to you. But, I’m on my way to the airport. I’m leaving the kingdom permanently. My flight is in the next three hours, so…”
“Fifi, hi.” Khanyisa. She looks so hurt.
“Hi.” Fifi replies, cold. 
“Don’t you want to see the twins? I’m sure they’d be very happy to see you.” Khanyi.
“I don’t think I’m prepared to see them not remember me. It’s best this way. Besides, if I see them, I’d want to take them home with me and I doubt that Rea would allow that. I don’t want to leave here on bad terms.” 
TENSE!
“Have you spoken to papa? Or kazi?” Khanyi. 
“After the way that you all treated me, none of you even deserved to know that I’m out. So no, I didn’t speak to them and I don’t plan to speak to them. I only came here to make sure that the father of my children is okay… nothing else.”
“Rofhiwa! We are family.” Khanyi.
“No, we not. We never have been. Your aunt simply married my father and our family changed so much… we wanted the loyalty so bad we believed it was there. But you betrayed me the first chance you got… for a man. Today, some Zulu slut has my husband and I don’t even have a relationship with my children. So don’t ever call yourself my family. You, kazi and papa are dead to me.” 
Yoh! 
Khanyi actually releases a tear from her eyes.
“Rofhiwa, come on –
Fifi cuts Khotso short and says, “I’m glad that you are coping. I have to go now. Bye.” 
Just like that, she’s gone.

…

“Mama”, Risuna starts. 
He’s sitting on my lap, his head lying on my chest. We are sitting in the TV room, but the TV is off. We are both just having one of those days where we are both feeling rather off.
“Yes, baby?” I answer him.
“Why did daddy have to die?” 
He asks me this question EVERY DAY. I’m not sure if it’s a sign that he hasn’t fully accepted that his father has passed away or he is just not understanding what is meant by his father has passed. 
“Because nana… he belongs to God. We all belong to God. Even you. So when God wants his people back, He takes them and we have to accept it. It’s like when you borrow someone something that belongs to you… when you want it back, no matter how much it hurts that person, they have to give it back, right?” 
“So God had borrowed dad to us?” 
“Yes papa. He borrowed dad to us, to granny, to your uncles… to everyone who ever knew your dad.”
He’s silent for a brief moment. Then he says, “How did he die? I don’t remember him being sick.”
Wow. Okay. This question is very new. And his understanding of death is related to people being sick? I wonder where that comes from.
“Well, papa… he was hurt really badly. Some bad person hurt your dad and he passed away.” 
“Hurt him how?”
Yoh… 
I don’t even know if I should be honest with him.
“They shot him, papa.” I say.
“With a gun?”
“Yes nana. With a gun.” 
“Is that person in jail?”
“I don’t know, papa.” 
He hugs me.
I’m actually feeling so emotional.
“I miss daddy so much.” He says.
“I miss him too, baby.”
“Is my sister with daddy?” He asks me.
I unfortunately lost my daughter in my sixth month of pregnancy. Yes, it’s been a very difficult time. 
“Yes baby. They are together. We believe they are together.” I say.
“Will we ever see them again?” 
“We believe that when we pass, it’s our bodies that die, but our spirit multiplies. That’s why we believe that your dad and your sister will always be with us in spirit everywhere we go. So when we pass, our bodies will die and be absent from earth, but our spirit will live on. And in spirit, we will meet papa and your sister again.” 
He sits and thinks.
“So why do we have to live here? With granny? And in the township? Are we poor now that dad is gone?”
This child! 
“I thought it would be easier for us to be close to both your grannies. Your daddy’s family is right next door, so you can have us and them close by. Don’t you like it?” 
“Mommy, you promised me that I could make friends at my other school because I wouldn’t have to move again. And I made friends. Now, we’ve had to move again. Fine, we are back at my old school and I have my old friends back, but it is so far. We drive for long in the mornings and in the evenings. I don’t like living in the townships. My friends can’t even visit me because their parents don’t want them to come to the township. Why can’t we live closer to school? And in a nicer and bigger house?” 
Risuna’s take on things bothers me. He took after his dad A LOT in liking the finer things in life. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to maintain this.
“Risuna –
“Mama, I’ve already lost my dad. It’s not fair that I lose my life too. I want my life back. I want the life that my dad gave me back.” He says.
Hmmm….

–

I’m making tea for myself in the kitchen. My mom is working in her garden – her new found obsession. I don’t even know when she started a garden. But she started it. And it’s looking beautiful. Risuna demolishes it every chance he gets because he hates it here and he’s bored half the time. I’m actually considering looking for a new place for us to stay that’s closer to his school. Maybe a nice townhouse or duplex nyana. And maybe I can get my mom out of the ghetto too. My mom would probably refuse to leave her house. But, I could still try and ask. 
Risuna is taking a nap. 
I’m not working yet. Keith left us money in a trust that pays out every month. It pays me a salary, it pays for our cars, and  it pays Risuna’s school fees too. Even in death, he looks after us. I wanted to take his car back to the dealership when he passed. But with Michael struggling a bit, he asked me if he could keep it. The cars are paid off, so we only pay towards the maintenance of the cars. I agreed. It’s just… every time I see that car parked next door, I just feel so triggered. I miss Keith and I just start hallucinating that he’s next door… that if I run there, I’d see him. Twice, I ended up knocking on his mother’s door and asking for him. Ja, the Nkunas really thought that I was losing my mind. But shame, they’ve been very supportive. 
When Keith’s life policies and payouts paid me, I phoned his lover and told her that I’d be transferring some of the money to her because she’s expecting his child. She told me that there was no need because she had an abortion. I couldn’t believe it. At first, I was relieved. But when I lost my child, I judged her. I actually wanted my baby. She and Keith didn’t seem like they had planned to have a child, but she was blessed with one and she killed it. What kind of person does that?! 
But now, she also sends me money every month. I’ve tried to tell her multiple times that I don’t need her money and she must stop sending me her money… I’m not her charity case. She tells me to put it away for Risuna’s tertiary education then. Yaz that woman neh! 

“Knock knock”, I hear someone say. The door is open, so they are already in the kitchen.
It’s Wandi, Morafe and Tamia.
I look at them.
I don’t know how I feel about seeing them here. I deliberately cut them off. I’m starting over. They are in my past… like Keith.
“Hey”, Wandi.
I look at them. I’m actually irritated and they can see it.
“Are you going to let us in?” Wandi.
I roll my eyes and lead them to the tv room. I’m not offering them anything to drink. They are not staying long. 

We are all seated in here now.
“How are you? How’s Risuna? How’s everything?” Wandi.
“Why are you guys here? What do you want?” I ask. We don’t have to do the fake shit.
Tamia rolls her eyes. Yey! I just start boiling with anger.
“Bassie, we’ve come all the way from the kingdom to talk. Can you at least pretend to be willing to engage us”, Morafe.
“I didn’t ask you to. And honestly, you shouldn’t have. I have nothing to talk about.” I say.
“Bassie, we are friends here. And clearly there are issues. We want to talk those issues out.” Wandi.
“We are not friends. Well, you guys are not my definition of friends. That’s why I’ve decided to exit this friendship group because I didn’t want to be the afterthought or back-up artist in all the things that you all have happening in your lives. Akere my problems are not big enough?” I say. 
These three have really hurt me.
The three of them look at each other. Tamia has not said a word. She actually seems annoyed to be here. She looks like she was forced to come here.
“Bassie, I’m so sorry we were not there for your wedding preparations. And I’m so sorry that we couldn’t make it to Keith’s funeral – especially Tamia and I.” Wandi.
“Thank you for your apology, Wandi, but the damage is done. I just need space right now. I need to focus on my new reality and deal with it. I understand that my life is not guns and action, so my challenges do not constitute real issues for you guys, but for me… I’m struggling. So I really don’t know how to be anything else except Risuna’s mother right now. And I need you guys to respect that. Please.” 
They all look at me.
Wandi looks like she wants to cry. She was probably my most real friend. But she’s also really hurt me.
“Asambe Wandi”, Tamia says, standing up. That’s the first thing she’s said since she’s got here. 
Morafe stands up.
“I’m really sorry, Bassie. Truly”, Wandi says to me before standing up.
They take one last look at me then they leave. 
I actually cry once they’ve left the house. My heart just feels so shattered. I feel like I’ve broken up with people I’ve truly and genuinely loved. 

…

“Baba, when will our lunch be ready?” Bonga asks me. 
Akaboni Mara that I’m trying my best with these sandwiches? I’ve been at this and Thuli keeps laughing at me instead of helping me.
“Ngiyaqeda manje, boy.” I say.
“Do you need help?” Thulisa asks me while laughing.
“Uhlekani? Help me!” I say.
“Mama doesn’t make them like this”, Nkosana. 
“When is mama coming back?” Sihle mumbles. 
I actually just stop everything I’m doing and dial my wife. 
“Hey baby”, she answers after two rings.
“Mama!” These kids all shout.
“Hey babies! I hope you are all being good for your dad”, she says.
“Dad is making us weird food and we are hungry.” Nkosana.
“Hai wena! Kahle hle I should just give you a loaf of bread and you can eat that with water and sugar.” I say.
“Ha!” All these kids! 
“Yini ngani nina? You live isi-cheese for thirty minutes and you’ve forgot ukuthi benidlaphi futhi nidla ini.” 
They are all quiet now.
Ja! They must remember! Zingijwayela kabi lezingane lezi.
Tamia is just laughing over the phone.
I take her off loudspeaker then speak to my wife.
“Hey baby”, me.
“Hello love. How are you holding up with the gang?”
“How the hell do you do this every day? Bayahlupha la bantu. I haven’t even bathed yet. These people woke me up and have had me busy since the minute I opened my eyes today.” 
She laughs then says, “Sorry, my baby. Well, I’ll be home sooner than expected. Bassie’s attitude basically told us to fuck off.” 
“Hai bo! Kubi ngaleyo ndlela?” 
“Yep. Mina futhi anginandaba. But shame, Wandi is not taking it well. She’s actually hurt.” 
“So manje, ubungane buphelile? Kanjalo nje?”
“Yep. Can’t say I’m hurt, but hey… I tried.” She says.
“Okay baby… well, I’m just happy that you’ll be back today. I’m not coping with these people.” 
“Take them to Papachinos. They love it there. They’ll order food, become exhausted and pass out. I’ll be home by the time they wake up.”
“Ngibongile muntu wami! That’s exactly what I’ll do.”
“Sihle likes toasted cheese sandwiches… brown bread. And she has it with bubblegum milkshake.”
I just admire how much she invests herself in my kids.
“I love you, Tamia Maphumulo.”
“And I love you, Ntuthuko wami.” 
We hang up.
Papachinos it is. 

–

I invited Senzi to have lunch with me while my small people run like mad people. He didn’t come with Melo. She’s apparently with Wandi’s mom at the royal house while Wandi was on this trip to apologise to Bassie for whatever.
I’m drinking beer. He’s also drinking beer. I like him when he’s not being a pastor. This guy used to be hectic. He wouldn’t judge us outright for drinking alcohol while he drank juice, but his looks would make us all so uncomfortable that we’d end up drinking coke or water. Now he actually drinks beer. 

“Women’s friendships are weird, man. Cabanga nje uyoncenga umuntu ngathi uzokubhebha? Hai.” I say.
He laughs. Then he says, “I understand a little bit. These ladies have been close for years – especially when they lived at those back rooms. They really had each others’ backs at all times. Maybe some of them are not dealing with the separation well. Phela they were doors away from each other. Now they drive to see each other and rely on that WhatsApp group of theirs to stay in touch with each other.”
“Still… it’s too much. And they are all so angry at each other that they are not prepared to hear each other out. Phela they are family women now. Ngeke vele kufane nakuqala.” 
“Ja. Bassie has always been the needy one… from kudala nje.”
“Kuyasho ke ukuthi kade wayijwayela le nto ayenzayo.” 
He shrugs his shoulders. 
“When last did you speak to mah?” I ask him.
“I won’t lie, it’s been a while. I chat to Akwande everyday though. He says he and mah are doing okay.” He says.
“I wish they didn’t have to move yaz”, I say.
“Yeah. But i also understand. Mah loved that old man. Everything in the house probably reminds her of him. I understand why she moved. But also, Akwande seems happier. Maybe Joburg is good for them. Plus, she’s back at teaching again. She teaches at that school that mofomahadi opened.” 
“Ja. Maybe we should visit them some time. I’m sure she’d be happy. I don’t want her feeling like our relationship with her is done now that dad is no longer here.”
“That would be good. Even dad would appreciate that wherever he is.”
“It’s weird that he’s no longer here, hey.” 
“Ey ndoda. But he suffered. He’s at peace now. The good news is that he lived a full life. He lived until he couldn’t live anymore. And he loved to the maximum meaning of the word and feeling. I think I learned how to be a husband by watching him do it. He was his happiest when he was loving Mam’Kenosi and Mam’Fifi.” 
“You really are lucky in that regard. I wish I knew him longer”, he says.
“You are like him in so many ways. But I think the most that we can do is always stay close… always look after mah and always keep Akwande close. In that, he will always live amongst us.” I say.
He nods his head. 
Then suddenly… there are robbers in the restaurant.
Yerr! My kids! 
Okay, they are here. Thulisa has Sihle in her arms and Nkosana has Bonga on his back. I’m just happy that they are next to me. 
“Get down!” I say. They listen to me. 
I see Tamia and Wandi. 
When did they even arrive here?! 
Wandi finds Senzi.
Tamia finds me.
Sihle immediately dives to her.
She takes Sihle.
“There are more of them outside. They have completely surrounded this place.” Tamia tells me.
“Is it just robbers?” I ask her.
“I don’t know. But let’s stay down. Don’t try to be brave, baby. Please. You could get hurt.” Tamia says to me.
The robbers start asking for all the money present in the restaurant. They closed the doors of the play area, so some kids are locked away from their parents. This is bullshit. I cannot just sit here.
Then I just look at Tamia and how my kids are all cuddled into her. I can’t risk leaving them. 
I pull out a gun and give it to her. 
“Maphumulo!” She snaps at me.
“Just in case you need it. Please. I can’t lose any of you. Senzi and Wandi cannot lose each other.” 
I keep a gun on me. 
Some of the robbers are now going to customers while others are holding up cashiers. The ones going to customers want money, cellphones and jewellery. 
Tamia and I look at each other. 
Before these people get upstairs where we are, police surround the area. 
The sirens immediately distract them. They panic. Typical amateur behaviour. 
Now there’s a shootout. 
Ngeke! Sizolimala la! 
Wandi, Tamia and the kids are all cuddled into each other. Senzi has used the table to shield all of us. I have my gun ready just in case. 
More people come closer to us. Something tells them we can protect them I suppose. 
“Come on… they are all indoors now. Let’s try climb down here”. Some white person says.
Let them go down first. Abelungu bangazo-testa ngathi la.
Even they are doubtful. But people start moving. 
As they start climbing down, gun shots start going off. 
Tamia looks at me. 
I don’t know how she’s done it, but Sihle is inside her t-shirt. Sihle is relaxed! She always is with Tamia… even in this chaotic situation. 
“We will have to find a back door at the kitchen or something.” Tamia says.
“I agree”, some white lady says. 
“Can we possibly get our kids?” Some white lady says. 
I don’t know how or what is discussed, but I see people moving. 
So I also move. 
Wandi has Bonga in her arms. I’m so grateful.
Somehow, we are in the play area. 
The man who’s guarding the play area sees us come in and I shoot him. It was me or him. I took him down. 
This doesn’t even distract the others, that’s how much gun action is happening between the police and the other robbers. 
“There’s a gate over there”, Thulisa says to Tamia. 
We all follow Tamia to the gate. 
Suddenly, everyone who was inside the restaurant is out here with us, taking their kids even.
The gate is locked. 
I shoot it open. 
More of these men now also pull out guns. Okay then.
I open the door. 
Robbers face us with guns. 
We start shooting first. 
It’s a good ten minutes of shooting. But when there’s no longer any gun going off from the other side, we stop. 
I check my people.
Senzi is fine. 
Wandi is fine.
Tamia is fine.
I’m shot in the arm, but I’ll live. 
Sihle is fine. 
Bonga is fine.
Thulisa is fine.
Nkosana is….

Fine.