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THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 09 ITUMELENG He’s staring at me, waiting for a response, his eyes piercing into mine like they’re trying to see right through me. “I can’t come with you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart racing with fear, my palms growing sweaty. He rubs his face in … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 08 He didn’t end up talking to his mother because he was pissed, the anger and hurt swirling inside him like a storm that’s been brewing for hours. Seeing his little brother crying had hit him harder than he expected, and he couldn’t bring himself to confront his mother anymore. … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 07 ITUMELENG I pretended like I wasn’t interested in going out, I wanted him to relax and trust me before I could make a run for it. The calm facade was just a mask, underneath I was seething with anxiety, my mind racing with plans and escape routes. I forced … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 06 The darkness outside seems to match Tumelo’s mood as he sits in the balcony, whisky in hand, staring down the empty street. He’s donned a hoodie, a rare move for someone who usually flunts his physique around the apartment. But tonight, he’s covering up, hiding the scars that still … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 05 ZIBUYILE “FEW DAYS LATER” It’s been 5 years since I left South Africa, and I’m currently in Botswana, trying to keep a low profile in a small rented house on the outskirts of Gaborone. The dry heat of the Botswana sun beats down on the dusty streets, a stark … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 04 Tumelo stands in the balcony, Itu’s phone gripped tightly in his hand, a turbulent mix of determination and confusion swirling inside him like a storm. He knows exactly what he’s doing, yet can’t quite grasp the why behind it – a peculiar sensation that unsettles him. Maybe it’s because … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 03 ITUMELENG I thought I’d die from eating that creepy man’s food, but I’m still here – alive, and weirdly, a little less scared. He’s such a weird, unnerving guy, and I still don’t understand why he’s keeping me locked up in this basement. He comes down here like clockwork, … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 02 “SUNDAY MORNING.” Boipelo is pacing around the lounge like a caged animal, her eyes darting towards the door every few seconds, as if expecting Itu to walk in any moment. Nthabiseng, on the other hand, seems eerily calm, seated on the couch with a glass of wine in her … Read more

THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 01 “15 YEARS AGO” The sun hung low, a warm glow seeping through the thin curtains. Tumelo lay on his back, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. Beside him, Zibuyile intretched lazily, hair scattered across the pillow. Two months into their relationship, today was their first time together. It … Read more