THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 13 [Sponsored by anonymous.] NTHABISENG I’m absolutely elated, Tshepo asked for my number this morning and said he’ll take me out on a date next week Friday. It’s 9pm and I’ve just stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed but slightly tired from the day’s events. The warm water had … Read more
THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 12 ITUMELENG It’s almost 6 pm, and Tumelo hasn’t left the apartment, a peculiar sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach as I watch him. I don’t understand why he’s being so clingy, his behavior a stark contrast to his usual aloof nature. He’s been touching me … Read more
THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 11 ZIBUYILE I was supposed to go back to South Africa a few weeks ago after my mother sent money, but I couldn’t go anymore because rumours are saying Tumelo is now worse, his reputation preceding him like a dark cloud. Kidnapping 30 to 45 people a week, the numbers … Read more
THE RISE OF TUMELO CHAPTER 10 ITUMELENG Weeks have passed, and I’m getting increasingly scared, my anxiety levels skyrocketing with each passing day. People are talking bad about me on social platforms, their words like drows cutting deep, some even going as far as threatening me, saying they’ll find me and I’ll pay for all … Read more
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