INSERT 6 Three Months Later…. SABELO I had to voluntarily hand myself into a mental institution. It’s a private establishment so they have a fancy word for locking people in here but the main point remains—this is a place for crazy people. I have been here for two months and as much as settling in … Read more
INSERT FIVE OWETHU By the time we get to the private doctor, I’m in tears. My back hurts so much and my fear is losing my baby. I will not survive another loss, I am not one of God’s strongest soldiers and this is the trial I would fail miserable. I am silently praying and … Read more
INSERT FOUR SABELO I don’t know if I’m the one who’s losing it or the people I call in-laws are the ones who should be on their way to the looney-bin. I don’t care what they believe in, I don’t care what culture says, I’m not about to disrespect my wife like that. She could … Read more
INSERT THREE SABELO I wake up with a banging headache that has me finding it hard to peel my eyes open. My forehead feels heavy. I stretch my hand to Anele’s side of the bed and my eyes flutter open when my hand doesn’t feel her. Her side of the bed is still made up, … Read more
INSERT TWO NARRATED Funeral preparations are in full swing. The Mthombeni house is a bustle of activity—every nook and cranny has someone doing something. If it’s not a family member who just arrived and is sobbing bitterly in Mam’Sibisi—Anele’s mother’s embrace, it’s an aunt sitting right next to the mattress and demanding tea with condensed … Read more
INSERT ONE Time of death: 00:36 Date: 01-01-2025 The paramedic’s words ring in Mthombeni’s head, loud and deafening. He clasps his palms over his ears, but his efforts prove to be futile. He can still hear the fireworks exploding, people screaming ‘Happpyyy’ and in the mix of the chaos in his head is his wife’s … Read more
PROLOGUE Rain showers patter gently on the roof, creating a soothing rhythm that almost matches the steady beat of my husband’s heart. I am nestling on his chest, tracing a finger on the contours of his ribcage. I scoot closer, wishing for a way to get under his skin and live under it. He wraps … Read more
THE COVEN’S BRIDE CHAPTER 25 SIBUSISO CURRENT DAY “There is something we need to tell you all,” Father says. Couldn’t they wait until my wedding was over? My parents called me and my siblings to tell us something. I don’t want to be here. I want to be with my wife. Tonight is our wedding … Read more
THE COVEN’S BRIDE CHAPTER 24 NALEDI “Aunty!” I call as soon as I walk into the house. The front door was open, so I decided to let myself in. It’s 8 am and I am here to cook and make sure everything is in order. Steven is coming at noon. I brought all the ingredients … Read more
THE COVEN’S BRIDE CHAPTER 23 NALEDI I want to go home. I feel very embarrassed being around Sibusiso’s family after the sleepwalking. Sibusiso says it’s fine and that no one will ask about it, but I feel very ashamed. I have never sleepwalked in my life before, and so far, I have done it twice. … Read more