Thulubonge Mpande

“Gogo TK came to see me izolo,” she says, going against the urge to ask about Khana and Mlanga’s lunch date.

“Umgoma? Really?”

“Ya, she wanted to talk to me about Tandzile but sensed that I was a bit off-center so we also spoke about religion.”

“What do you believe in vele?” Khana asks, hoping that Thula will say more about Tandzile.

“I wish I could put it in words yazi. But in short; God is my source, my all. Kodwa I’m not part of any denomination or organized religion. Wena?”

“Ey girl, mina I’m still ‘recovering’ from my sista-faya phase. Story for another day though,” she shakes her head and gestures for Thula to continue but Thula hugs her before continuing.

“Erm, so Tandzile was the only person I ever fall in love with. And our breakup was as flaming mess,” she sighs. Thula had never told anyone about her true feelings for Tandzile, not even Mpho. Their relationship became serious when Tandzile came to Mpho’s umabo and met some of the family members. It was a full day, a festive day and towards the end of the day, Mama told everyone to give the newly-weds some space after the wedding. Thula respected her mothers wishes.

“ We thought we had a second chance but ubizo lwakhe couldn’t wait any longer. So they had to return to ESwatini for the initiation.”

“Hectic.”

“uGogo TK said she knew who I was the first day she saw me when she came for her interview. She said a great love is still looking for me and I am still wondering about it as well. That I haven’t fully healed because of how things ended and it’s causing an emotional and spiritual blind spot. She described the last day we saw each other and I knew she was talking about Tandzile,” Thula’s voice snags on the last few words.

“Shoo, do you believe her? What are you going to do with the info?”

“I don’t know. I’ve got mixed feelings and many questions about this hey. She was very concerned about my inner peace and suggested that I do something about it soon.”

“But it’s been years right? u ta nwi kuma kwini?”

Thula shrugs in response to Khana’s question and recites Mbabane Government Hospital’s phone number in her head.

“Thula, thanks for telling me. I’m here, will even drive you to Gogo TKs or to get amagwinya or whatever you need okay. I think that you should also tell Mpho about all of this,” she reaches to gives her a tight side hug.

“Dankie mngani. I will. Soooo how was your lunch date?” and Khana beams before she finishes asking the question.

“Friend! It was amazing. Not what I expected but the conversation just flowed you know. Her sense of humor and her use of pop culture remind me of you hey. Also, I wasn’t as nervous as I was the first time we spoke, so that helped.”

“Yes wena,” they high five.

“When you gave me the number, I thought I’ll invite her to today’s walk. Then I realized that you could have texted her. So I took the hint and I just went for it. And sure enough, thart iron was still haaaatsss. We’re having dinner in her room tonight, her idea sooo maybe she’s a team member.”

“You’re still wondering, haybo it’s clear nje,” they laugh and she wonders if she should have congratulated her on a successful date instead.

“Oh and speaking of teams, she’s part of today’s collab team.”

“Ihe, really? Will you even be able to focus? I’ll be watching you.”

“Mcim, you’ll be too busy with your tattoo soldier, he’s here you know. Maj. Mwashita and I were the ones who briefed and welcomed them back from Mombasa.”

“My soldier? Khana, I told you about him because of his tattoos, once, five million weeks ago on the bus,” she chuckles and hooks her arm into Khana’s and they make their way down the hill. The rest of their conversation is punctuated with long pauses that are then filled by questions about the day. Khana wonders what Mlanga is like when she’s serious. She wonders if their difference in rank will affect their relationship. Thula assures her that the rules are vague enough for them to continue dating. That Mlanga seems to be open minded, so she won’t be bothered by the difference in rank.

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