THE FATHER FIGURE

By EB (Busi) Maphumulo

A classic. A short story that will enthrall you. A story about an abandoned mother and her two young daughters. A tale of outrage, fear, and passion. A tale that will warm your heart and leave you gasping for more. Soon to be a Television show.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716468858

Book preview

FOREWORD

I convey my eternal gratitude to a devoted multinational best-selling author and my editor, cover designer, ghost-writer where necessary, and confidante, David Jesse Ph.D. He has worked tirelessly towards the production of the book.

I also extend my heartfelt love and thanks to my colleagues and friends, but most of all to my family; my husband Ephraim who supported all my efforts, and my children who rendered help in terms of motivation and guidance, at every step.

This story about children is dedicated to my Dwengu High School students with whom I’ve spent many years.

E.B. Maphumulo

Copyright ©: Euclene Busi Maphumulo

Publisher: Author via Burble (with grateful thanks to Ryan)

Email: [e-mail]

ISBN:

First published: 2019

Print on demand.

Editing: David Jesse PhD

Cover design: David Jesse

e-publishing: David Jesse PhD

All books are copyright under the Berne Convention. In terms of the RSA Copyright Act, No 98 of 1978, nothing on/in book or disc may be lent out to any other person, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without express written permission from the author and illustrator, EB Maphumulo

Contents

AROUND THE HOUSE………………………………….

I’M NOT A COWARD

A FRIEND AT WORK

MAMA ‘S SECRET

AN  EVENING PRAYER

YOU MUST BE JOKING

A TRIP TO TOWN

HERE  COMES THE MAYOR!

OH  MY GOODNESS NINA!

THE FATHER FIGURE

AROUND THE HOUSE

The empty premises looked quite uninviting. It was only two-roomed, but it was the dilapidated house that caught the eye of the passer-by, even though it was already midnight. The roof and the walls, all dull due to exposure to heavy rains and hot sun, were flaked and peeling. He knew that his protection would always be required.  He would always be there, in the shadows.

The murmur of voices was audible inside the shack-like building.

Nomcebo, but I love you, don’t ever leave me.  Don’t go to live far away from us, Nina sobbed.

Nomcebo tried to comfort Nina, but it was useless. It was difficult to console her younger sister. She had heard the whole story. The conversation had taken place in the middle of the night when they thought Nina was asleep.

Mama, it is difficult to sleep. I think it is one of those disturbing dreams that keep you awake at night.

Her mother had sat up from her worn-out bed. She looked pale and tired under the old bed linen. She