The Rules of The City

By Matthew K Chikono

A collection of ten contemporary short stories by five Zimbabwe writers. This book contains stories of love betrayal and death. Contributors include Tafadzwa Chiwanza, Charlton Nyoni, John Gambanga, Qinisela Possenti Ndlovu and Matthew K Chikono

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew K Chikono
• Release date: Jul 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9780620939874

Matthew K Chikono

Matthew K Chikono grew up in Chitungwiza, a small town near the capital of Zimbabwe. He writes short fiction, mostly African speculative fiction.

Book preview

THE RULES OF THE CITY

A COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY SHORT STORIES BY ZIMBABWEAN WRITERS

Edited by Matthew K Chikono

The rules of the city

A collection of contemporary short stories by Zimbabwean writers

Edited by Matthew K Chikono

ISNB: 978-0-620-93987-4

EAN: 978-0-620-93988-1

Proofreading by Shadreck Mafirenyika

Cover by Andrew Huge

Copyright © Matthew K Chikono 2021

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or be stored in any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher

DISCLAIMER

All views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor.

Matthew Kunashe Chikono

20004 Old Hospital Road

Jane Furse 1085

South Africa

[e-mail]

Contents

A numb of the heart

The Christmas bonanza

The rules of the city

A little song for the young one

Scars that makes us Shine; Cost of Being a Man.

The Anointed water

Whispers from Mzilikazi Township

The Walking Dad

Mhinduro

Contributor’s notes

A numb of the heart

By Tafadzwa Chiwanza

She was not a beauty and would surely never be pretty, but she was so far away from being unattractive. Her huge nose which seemed out of place, her small bums, thin legs, and her huge breasts all seemed odd. So, it was clear to me that she was not the most beautiful girl I had ever been with, but there was something about her that touched my heart. This thing I can never be able to describe it without making the reader mistake my efforts for Shakespeare's hyperbole. I will just say there was something about her that moved my ice-cold heart, a heart that had never shown warmth to anyone or anything.

It all started when I saw her at the Mbare Msika Rank. On her small head was the most hideous sun hat I have ever seen. I involuntarily locked my eyes on her and watched how she angelically and made her way around.

After a few seconds of staring at the girl while she sold her bananas and apples, I discovered that her name was Samantha. I parked my BMW a few metres from where she sold her things and enjoyed staring at her. She made that day the most beautiful day of my existence.

That day I was two hours late and did miss some few appointments, but, hey, I owned the multi-million dollar firm and they were supposed to work without me if they were to make money.

Several days passed and I made it my daily routine to stop by the place where she sold her staff just to gaze at her and in the same act viewing inspiration. She was indeed inspirational, after seeing her, it was difficult for me to stop my lips from smiling the entire day.

After two weeks of observing her without talking to her, I gathered enough courage to talk to her.

Morning sister. I said.

Morning Mister what can I do for you this lovely morning? she asked clearly baffled by my presence. I was a popular rich young man who shared his splendid life with strangers on the internet. The media loved me and made sure everyone knew about who I slept or flirted with. Samantha knew me, I could tell by the way she looked at me that she wanted nothing to do with me.

As I stood a few centimetres from her, the world stood still, I kept staring at her. I was so stuck, so ecstatic that I couldn't say anything. Her very eyes made my heart sing angelic melodies. I began envisioning what a perfect couple we would make.

Several seconds, perhaps minutes, should have passed because when I regained consciousness the girl was pretty freaked out.

Mister, are you alright? she shook me vigorously. I looked at her and smiled from ear to ear as my eyes said splendid myriad to hers.

Whew, you almost scared me there Mister. she sighed while her liquid eyes smiled gaily at me.

I handed her a hundred-dollar bill and I began walking towards my car.

Mister you did not tell me what you want, besides I don't have the change. she said earnestly. I turned back, smiled, and apologised. She must have thought I had lost my mind. Well, I do not think she was far from the truth because I truly had lost a lot of things just by being near her. Most importantly I had lost my heart.

It’s alright madam, just give me some bananas and I will come for the change in the evening. she agreed and with joy I drove away ravaging the most delicious bananas I had ever tasted!

Several weeks passed and I became increasingly attached to this girl I knew so little about.

During these weeks, nothing was able to wipe off the smile on my face. The price of my company's shares tried to sadden me by falling miserably but it failed dismally.

On this day, when the weather was as perfect as Samantha's smile, I was ready to be dazzled by her eyes. I had prepared to confess to her the thing that was growing dangerously in me like a tumour. I got at the usual place hours earlier than I usually did. After about two hours of waiting, people began flocking the streets as they went about their businesses. The streets were once again gay as people scattered around them yet there was no sign of the angel Samantha. I waited still. It was after lunch when I finally decided to abandon my post.

That day became the longest day of my existence. The day that followed was not any better, there was no sign of the lovely Samantha and my heart grew restless. After a week of missing Samantha, I decided to inquire on her whereabouts and the news I got was not in my expectations.

What became of the girl that used to sell bananas and apples around here?

The old man did not have a clue of whom I was talking about. It took a few minutes of explaining and describing before he could recall.

Oh, I am sorry Mister, she is in hospital. I think it`s St Michaels hospital, bed 24. the old man who was a shoe cobbler told me. I thanked him and hastily drove for the hospital.

When I got to the hospital, I immediately rushed into room 24. I guess it's a supernatural side of the humans which tries to warn us of impending danger but I felt this fear creep