Miracles

By Nicholas Masilo

The Devil appears to us human beings in various forms. An example of this is shown to us through the story of an innocent virgin who worked as a domestic in a secluded white suburb. Her name is Dimakatso and she is from a tiny township in Brits called Oukassie.

Dimakatso unfortunately became the Devil’s tool of destruction to the world. A mere scarf was the beginning of her downfall. Beautiful with bright colours, the scarf was picked up by Dimakatso on her way to work. Happy about her luck, she took the windfall to her place of employment and kept it. Unbeknownst to her, the scarf was actually the Devil incarnate. Transforming himself into a good-looking lover, he visited and slept with her on numerous occasions at her place of work. Animals were hostile towards the handsome man and uneasy around him. Through this evil union, a child was conceived and disaster began.

Dimakatso was transformed into Lucifer’s tool of destruction and terror, eliminating anything that came across her path. Her concerned family turned to traditional doctors to intervene but the Devil’s powers were too strong for them. She became the Devil’s advocate, ultimately giving birth in an ambulance in transit to the hospital.

Dimakatso and others like her show us that we should be grateful for the indoctrination of prayer and faith into our young minds by our parents when we were growing up, as this will be our weapon of salvation against any evil harm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicholas Masilo
• Release date: Sep 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005943035

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was early in the morning, around eight. Dimakatso Maimela, the daughter of Shadikgolo and Itshokeng Maimela, was at work. She worked as a maid at Lucas and Esther Smith’s house. She had a good relationship with the Smith family because her mother was also a housekeeper for the family for many years before Lucas was even born. When the older Mr and Mrs Smith passed away, Shadikgolo decided to retire but managed to secure a job for her daughter, Dimakatso, who couldn’t go to study like the other children in her family.

Dimakatso started working for the Smith family when she was twenty-three years old. They treated her like one of them, like family, because of the relationship they used to have with her mother, and she also slept in one of their back rooms. Lucas and his wife were always happy with her work and how she looked after their twins, Michael and Jacob, who were twelve years old.

Irrespective of everything and not being educated, she was a hard worker with a kind heart and a black badge of Africa, a tall, beautiful body and nice legs, and she also had a big, black Afro hairstyle. She was the third child of Itshokeng and Shadikgolo Maimela. Because the previous night when she went to bed she was too tired, she overslept until she was woken by the heat of the sun coming from the window. When she realised this, she quickly reached for her wristwatch on her bedside table, looking at the time, and immediately felt so scared because it was already ten past eight in the morning and she knew that her bosses had already woken up and they were going to be angry with her for being late. She quickly shifted the blankets aside and got out of bed, wearing a white night dress. She put her beautiful feet in her slippers and went to the window, where she shifted the curtain and opened the window; she then hurried to the bathroom to get ready.

Esther was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her husband and her two boys. Every few minutes she went to the window to check if Dimakatso was coming in or not, and when she realised that she was not coming and it was getting late, she decided that when she’d finished preparing breakfast for her family, she would go to Dimakatso’s bedroom to check why she was so late. Esther and her husband, Lucas, were also in their late thirties but younger than Dimakatso. She was tall, slender, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. While she was still busy preparing breakfast, she heard a knock at the door. Who is it? Esther asked.

It’s me, madam, Dimakatso said.

She recognised Dimakatso’s voice. Just a minute, I am coming, Esther said. She took a square wooden mat from the wall unit, put it on the table because she didn’t want to burn her table, and then took a frying pan from the stove and put it on top of the wood, and grabbed a dry cloth and wiped her hands before opening the door. Come in, Esther said.

Dimakatso walked into the kitchen and closed the door, and Esther went back to the table to dish up for her family. You can open the door. It is already late, Esther said. She turned and opened the door.

I am sorry, madam, for being late today, Dimakatso said.

Don’t worry, it’s fine, but did you sleep well? Esther asked.

I was tired and slept like a baby. That is why I ended up being late, Dimakatso said.

I have already finished making breakfast. Now you can help me by taking those dishes to the dining room, Esther said.

Okay, madam, Dimakatso said.

She took two dishes filled with food to the dining room and Esther also took the other dishes and followed her.

Lucas was a real giant, six-foot tall with broad shoulders, big forearms and large biceps. He was sitting in the lounge with his sons, Michael and Jacob. The three of them were sitting around a brown oak table and he was reading that morning’s newspaper. Dimakatso and Esther arrived at the dining room carrying dishes of food that they put on the table. Morning, sir, Dimakatso said.

Morning, Dimakatso, Lucas replied.

How are you, boys? Dimakatso asked.

She smiled when she greeted the twins.

I am fine, thank you, Aunty Dimakatso, Michael and Jacob both said.

Lucas closed the newspaper and put it aside. Dimakatso placed cups and saucers in front of them, took the tea pot and poured everyone a cup of tea.

Take a seat; you can join us for breakfast, Lucas said to her.

Thank you, sir! I have already eaten my breakfast, Dimakatso said.

Esther glanced at her and was confused because she didn’t remember seeing Dimakatso eating any breakfast since she came to the kitchen. But she realised that maybe she was shy to eat with them at the same table, even if they had always tried to show her that she was part of their family and they had no reason to treat her like their maid. Dimakatso, Esther said. She turned and looked at Esther, who was looking at her too. She looked at Esther, rubbing her hands, to show that she had great respect for her.

Madam, Dimakatso said.

When did you eat your breakfast? Esther asked.

She didn’t know what to say because she knew that she was lying, and she stared at the floor as if she had lost something important and now she was looking for it.

Madam, Dimakatso said.

My dear, don’t be shy; you know we are family, so please take a seat and have breakfast with us, Esther said.

But madam, I said I am fine, Dimakatso said.

Don’t be silly, sit down, Esther said. She insisted and Dimakatso ended up pulling out a chair out and sitting down.

She took a cup and saucer and poured herself a cup of tea and took an empty plate, put some food on it, and started to eat with them. Lucas glanced at her as Esther shook her head.

Dimakatso, we all know that this is the festive season and everyone wants to spend quality time with their family. My family and I are also going for a holiday in Durban and we are leaving tomorrow, so I know it is short notice, and that is why we are pleading with you because we know that you already have your own plans for this festive season, Lucas said.

Of course, I have already made some plans with my family, sir, Dimakatso said softly.

Lucas turned and looked at his wife. Then he turned his head and looked at Dimakatso. Dimakatso, I know this is not appropriate to ask you a favour like this, as if we are both selfish. But we have no choice but to ask you a big favour, Lucas said.

I am listening, sir. She shook her head.

As I already mentioned, we are going to Durban on holiday and we don’t have anyone who could come and look after our house and animals while we are gone for two weeks. So, I was thinking that if you don’t have a problem, you can help us out by coming every day for two weeks to check if everything is okay and give our animals food to eat. When we return from our holidays, we will give you two weeks off, to go and rest and spend quality time with your family, Lucas said.

Sir, I don’t have a problem with coming every morning to feed the animals and clean the house. When I finish, I will go home, Dimakatso said.

That’s so sweet of you and you don’t know how happy I am. I don’t know how to thank you for everything you have done for us all these years, Lucas said, smiling warmly.

Thank you so much! I don’t know if you weren’t here what we were going to do, but I know that you won’t let us down and we appreciate everything you have done for us! Esther added, also smiling at Dimakatso.

They were all excited when they heard her agreeing to look after their house and animals while they were away for two weeks. Esther stood up, kissed her on the cheek and hugged her briefly. Thank you so much - you are a life saver! she said.

Thank you, Dimakatso, we won’t forget what you are doing for us, and when we come back, I will personally return a favour as a token of our appreciation for what you have done for us; thank you so much, Lucas said,

It’s my pleasure, sir.

Dimakatso put her cup on the table and stood up to leave.

Thanks for breakfast. I will be in the kitchen and if you need anything, you can call me, Dimakatso said.

You are welcome and thanks again, Dimakatso; we will talk later, Esther said.

She walked out of the dining room, leaving everyone still eating their breakfast.

Dimakatso was standing in front of the sink, putting the dirty dishes inside and running the hot and cold water. Then she opened the cupboard and took out a bottle of Sunlight liquid to pour a few drops into the water. Esther arrived with the dirty dishes and put them on the table.

Dimakatso, I am going to my bedroom to pack some of our stuff but if you need anything just call me.

No problem, madam, Dimakatso smiled.

Esther walked towards the bedroom.

Michael and Jacob were in a bathroom, playing with water in the bath, when they were disturbed by the door opening and both turned to find their mother standing right in the middle of the doorway, her hands on her hips. They both quickly started washing themselves.

I didn’t say you must come in here and play with water. I said you must wash yourself, didn’t I? Esther asked.

Okay, Mom, we are washing ourselves, Michael said, laughing happily.

And I don’t want to come back to check if you are washing or playing because I don’t have time for your nonsense. Are we clear? Esther asked.

Yes, Mom, Jacob said.

She turned and walked out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

Dimakatso was still busy washing the dishes when she heard Esther calling her, so she quickly left what she was doing and went to the master bedroom. She knocked and Esther invited her in; Dimakatso opened the door slowly and walked inside and stood in the middle of the room.

Madam, were you calling me? Dimakatso asked.

Yes, I was calling you, Dimakatso. When I finish packing these clothes, I am going to take a bath and I want you to finish with the dishes and change your clothes because we are going to town for shopping, Esther said impatiently.

Oh! You mean right now, madam? Dimakatso asked.

Of course! Right now! Or do you have other plans? Esther asked.

But madam ... Dimakatso said.

Dimakatso! There are no buts here. Go and finish your work and when you finish, you must go and prepare yourself as we are going to town in few minutes time. Don’t worry about other work, you will finish it when we return from town.

Okay, madam! Let me go and finish and get ready," Dimakatso said.

You must hurry up because I don’t want us to be late, Esther called to her as she left.

Dimakatso did as she was told.

It was a mess in the kitchen, so Dimakatso could not leave things the way they were. She quickly finished washing the dishes and pots and then took a broom and started sweeping the floor, but while she was still busy Esther walked in. She was surprised to find Dimakatso still busy sweeping the floors, and she stood next to her with her arms folded. Dimakatso, what is wrong with you? I told you to finish with the dishes and after that change your clothes. Now you are busy sweeping the floors.

I am sorry, madam, it’s because I couldn’t leave the house looking like that, Dimakatso said.

Dimakatso! We spoke about that, but right now you are still busy with house chores. Can’t you see that it’s getting late and we have to go now!

When she was speaking to Dimakatso she raised her left hand, looking at her wristwatch before taking a few steps to the fridge. She opened it and took out a bottle of juice. Closing the door, she took out a glass from the cupboard and poured juice. When she was done, she returned to the fridge, opened the door and put the bottle inside and closed the door, took her glass of juice, leaned her back against the wall unit and drank. I am giving you only ten minutes to go and prepare yourself, Esther said.

Dimakatso looked at her wristwatch and stared at Esther, who was also looking at her.

Dimakatso! What’s going on? Or don’t you want to go to town with us?

Madam, I thought it was still early and I was thinking that I must finish cleaning the kitchen before I go and change, Dimakatso said.

Dimakatso, I don’t have time for this. Can you please go and change because we don’t have enough time; we are going to spend the whole day at the shops, buying clothes and groceries and when we return, we will be preparing, and later we will be packing the remaining stuff because tomorrow morning we will not have time to prepare everything as we are leaving at seven o’clock in the morning, Esther said in an irritated voice.

‘Okay, madam. Let me go and change my clothes," Dimakatso said.

She put the broom behind the door and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Esther still standing there drinking her glass of juice.

Lucas was sitting on one of his twin’s beds, helping both of them to put on the clothes their mother had selected for them. When they finished, he stood up and the three of them walked towards the door where they met Esther coming from the master bedroom, holding her keys and cell phone in her right hand and on her left shoulder carrying an expensive black leather handbag.

Guys, are you ready to go? she asked.

‘Yes, Mom, we are ready," Michael and Jacob said.

Ok, guys, we can go now, but I don’t know if your aunt is finished, Esther said.

I can go and check at her room, Lucas said.

No, don’t worry; she will find us outside waiting for her, Esther said.

The four of them walked down the passage and out of the house. She was busy looking at her wristwatch while they were walking out of the house to the front of the garage. Esther pressed the immobiliser to open the garage door and went inside as her family was waiting for her outside the garage. She got in and reversed out as the boys waited for her. Lucas bent and kissed his boys and they both got inside the car and closed their doors. He moved towards the driver’s door and stood beside the window, smiling at his wife, who was holding the steering wheel with both hands. Dimakatso came out the back of the house and opened the front door, got inside the car and closed the door.

Darling! Don’t forget to buy me two bottles of whisky? Lucas said.

Don’t worry, I won’t forget, Esther said.

He turned and stared at his twin boys in the back seat. Guys, you must behave yourself, Lucas said, smiling at them.

Yes, Dad.

He thumped the car door with his right hand and his wife reversed the car to the gate that was opening slowly. She hooted and drove away.

CHAPTER 2

It was during the course of the day and Dimakatso’s mother Shadikgolo, who was in her late eighties, was sitting on a reed mat under an orange tree with her last-born child, Dikeledi. She was in her late twenties, dark in complexion, of average height, and also had a beautiful body like her sister, Dimakatso. On that day the sun was too hot and they couldn’t spend even a minute in the house. That is why they decided to go and sit outside to get some fresh air. But that was not their only reason. The main reason for being outside was to check if one of the old woman’s other children would emerge along the street walking home. They were both worried and the old woman was having difficulty breathing because not one of them bothered to take his or her cell phone, call and tell them why they were not coming home to visit.

My child, I don’t know what to do because we were expecting them today to come for the festive season and spend some quality time with us. Now as you can see, there is no one who wants to come or even just make a simple phone call to inform us that this year they are not going to spend the festive season with us, Shadikgolo said sadly.

Dikeledi smiled at her mom.

Mom, I know you are worried and you miss your kids, but don’t give up. It’s still too early for us to give up, so let’s just wait and see. Who knows? Maybe they will surprise us when they come home tonight, Dikeledi reassured her.

It’s okay if you believe that they might come today, and we will keep on waiting, but I don’t want to wait for nothing! Shadikgolo said.

Dikeledi smiled when she looked at her mom, who was sick with worry about her children.

‘Can you please go and make us a nice cup of tea to quench our thirst?" Shadikgolo said.

Mom, it is too hot for tea and I can’t drink tea in a condition like this, Dikeledi said.

You kids of today, you are too stubborn and who told you that if it is hot people don’t drink tea? Shadikgolo muttered.

No one told me that, but we all know that tea is something that warms the body, Dikeledi said.

Go and make me some tea and stop complaining, Shadikgolo replied firmly.

Dikeledi quickly stood up. As she was about to enter the house she noticed a white VW Polo drive slowly down the street, indicate and park in front of their gate. They were both surprised because it was the first time they had seen the car and also did not know the owner. They waited to see the person who had parked at their gate.

The driver’s door opened and a beautiful, tall, somewhat overweight woman climbed out of the car. It was Mantoa, Dikeledi and Dimakatso’s elder sister. She was Shadikgolo and Itshokeng Maimela’s first-born child. The way she was overweight, they couldn’t even recognise her.

Do you know her? Shadikgolo asked.

Dikeledi shook her head.

‘No, I don’t know her," Dikeledi said.

Let’s wait and see until she comes in, Shadikgolo said.

Mantoa walked towards the gate and Dikeledi was surprised when she saw her move.

Mom, Dikeledi said.

Mhh, Shadikgolo said.

I think the person who is at the gate is Mantoa, Dikeledi said.

The old woman turned and stared at her daughter, amazed.

No, I don’t think so. Just look at the person at the gate; she is obese and your sister has a nice body, Shadikgolo said.

Mom! I don’t think my eyes are deceiving me, but I am telling you, that is my sister, Dikeledi said.

Is she alone or what? Shadikgolo asked.

It looks like she is alone in the car, Dikeledi said.

So where are her husband and kids? Shadikgolo asked.

I don’t know, maybe she will tell us when she comes in, Dikeledi said.

Mantoa opened the gate wide and returned to her car and drove into the yard. The old woman quickly stood up and they both stared at Mantoa’s car until she parked under a shady oak tree, switched off the engine and got out of the car. They were both excited that she was coming home to visit after a year without seeing them. They all hugged for a while without saying a word.

It is okay, guys! It’s me but you will end up suffocating me because you are so excited! Mantoa said.

Sometimes I forget that you are a fool. What are we going to gain if we kill you? Shadikgolo said.

How are you guys? Mantoa asked.

We are fine and what about you? Shadikgolo asked.

I am also fine and don’t have any problems, Mantoa said.

Just look at you, you need to tell us what you are eating so that we can gain weight like you, Shadikgolo said.

I am not eating anything different from what you are eating, Mantoa said.

Then what makes you …? Shadikgolo asked, looking unconvinced.

It’s because I am happy and I don’t have any stress, so all of you need to stop stressing and eat healthy food. You will see, you will also gain weight like me, but Mom, where is Dad? Mantoa asked.

You know your dad, he is at the back cleaning and watering his garden as always, and you know when he is busy he doesn’t want to be disturbed, Shadikgolo said.

Let me rest for few minutes and then I will go and greet him, Mantoa said.

Mantoa, where are the others? Shadikgolo asked.

I am alone today, Mantoa said.

Where did you leave your husband and my grandchildren? Shadikgolo asked.

Mom! Can we please go and sit down because we can’t talk standing in the middle of the yard like this, Mantoa laughed, smiling warmly at her mother.

You are right, my child. Let’s go and sit down, Shadikgolo said.

They all went under the tree’s shade, where Shadikgolo sat on the mat and Dikeledi and Mantoa sat on a bench.

I asked you a question. Where are my grandchildren? Shadikgolo asked.

When I told them that I was coming to visit my family, they said they didn’t want to come with me. They want to spend this festive season with their father in Soshanguve, and I am actually relieved that they left with their father because they are naughty and they were going to give me a lot of stress and headaches. Thanks that they didn’t want to come with me! I was not ready to look after naughty children. I just want to spend quality time with my family and relax with all of you, Mantoa said.

How could you say something like that? Those kids you are talking about are my grandchildren and I have gone almost a year without seeing them and already miss them. Sometimes you amaze me! How can you let your husband take my grandchildren away to his family, knowing that we also miss them? When your father arrives, maybe you will explain that to him because he will be disappointed not to see his grandchildren, Shadikgolo said, looking very upset.

Dikeledi moved from the bench and looked at her sister and mother with a smile.

Sis, when you drove in I was going to make tea for Mom, Dikeledi said.

How, Mom? It is too hot for drinking tea. Why can’t we buy something cold to cool down? Mantoa asked.

I don’t want something cold! I want tea, Shadikgolo said.

Dikeledi raised her hands and went to Mantoa’s car, opened the boot and took out her bags and carried them to the house, leaving her mom and sister still catching up.

Dikeledi hurried to store everything in the cupboards and fridge that Mantoa had brought home for them, and when the water started to boil, she placed all that was needed for tea on a tray to carry outside. Knowing her mother’s sweet tooth, she smiled and opened a packet of biscuits to go with the tea.

Shadikgolo and Mantoa were still chatting, but the old woman was edgy and losing patience due to her lack of tea, when suddenly they were both disturbed by the loud sound of a car coming from the street. Some people are mentally disturbed; how could anyone drive a car sounding like that? Shadikgolo asked. You know, these young kids of today who are being given cars by their parents, they drive at such a high speed on the roads, with lots of girls, all of them drinking alcohol and playing loud music as if there will be no tomorrow, she said grumpily.

They were both surprised to see the same noisy car at their gate; they stared at each other because they knew the car and that it belonged to Lentswe, the younger brother of Mantoa. It was a silver BMW 325 sedan. The old woman shook her head. Here is your brother behaving like a young kid, Shadikgolo said.

Mom, you know him very well. I don’t think he will ever grow up one day, Mantoa said.

Maybe if he can get a beautiful girlfriend, marry her, and then who knows, he might change and become a better and more responsible person, Shadikgolo said.

I don’t know but I think your son is not the marrying type, Mantoa said.

My child, since you were born have you ever seen a grown man like your brother with a healthy beard on his face, well educated, with a good job, getting a fat salary, living in a big house and driving expensive cars, who is not interested in marrying a beautiful wife one day and having his own kids and building a new life with his family? No, what he loves most is his bottle of beer and he forgets that time waits for no foolish people like him, forgetting that he is getting old. But you know what the Bible says: those who have no purpose in life, they are going to get a horrible punishment. They are going to be stabbed by a burning stick of maize ... Shadikgolo said.

Mantoa laughed.

Mom! Where are they going to be stabbed by that stick? Mantoa asked.

Don’t ask me silly questions! Go check on your sister to see if she has made me that cup of tea, Shadikgolo said.

By the time Mantoa was about to stand up, Dikeledi walked out of the house holding a tray of tea. She was also surprised by the sound coming from their gate and recognised her brother’s car, parked and playing loud music, but he didn’t drive into the yard or get out of the car. She put the tray on the bench and sat down; they all stared at the gate.

Finally, Lentswe got out of the car holding a bottle of beer, but he could not keep his balance as he walked. He stopped near the gate and started to pee.

You see what I am talking about? An old man like Lentswe just parks his car at the gate and decides to pee at the gate in front of everyone, Shadikgolo said indignantly.

I don’t believe my brother could do something like that, Mantoa said.

Why can’t he drive and park in the yard and after that he could go to the toilet and pee like a normal, respectful person? Dikeledi said.

So do you all think that he is in his right mind? Shadikgolo asked.

Lentswe returned to his car, closed the door and drove noisily into the yard.

God is testing me with this boy. Look what he does! All he knows is alcohol and loud noise. I don’t know why he doesn’t grow up and become a real man and marry a woman. Maybe he could change and became an adult, not the foolish person he is now, Shadikgolo said.

Lentswe opened the car door and got out, singing and dancing, while his mother pointed her finger at him. He looked at her, lifting his shoulders and hands to show his amusement.

No! No! Lentswe! Are you out of your mind, or do you want to tell me that you can’t come here without switching off that horrible noise of yours? Shadikgolo asked.

He returned to his BMW, climbed halfway inside and turned the radio off, got out of the car holding another bottle of beer in his hand and closed the door. He could not stand still, his shirt was untucked from his trousers, and his mother was angry about the way he was behaving.

Look at him, he is just a mess! All he knows is a bottle of beer and different girls he changes now and then like underwear. You will never know that he is not afraid to get sick, Shadikgolo said.

Mother, you can’t talk like that. He is your only son and if he became sick you would be the first one feeling sorry for him. And you know what kind of person he is once you start to talk to him; he will be screaming and everybody will be staring at us as if we are useless, Dikeledi said.

I think we should go to the house. Just leave him alone because I can’t stand the sight of that drunkard, Shadikgolo said.

Mom, what about your tea and anyway it is hot inside the house? Dikeledi asked.

Mom! We can’t leave because of Lentswe. If you want me to talk to him, I will? Mantoa said.

Okay fine, we can sit down, but if he misbehaves, I will chase him away, Shadikgolo said.

Dikeledi took a cup of tea and gave it to her mother.

CHAPTER 3

Since his wife, Dimakatso and their kids left to go shopping in town, Lucas couldn’t sit down, but was keeping himself busy by cleaning the whole house. After cleaning the house, he cleaned their pool and after cleaning the pool, he cleaned the garage, reversed his car out and parked in front of the garage, picked up a hosepipe and sprayed his car. Then he took a bucket of water and soap and started washing it until he finished and went to the house to make something to eat and rest before getting up to put the pots on the stove.

Michael and Jacob were tired of playing inside the salon while their mother and Dimakatso were still fixing their hair. They decided to go and sit down to wait for their mom and Dimakatso to finish so that they could leave. When she looked at the kids who were tired, she felt sorry for them and wished to finish and go home so that they could rest. Luckily, Dimakatso was the first one to finish. When Esther looked at her, she smiled.

You look so beautiful, Esther said.

Thanked you, madam," Dimakatso said.

You are welcome, Esther smiled.

Esther opened her handbag, took out some cash and closed her bag.

Dimakatso, can you take my boys out and buy them some ice cream? Esther asked.

No problem, madam, Dimakatso said.

Dimakatso took the money and turned to look at the boys with a big smile.

Guys, let’s go and buy ice cream.

The boys quickly stood up to join Dimakatso and the three of them walked out of the salon, leaving Esther still waiting to finish with her hair.

Shadikgolo, Mantoa, Dikeledi and Lentswe were sitting under the orange tree drinking soft drinks, but Lentswe was drinking his beers.

Dikeledi, can you please go and call your father? Since he went to the back of the house, he doesn’t want to come and see his kids, Shadikgolo said.

Dikeledi stood up slowly from the bench. She walked to the back of the house, where she found her father, Itshokeng, sitting on a bench in front of the chicken shed; he was smoking his pipe contemplatively. Dikeledi arrived with a big smile and stood in front of her father.

My girl, I was excited when I saw you coming because I was thinking that when you come you will bring something for me to drink as I am thirsty, but now you just came empty handed, Itshokeng said.

I am sorry, Dad. I didn’t know that you were thirsty. So can I go and get you something to drink?

"Tea, coffee, soft drink or a beer; I am