Molly stood with a devastated heart as she stared at her burnt house that robbed her of her parents and her only son. Molly was struggling to sort out her emotions about the issue. She was still in grief at her loss.

 She was still perplexed, wondering if her life would ever pick up. She felt numb as a pin of pain overwhelmed her. In that moment of sobbing and heartache, she heard a bold, familiar voice talking softly to her. When she turned to look, it was her neighbor Mondli. He still looks handsome, as always. He came closer and greeted her with a hug. The Colgate smile wiped his cute face. He held Molly’s hands, looked her in the eyes, and said, “Please don’t do this to yourself.” It’s been 5 years already, but you are still in grief.

 “It’s time you build your new life again, dear,” he said. Molly wanted to share Mondli’s idea, but unfortunately, the painful past was still vivid and raw. It’s like it all happened yesterday. Mondli wants me to move on. I understand moving on as packing your past, finding positive things to it, and reaching out to something or someone new. He wants me to forget I lost my parents, my child, and my home on the same day. 

I want to help you,” he said. Molly stormed up and drove to her place. Mondli followed her and went back home to his parents. When Molly got into her apartment, she took a hot, long bath, trying to shove her past away. Afterward, she went to her lavish living room and watched a movie. Later, she heard a knock on her door.

” A knock,” she said to herself with her eyebrows raised. Nobody knows me around here. Who may be that? She slowly made her way towards the door, holding a huge bowl of popcorn. She nearly fainted as she opened the door and found the handsome Mondli standing. 

“Oh, it’s you”, she said. “You sound tired and annoyed by my presence,” Mondli said in a giving up voice. ” No, come in, Mr,” she ordered.

Thank you, Molly. “You look so tired”, Molly said, giving him a glass of water and showing him a couch to sit on. Yeah, I’m very tired, said Mondli. I’ve been driving in circles trying to find this place. How did you know I live here? I always knew it was Bassonia, but I didn’t know the flat. “It’s Shamwari Complex,” said Molly. 

Yes, now I know, and surprisingly, you are my neighbor still. Are you serious? Yes, like back at home you stayed next door, even now you live next door. No way, Mondli, are you following me? No, dear. It’s a coincidence that needs attention. Attention? But how? Molly asked. You and I are meant to be together, maybe. Oh no! Where did that come from, Mondli? Molly, I’m not going to delay this, but to be straight at the point, I love you. I always did. Since we were kids, to be exact. 

I was afraid of your father because he was too strict. Let me clarify: Mondli, do you think now is the perfect time to play your games because my dad is no longer. Is it so? No, Ntombi, I even waited five years after his death to break the news. So tell me, Mondli, you have been single for five years, waiting for Ntombi to come. To be honest with you, I have been in a few relationships, but they all ended badly, one with a child, of course. A 3 year baby boy. Ntombi’s eyes lit up as she heard the mention of a child. “What’s his name?” Muzi! His name is Muzi-wethu. Pointing at them. Go out, Mondli, you confuse me worse. Ntombi opened the door and ushered him out in anger. ” I didn’t mean to anger or confuse you, Ntombi, but..

Out Mondli!!! Pointing at the door. While she was left alone, she started pacing up and down. Later, she came to her right senses. Can this be my second chance of being a mother? She smiled at the thought. How she would love it. Does Mondli want me to be a mother to his son? I should stop playing hard to get and tell him I’m IN LOVE, TOO. Time to sleep came; the night was very long and unkind for her. All she wanted was the morning to find Mondli.

Morning came and took a bath and looked her best. Out, she walked to the flat next to hers, lucky when she reached the gate; Mondli was there too, making his way but with no car. They looked at each other with great amazement.

Mondli came closer to her, and the chemistry between the two became

so vivid. They kissed so deeply and with great affection. Mondli, I love you too, Ntombi finally told him. In disbelief, Mondli looked at her straight in her eyes and asked her to repeat herself. Let’s go to your room, she said. Off they went, holding hands. Say it again, Ntombi, we are in my room now. She gave him a Colgate smile and just froze.

 The handsome Mondli couldn’t hide his excitement. He then offered to make breakfast for them, which he jumped to it. They dinned together, and Mondli told Ntombi he had some news to break. Woo, woo, woo! Please don’t spoil my appetite. For the first time after many years, I have a company at my table; it’s a dream come true. Thank you, Mondli, she said, blushing and looking at her future husband. “Oh, okay, I will wait for us to finish. ” You’re not a bad cook after all,” Ntombi said. I’m the Chef Mondli replied. Oh no, don’t Put yourself on a shoulder, Mr. I would love it if you called me a better name than that; I already have yours, too. I always had hey. Ntombi, I imagined us together almost every day.

Okay, Mondli. How about LOVE? I love it. I call you my Candy because you are so sweet to me. All you need is to find your lost self again. Lost! What do you mean by lost Mondli? The old you is lost, and I want to help you find you. Mondli, do you blame me? I lost so much that day. I can still smell their dead & burnt bodies (sobbing). Mondli hugged & comforted her. Passionately, he kissed her and vowed to be with her always until she healed. Ntombi was very delighted to hear those words from him. He then offered to sleep over her place to ensure she would be okay. Ntombi was adamant at his suggestion. Seeing through her, Mondli told her that he could sleep in a guest room. So Mondli could see my thoughts, she thought. It’s not that I think… It’s okay, Candy, you don’t have to explain yourself. I will be gentle & take things slow with you. I understand where you come from.

 It’s a yes, Mondli, my Love, you can come and no couch please, we can share my bedroom. You are no stranger; we are partners, and you don’t have to suffer because of my insecurities and pain. Thank you. I can’t wait to hold you for the whole night. That will be nice, she smiled. The sun was already down; it was seven in the evening. Mondli offered to order supper, and pizza it was. Together, they cuddled on a couch while eating & drinking. After that it was a romantic movie then it was ten o’clock, a time to sleep.

This was written by our contributing writer, Duet Mlotshwa.