THEY were seated awkwardly in the living room of Samson’s modest two-bedroom home. His wife, a good woman and the mother of two of his children, had left him when his drinking got out of hand, but they’d never divorced.
She displayed the sadness of losing someone she knew, the father of her children, but not the sadness of losing a husband, for she’d lost him long before he passed away.
Some would say she left him because of Sofia – a loud, hot-headed young woman in her early thirties – who was Samson’s mistress and mother to his youngest son, but the truth was she and Samson had grown apart long before then.
Sofia was the only one in the room who was standing, chewing bubblegum in the corner like a teenager with an attitude.
Samson’s eldest son, Jomo, who’d followed in his father’s footsteps by working at the nearby Loneville goldmine was also present, seated next to his mother. He was still in his navy jumpsuit and gumboots, fiddling inattentively with his safety helmet.
“When did Junior say he’s getting here? Some of us have better things to do,” Sofia’s sharp, squeaky voice broke the silence. The Junior she was referring to was Samson’s middle son.
He was the one who’d requested the meeting.
“You call drinking and dancing at the tavern day and night something better to do?” Jomo replied without turning around to look at her.
“It’s what your father liked. That’s why he left your mom for me.”
Jomo rose instantly but his mother grabbed his arm.
“Don’t you dare mention my mother. You ruined my family and you don’t belong here,” Jomo barked.
This story is from the 25 June 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 25 June 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you