Life Of A King

Chapter 24

-DYLAN SAMKELO KING

I sit in the kitchen, the comforting aroma of coffee enveloping me as the kids walk in. Imi greets me with a warm "Morning, Daddy," and Kamva follows suit. Their presence brings a smile to my face.

"Morning, honey. Morning, buddy. You guys should wash; we're going to visit Mom today," I announce, and their smiles confirm their eagerness.

"Of course, we'll go," Imi responds happily, and the two exit the kitchen to prepare.

"Morning," Mrs. Ludidi enters, and I reciprocate the greeting.

"How are you? How did you sleep?" she inquires, concern etched on her face.

"I am good, thank you. I slept well too. What about you?" I inquire, opening a channel for conversation.

"Good, slept okay. How is Sam?" she probes further.

"We're going to visit her today. You can come with if you like," I suggest, extending the invitation.

She declines, "I don't want to impose. I'll talk to her when she gets discharged. When will she be coming back?"

"She should be discharged next week," I respond, providing a timeline.

"May I ask you something?" She looks at me with curiosity.

I nod, inviting her to continue.

"Why?" she asks, confusion furrowing her brow.

"Why did you guys throw her out? I mean, she's your daughter, and mistakes happen," she questions, her words carrying a mix of curiosity and concern.

I take a deep breath before responding, "Exactly. You were wrong for throwing her out, and I understand that parenting is not easy, but when you are dealing with your own child, the community and everyone else don't matter other than your own blood."

Mrs. Ludidi explains the past mistakes, expressing regret for prioritizing reputation over their daughter.

"Exactly," I affirm, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "You missed out, and by the grace of God, I pray that you are really here to make things right for all the right reasons."

"Our intentions are pure," she assures.

"So none of you are dying? No death sentence or whatsoever?" I challenge, pointing out the sudden appearance after all these years. "I mean, I really find it stranger that you had all those years to make things right, I reached out countless times, and you still didn't try to make things right, and then all of a sudden you rock up now out of the blue."

She sighs, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "I admit that we have not been the best parents ever, but we are trying. We just want to make things right with our daughter and her family."

- IMIBONGO CRYSTAL KING

"Mommy," Kamva and I say in unison as we walk into Mom's hospital room. I take off my shoes and get on the bed next to her, and Dad and Kamva laugh.

"Hello, my babies. How are you?" Mom greets us, and I smile, snuggling under her arm.

"I miss you, Mom. You need to get better already and come home," I say, pouting, and Mom giggles, brushing my hair.

"I miss you guys too, and I can't wait to get out of here. As soon as I am out, we're going away for the weekend," she promises, and I look up at her with excitement.

"Really?" I ask, a spark of joy lighting up my eyes.

"Yes, my love. How was the party?" she inquires, shifting the topic.

I let out a sigh, and Dad suggests, "How about we go and get Mommy her favorite milkshake?" Kamva and Dad exit, leaving Mom and me alone.

"Talk to me, my baby," Mom says, playing with my hair.

"I was a bet," I start, my voice tinged with frustration.

"Meaning?" she asks with confusion in her voice.

"You remember the pictures I told you about? Lulama kissing me," I remind her.

"I think I remember," she says, taking a moment to recall.

"Well, Lulama and Tshepiso made a bet about who would get me into bed first. Last night, Tshepiso and I went to the room and spoke. I kinda ghosted him, and so I explained to him what was going on. When we walked out, we met with Lulama, who was drunk and mentioned that he owed Tshepiso a motorbike, implying that Tshepiso got me into bed first," I explain, frustration evident in my voice.

"I'm sorry, my baby," Mom says, wrapping her arms around me.

"How did Tshepiso respond to the situation?" she inquires, delving into the complexities of the night.

"He got angry and pushed him. Said he was going to tell me," I share, reliving the intense moments.

"Maybe he was going to tell you, my baby. I understand you're angry, and I would be too if I were in your shoes, but I really think you should hear Tshepiso out," Mom advises, her comforting presence easing my turmoil.

"Before you say a mouthful, has Tshepiso tried to get you into bed? Has he made you uncomfortable?" she questions, seeking clarity.

I shake my head no. "No."

"Exactly. If really he was planning on doing what his friend and him made a bet about, then don't you think he would have made a move to get you into bed?" she reasons, guiding me to consider the bigger picture.

"Why are you so understanding?" I inquire, curious about her empathetic perspective.

"Maybe because I've always wished for such a parent, and I never had one," she confesses, opening a window into her own past.

"I'm sorry. You're doing a great job, Mom. Kamva and I are fortunate to have you as our mother," I express, grateful for her unwavering support.

"You guys are doing great too, and your father, God, I wouldn't have done it without your father," she says, emphasizing the role of love and partnership in their family.

"And yet you're not mad at me being busy with a boy that played me?" I question, still grappling with the emotional aftermath.

"Because, my baby, I understand that what involves two people needs no third party," Mom answers, imparting a wisdom born from experience.

"I could tell you to stay away from him, but you and him go to the same school, you're both prefects, and will always bump into each other. With time, you're going to end up forgiving him because the heart wants what it wants. Maybe you're mad now, but with time, you're going to forgive him, and I'll be left a fool," she concludes, a mix of concern and understanding in her eyes.

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To Be Continued