Life, Above All Page #3

Lillian's sister has a club foot.

She came to Sarah's funeral.

- Do we agree?

- Yes, we agree.

Death.

Death.

It took something from your home.

I see a demon in you.

I see a demon.

A demon in your body.

Go back to your village.

Cleanse yourself.

Someone took a part of you.

Go home if you want to be cured.

- Do we agree?

- Yes, we agree.

Thank you, Mrs. Gulubane.

Amazing. A miracle.

A miracle!

I must return to Tiro.

This house is bewitched.

- You can't believe that.

- I can't?

Then why did my baby die?

Why is my body so sore?

Why does my head ache?

Mama, stay.

Mrs. Tafa will help you

with Soly and Iris.

- Don't go.

- I left money for the rent.

- And for food.

- Stay, Mama.

I have to go.

I'm doing it for you, Soly and Iris.

You know I'm right.

I must go.

How long does it take

to break a spell?

As long as it takes

to recover what was taken from me.

Mrs. Gulubane said it would be quick.

Mrs. Gulubane knows everything.

That's right.

She helped solve our problem.

If the neighbors ask, what do you say?

That everything's fine.

I love you.

Come back soon.

Soly and Iris are here,

they're eating mealie pap.

Mama called.

She called?

- Did you speak to her?

- No, I called her.

Mama says everything's fine.

Do you want some pap?

Did she say when she'd call back?

No, but don't worry,

I'll give her your message.

Thanks, but I need to speak to her.

I don't know when she'll call back,

but if you're home I'll call you.

Don't look so sad.

The Lesoles are having a party. Go.

Don't worry, I'll take care of them.

You don't want people to think

you have problems.

Your mother wouldn't want that.

She wouldn't.

Would she?

I'm glad you came.

- Is your mother still up north?

- Yes.

They want her to stay a while.

- That's good news.

- Your mother's lucky.

Enjoy yourself.

I like your smile.

- Really?

- Can I come study at your place?

If you come, we won't study.

Then maybe after exams?

Chanda. Chanda!

Chanda.

Who's there?

Esther.

Don't look at me.

- Come in.

- I can't.

- Your mother?

- Don't worry.

Mama's not here.

We have to get you to a hospital.

I've been.

The doctors were busy.

A nurse sewed me up.

They should've kept you.

They had no free beds.

To them I'm just a whore.

That's not true.

You're my friend. My best friend.

It was a BMW.

When I got in...

...they beat me.

Then one of them said...

...he had AIDS,

that he'd give it to me.

After that...

...I don't remember.

I woke up in a ditch.

How long were you there?

- Who found you?

- The police.

All they said was...

...that I was a whore,

that it served me right.

My little darlings!

You know what? Esther is here.

- Esther Macholo?

- Yes. She fell off her bike.

She's staying in Mama's room.

- Is this a joke?

- Esther has problems.

I bet she does.

I'd like to use your phone

to call the shop in Tiro to tell Mama.

- Don't upset her.

- I won't!

Hey, watch it!

We sent someone to your home.

They didn't find anyone.

He's gone.

I'm sorry. Really sorry.

Don't apologize, child.

You look troubled. What is it?

I have a friend.

I think maybe...

...she might have...

She might have AIDS.

And also...

...a friend's mother is sick.

Very sick.

Bring her in to be tested.

If it turns out positive...

...we'll put her on our list

for treatment.

- Is there a chance?

- A chance?

There's always a chance.

I need to use your phone.

Think your mother wants you...

...living with that whore?

- She'll understand.

She'd want me to get her babies

away from her.

Like they took away Esther's family?

I don't care if she sleeps in a pigsty!

She's staying!

- And Soly and Iris are too!

- You think you're so smart?

Satan is speaking

through your mouth!

Let me call my mother.

She'll say if it's Satan or me!

As long as that slut is in your house

you won't speak to your mother!

Then I'll buy my own phone.

- With what?

- I'll tell Mama everything you said.

That I have to do what Esther does

to buy my own phone.

I'll tell everyone.

One night with her,

and look how you talk!

Jezebel!

Use the phone, and go to the devil!

See how far you get!

Mr. Kamwendo?

It's Chanda.

Yes.

May I speak to my mother?

Could you give her a message?

Ask her to call me back.

I need to speak to her.

Come home. Dinner's ready.

- Where's Iris?

- I left her there.

Iris! Iris!

Soly, you dummy,

you left without any candy.

Come here. Come when I call you.

I'll come when I want. Or not at all.

Stop that right now!

Do as you're told!

- Now, you listen to me.

- Leave me alone.

You're not my mother!

I want to stay with Papa! I hate you!

Come, sit down.

Look, give it your best shot.

You'll get a second chance.

- You're not at Mrs. Tafa's?

- She's busy.

- Seen Iris?

- She must be at Mrs. Tafa's.

- Soly says Mrs. Tafa is busy.

- And your exam?

What's the matter?

I've disappointed everyone.

Not me.

You'll get another chance.

I'm sure you'll pass.

Chanda! Chanda.

There's been an accident.

Come quick!

- Hello, ma'am.

- She's the girl's sister.

Apparently they all drank beer

and they fell into that hole.

Jacob! What happened?

Iris was leaning over the hole

speaking to Sarah.

Paulo wanted to see Sarah.

They lowered him on a rope.

And he fell in.

Iris sent us to get help.

Iris! Iris! Iris!

Let them do their job.

Chanda!

Where are you going?

What are you doing?

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I won't be bad again.

I know. I know.

We found him!

You're alive, I was so frightened!

Something cushioned his fall.

Now move back, all of you.

Why didn't Mama come?

She wanted to say goodbye.

Then why isn't she here?

Maybe she didn't get the message.

It's a crying shame.

He was still so young.

A horrible accident!

Imagine falling into a hole like that?

He never stood a chance!

Mama should have been here.

I don't see why.

- She loved him.

- That cheater?

That useless drunk

who put her to shame?

His accident won't change anything.

It was no accident.

What do you mean?

Jonah either fell or was pushed

because he had AIDS.

If you say that Jonah had the bug...

...people will say

your mama has it too.

- They're already saying it.

- No one's saying it.

- You sure?

- They think your mother...

...was bewitched...

...and that Jonah had an accident.

The truth.

- It's not true.

- It's what they think!

That lie made my mother leave.

- Your lies!

- My lies?

You convinced Mama to leave

because you're scared of the bug.

And scared of what folks will say.

Why shouldn't we be?

Your mother never meant

to come home. She's gone for good!

When I get home I'll pack my bags.

I'm going to Tiro to fetch Mama.

- I won't let you go.

- Try stopping me!

Fine, go ahead and break

your mama's heart...

...and your own while you're at it!

Here's 500 rands.

It was to bring back

my brothers and sister.

It's not enough. Take it.

I can't take it.

- Why? Because it's from whoring?

- Of course not.

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