Yesterday Page #2

I came to see

if there's anything I can do for you.

You are very kind. But I am fine.

- Would you like tea?

- If it is no trouble.

No trouble at all.

I have no sugar.

That's fine. I like it bitter.

What did the Sangoma say?

- Did she help you?

- I don't know.

Perhaps you are a diabetic?

A what?

It's to do with your sugar levels.

Maybe they are too low?

Sugar levels?

Some people, if their sugar levels

are too low, they collapse.

I would not know.

You are the teacher, not me.

You should see a doctor.

I am trying. I am trying.

But it is far to the clinic

and I always get there too late.

We shall have to arrange something.

You could take the taxi.

That is a waste of money.

But it is only five rand.

A waste of money. It is better to walk.

- Good morning.

- What is going on?

- It's Tuesday.

- So?

So the taxi is ready to take you

to the clinic in Kromdraai.

Don't worry, it is already paid for.

Hurry up and get dressed.

You will be the first one there.

I must wake up Beauty first and...

Get dressed. I'll look after her.

Thank you.

I cannot wait.

Who knows how long you will be?

I understand. Thank you, again.

Yesterday, is it?

Yes, madam.

I've had a Tomorrow and a Today even.

But never a Yesterday.

Who named you that?

My father, madam.

He said that things were better yesterday

than they are today.

But that was a long time ago.

You don't have to call me madam.

I am a doctor.

Yes, madam.

How long have you had this cough?

Since before Christmas, madam.

Before Christmas?

Why have you left it so long?

I thought it would go away.

And when it didn't, it was hard to see you.

I know. I am sorry.

We need more than one doctor at this clinic.

But there is not enough money.

Take a deep breath.

Like this.

Good.

Is there something wrong with me, madam?

I would like to do a blood test.

A blood test?

I need to draw some blood...

and send it for testing.

I don't understand.

Just to check that everything is fine.

But first, you have to sign your consent.

I need your consent.

Just read it through and sign it.

Here. Put your name here.

What's the matter?

I cannot read or write, madam.

It doesn't matter.

Do you want the test?

Will it hurt?

Don't worry.

Just a tiny little prick and it'll be all over.

Just relax. Look the other way.

Hello.

How are you?

Fine. Fine.

- How are you, my child?

- I'm fine.

Does Teacher know where you are?

She was busy with lots of papers.

You must go and tell her I am here. Hurry.

What are you doing?

- What are you doing?

- Nothing, my child.

Here, go and throw this away for me.

Did you hurt yourself?

Run along.

- What's this for?

- The taxi.

Don't be silly. It was my pleasure.

But you don't have to pay for me.

I told you, it's my pleasure.

I'll make it up to you.

You already have.

- I have?

- By being my friend.

- It is not easy to make friends in this village.

- That is true.

When I married my husband...

it took at least a year

before they accepted me.

For some reason they are very suspicious

of outsiders in this village.

- Where is your husband?

- He works in Johannesburg.

How often do you see him?

Sometimes once a month.

Sometimes not for many months.

- It is hard.

- Yes. It is hard.

So, what did the doctor say?

She took my blood.

- She? It was a woman doctor?

- Yes. A white woman doctor.

She speaks like a proper Zulu, too.

- A proper Zulu?

- Like you and me.

What did she take blood for?

I do not know.

I have to go back next Tuesday.

Tell me when,

and I shall look after Beauty again.

- Thank you.

- Not at all.

She is a bright child, that one.

She should start school soon.

Next year.

I look forward to teaching her.

I do not understand.

Do you use a condom?

- What?

- Condoms, do you use them?

What for?

I am a married woman.

Why would I want to use those?

So, you only have sex with your husband?

Yes.

And does he have other wives?

I am his only wife.

And where is he, your husband?

He works in Johannesburg.

Under the ground.

- Under the ground?

- In the mines.

When last did you see him?

On New Year's Day. Then he had to go back.

I see.

And do you enjoy...

a normal, healthy sex life?

Do you have sex?

Yes.

You know what men are like

after they have been away for a long time.

I know.

It is important that I test him

as soon as possible.

Test him? But he's in Johannesburg.

- Which mine?

- I don't know.

- Can you find out?

- I will try.

It is important.

So now...

What?

Am I going to stop living?

Hello.

Hello, can you hear me?

Hello.

What a surprise!

I hope you don't mind me coming here.

Of course not! I was just about to leave.

I need to ask you something.

Come. You walk me home.

Can I help you with that?

You are so kind.

But I need to ask another favor.

You only have to ask.

I need to go away for a few days.

Go away?

- To Johannesburg.

- What for?

I cannot say. I need someone

to look after Beauty while I am away.

Is there something wrong?

No problem.

Like I said, I think your daughter

is a wonderful child.

It will be my pleasure.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Be good, my child.

- When are you coming back?

- I'll only be gone a day or two.

- You promise?

- I promise.

Come here.

Be a good girl, okay?

Your mommy will be back

before you know it.

Come, let us go and bake some bread.

Hello.

I'm looking for my husband, John Khumalo.

- He works here?

- Yes.

Which section?

Section?

On top or under the ground?

Underneath. I need to see him.

What's it about?

I cannot say. I need to see him urgently.

- John Khumalo, you say?

- Yes.

- And you are?

- His wife, Yesterday.

- Yesterday?

- Yes.

Wait here and I shall find out for you.

Thank you.

What do you want?

- Has something happened to Beauty?

- No, she is fine.

- If it's money...

- It's not money.

It's you I've come to see.

- Me?

- Yes.

Me?

Why do you want to see me?

Go back to sleep.

I don't want to.

It's okay, your father will be here,

when you wake up.

Really?

Open it.

Do you like it?

This is the best gift you've ever given me.

Hello.

- It's hard to turn.

- Let me try.

There we are!

Thank you.

Yes?

You don't look well.

I'm fine. Just a little tired.

Are you still getting your medicine

from the clinic?

Yes.

Well, it doesn't seem to be working.

Perhaps, you should go back

to the sangoma instead?

I'm just tired. That's all.

If you say so.

Thank you.

Let me help you.

Thank you.

In the men's hostel...

I used to run to the toilet all the time.

Every five minutes.

But there are no toilets...

under the ground.

Not where I work...

blasting the rock...

going deeper into the earth.

What else could I do?

I messed in my pants, over and over...

until they were wet and sticking to my legs.

I stank like an animal.

No one would come near me.

I did not want to believe what you told me.

I did not.

But...

it kept playing over and over in my mind.

Over and over, driving me crazy.

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