Setting: The village of Mjila, near the town of Mount Frere

In the quiet rural village of Mjila, nestled under the distant hills near Mount Frere, life moved at a steady, predictable pace. Within the homestead of the Madelyn family, Matilda lay comfortably in her bedroom. She was a graceful young woman who cherished her evening routine — cleaning up, tidying her space, and finally collapsing into her bed with the weight of the day behind her.

Just as she settled under her covers, her younger sister Amala burst into the room, running excitedly.

Snazo: “Matilda!”

Matilda : “Mhhh?” she murmured, shifting groggily.

Amala shook her sister with bubbling excitement.

Amala : “Guess what? Reign proposed to me!”

She held out her hand proudly, showing off a dazzling diamond ring that glimmered in the dim light. Matilda shot up, her eyes wide as she saw her sister’s hand.

Matilda : “Wow! Let me see it,! Yho, it’s beautiful — this is a real treasure!”

Amala : “Right? He asked to see me and surprised me with a ring! I can’t wait to get married and be part of his family!”

She spun around, showing off the sparkling gem on her finger. Matilda smiled with pride, the joy of her sister’s happiness warming her heart.

Amala : “I always knew Reign loved me, but I didn’t know he loved me this much.”

Matilda : “I could tell, and I’m honestly so happy for you, sis.”

Amala : “Dad’s going to be so thrilled. You know how long he’s been preparing for one of us to marry.”

They both laughed.

Matilda : “That’s true. He barely let us breathe with all that pressure. I’m proud of you, though — and I know Mom would be too.”

Amala : “Come on, sis — it’s just marriage! You’re the one with an education. You’re going to lift this family up!”

Matilda : “Dad doesn’t see it that way. All he wants are money /cows for lobola. And I don’t even have a job yet, so it’s tough. But I’m genuinely happy that you’ll bring him joy.”

The moment between them was light and tender — the kind that only sisters can share.

Matilda : “Let’s go start the pot before it gets late.”

Amala: “Ah, you just want me to cook so you can sit down! I’ll cook — I need to practice anyway. I’ll be a wife soon!”

They laughed again, grabbing each other playfully before walking off to the kitchen, arms linked and spirits high.

Matilda , the older of the two at 23, had completed her Grade 12 and earned a Bachelor , but opportunities were scarce in the town. She never found a college placement or a job, mainly due to the lack of transport and resources in their area. Amala, only 20, had just completed school herself, but their father had long since dismissed their potential, branding them both as “useless” girls.

As they stirred pots and giggled together in the kitchen, Matilda nudged her sister with curiosity.

Matilda : “So… when is the future groom coming to visit us?”

Amala : “It’s a surprise! I’ll know once the letter arrives. Then we’ll hear what Dad says.”

Matilda : “This guy really loves you, hey? I can’t wait to meet him.”

Amala: “You’ll meet him soon, sis. He’ll be your Sbari — your brother-in-law!”

They finished cooking with laughter and warmth. Their bond was something rare — you’d never guess these two ever fought or argued. They always shared everything — their joy, their pain, and their dreams for a future that might one day take them far from Mjila.

---

One Week Later – The Madelyn Homestead

Old man Madelyn sat beneath his favorite tree, a grand, sprawling oak that cast a wide, cool shadow across the earth. The sun was hot, but here, the breeze moved gently and the leaves danced with whispers. He had just finished reading a letter that had been hand-delivered to him.

A smile crept onto his weathered face as he rubbed his large, round belly.

“You’ve done well, Madelyn,” he chuckled proudly to himself.

Madelyn (calling out):

“Matilda! Amala!”

His deep voice thundered through the homestead, and both daughters came running, startled. They feared their father — he never smiled, never laughed — so hearing his voice filled with excitement was unusual and unsettling.

Madelyn:

“I’m overjoyed, my daughters! Today, I am finally honored as a true man in this village. You’ve made me proud beyond measure!”

The girls glanced at one another, puzzled, and then at the folded letter in their father's hand.

Madelyn (with a grin):

“So, which one of you is the eldest again?”

Matilda (quietly):

“It’s me, Father.”

She looked down at the ground, nervous.

Madelyn:

“Good. My daughter Mafungwashe… I bring you great news. One of you is to be married very soon. And Matilda, that one is you.”

The sisters exchanged wide-eyed glances.

Amala (frowning):

“I thought I was the one getting married, Father. Reign proposed to me.”

Madelyn:

“Quiet, child. You’re still young. You cannot get married before your older sister. That’s tradition.”

Matilda (softly but firmly):

“But Father, I don’t want to get married.”

Madelyn:

“You will do as I say. This decision is final. The message has been delivered. There’s nothing more to discuss.”

He stood, brushing dust off his trousers.

Madelyn:

“And another thing — Amala, help your sister prepare the house. Reign’s family will be visiting in the morning. Hand me your iPhones before they arrive.”

With that, he left them standing there in stunned silence. Amala fought back tears as she handed over her phone and walked back inside.

---

Amala’s Point of View

I sat on the bed, my body trembling as tears streamed down my face. I couldn’t believe this. My father — cruel as he was — had crossed a line I never imagined. I always knew he could be heartless, but this?

“How could he give my fiancé to my sister?”

Matilda (softly, rubbing my back):

“I’m sorry…”

Me:

“How could he do this, Matilda? How?”

Me (crying harder):

“You’re really going to marry him?”

Matilda stayed silent, tears brimming in her eyes.

Matilda:

“I don’t want this either, Amala… I don’t.”

Me (on my knees, grabbing her hands):

“Please don’t marry him. I’m begging you.”

We both cried. I couldn’t stop shaking.

Me:

“Please, Matilda. Please.”

Matilda:

“What do you want me to do? You know he’ll force it. He’ll do it whether I want it or not.”

Me:

“Then beg him. Please. You have to try.”

Matilda:

“Alright. I won’t agree to marry your man. I swear. I want to go back to school if I ever get the chance.”

Me:

“Reign will wait for me. I swear. We’ll make sure you get back to school too.”

Matilda (whispers):

“I’ll try… but I don’t think Father will ever listen.”

And with that, Matilda stood and quietly walked out of the room, the weight of sacrifice on her shoulders.

---

Outside, under the old tree...

Amala : POV

I watched Matilda walk slowly across the yard toward our father, Madelyn, who was sitting under his favorite tree. He looked lost in thought, a faint smile on his face. That expression scared me. When a man like him smiles, it usually means trouble for someone else.

Matilda (softly):

“Father…”

Madelyn (serious now):

“My daughter, I hope you're not here to try to change my mind. I’ve already decided, and my word is final. In this household, it’s tradition that the older daughter marries before the younger one. I’m not doing anything new — I’m simply following our customs.”

Matilda:

“But Father, the man you’ve chosen for me… he’s in love with my younger sister.”

Madelyn (irritated):

“Enough, Matilda. You’re a child. What do you know about love? I’ve made my decision. Don't ruin my day with your nonsense. I’m in a good mood, and I won’t let your selfishness ruin it.”

Matilda:

“I just can’t go through with it, Father.”

Madelyn (coldly):

“Then leave my home. The cows meant for your lobola will go to waste if you refuse. You’ll walk out with nothing the day that man arrives.”

Madelyn (shouting):

“Call Amala. Tell her to fetch your aunt. Amala!”

Amala came running, eyes swollen and red from crying. Matilda turned and walked back inside the house.

Madelyn (to Amala):

“Everything I do is for you, my children. If your sister doesn’t marry now, when will she? Don’t be selfish. You still young you will find another man. ”

Amala (quietly):

“But Father…”

Madelyn (angrily interrupting):

“No buts. Tears won’t change anything. Now go to Heizel and tell her I need to speak with her.”

Amala:

“That won’t happen. Matilda will never marry my fiancé.”

Madelyn didn’t hesitate. He slapped her — hard — sending her crashing to the floor. She stared up at him, stunned. He had never laid a hand on them before. He usually relied on his voice alone to scare them.

Madelyn (furious):

“Don’t you dare raise your voice to me again. If you do, I’ll beat you until you can't stand. Matilda will marry him whether you like it or not. If thaat man clearly wants you both. He’ll take you together.”

He turned away from her without another word.

---

Amala rose to her feet, tears flowing freely. Blood trickled from her nose. I, Matilda, rushed toward her with a basin and a bottle of water.

Matilda:

“Let me help you, Amala.”

Amala (pulling away):

“Stay away from me, Matilda. I can take care of myself.”

Those words cut deep, but she didn’t argue and stood there quietly, watching her walk away from her — distant, hurt, and alone. She hated what was happening between them.

---

Amala made her way to Aunt Heizel's house . She arrived still crying, and told her everything that had happened.

Heizel (softly):

“I’m so sorry, child. Your father is stubborn. Once he decides something, there’s no changing his mind. But I’ll try.”

Amala:

“Please, Auntie. Please beg him for me.”

Together they walked back to their homestead. It wasn’t far, just a few houses apart. When they arrived, Amala waited outside while Aunt Heizel went in to speak to their father.

Heizel :

“My brother, I’m begging you — this is about your daughters' happiness. Have you thought about how Amala feels? And Matilda, too — do you really want to marry her off to a stranger she doesn’t love, someone who was never meant for her?”

Madelyn (calm but firm):

“Let’s not forget whose children they are. Mine. And I know what’s best for them.”

Heizel :

“Yes, they’re your daughters, but that doesn’t mean you ignore their happiness. This isn’t about you — it’s about them.”

Madelyn:

“I’ve heard enough. As you said, they are mine. And as long as they are mine, I decide their future. If that boy loves Amala, let him take both sisters. That’s his business. I didn’t call you here to debate me. I only need your support — now that a new family is entering this home, you must help me prepare.”

And just like that, Madelyn walked out, leaving Aunt Heizel speechless.

---