Chapter 1

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.

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