Broken Promise

Episode 12

Ntombi walked with Olwethu down the
street and round the corner to one of the
shacks in the next road. The inside of his
shack was small but cosy. There was an old
TV in the corner, and colourful newspaper
pictures on the walls as wallpaper. As
Ntombi came in Olwethu’s sister and
brother jumped up and greeted her. An old
lady, who was sitting in the only chair in the
room, put down her knitting to greet
Ntombi. “Hello Gogo, don’t get up,” said
Ntombi quickly.

“Ntombi was short at the shop and she
needs some onions to cook for her sister,”
explained Olwethu, handing his
grandmother her glasses that had fallen to
the floor.

“You are welcome, child,” the granny said.

“Give her some fruit too.” Ntombi saw that
they didn’t have much, but Olwethu was
picking out the best pieces of fruit to give
her.

“Ntombi’s singing in the competition I was
telling you about,” said Olwethu.

“Sing something for us!” His sister begged.

“Hey … stop pestering her,” said Olwethu.

Ntombi could see she was disappointed.

“I can try,” she said. She started singing –
softly at first, then louder as she got her
courage up. When she finished they all
clapped. She felt really good.

“Your parents must be so proud of you,” the
granny said. “You are so talented: a
beautiful voice for a beautiful girl.”