Mama enjoyed a bit of gossip. I’d often overhear her laughing and sharing stories about colleagues and other people. I’d laugh heartily because she had an amazing sense of humour and was an incredible storyteller.
Little did I know that one day I, too, would become a topic of discussion. I’d never imagined that the moment would come when they talked about me, but that day eventually arrived.
One afternoon I overheard Mama speaking to one of her employees, Vumile, and they were discussing me!
Years ago, Mama had helped a relative by standing surety for their university fees. That relative had stopped paying the institution, and it had reached the point where the institution’s lawyers were calling the office, demanding to be paid. I informed Mama but she ignored me.
Mama had signed surety and they wanted their money. Eventually, the lawyers sent the sheriff to Mama’s house to evaluate what they could attach. I refused to let him in because Mama was not around, but I took the documents that they had brought with them.
