A Beautiful Memory

[Excerpted from Ch 16]

While standing by the window, I gaze outside past our estate. The sun hangs behind a cloud as a storm approaches. My twin brother catches me off guard.

"Boo!" He jumps beside.

"Ungakwenzi lokho!" I scold him with red cheeks.

"You're embarrassed!" He laughs and places an arm around my shoulder. "Why don't we play in the mud?"

"Because it's dirty?" I slink down towards the floor.

I place my head against the wall. 'I don't feel like playing today.' My thoughts are unlike my typical mischievous self. Yet, I cannot seem to gather enough energy to smile. 'So how can I even play?' Besides, ubaba would be angry with us if we enter the house covered in mud.

"Don't be such a gloomy gloomer," Ihlathi pays my head. "It'll be fine! We just have to not get caught."

...My brother places a finger to his chin. I can see his eyes flicker from one direction to another. I wonder what he is thinking about. In another moment, he clasps his hands.

"Let's play for just a wee bit!" His bright green eyes beam. "We can be inside and change before he notices!"

I sigh. A change in scenery may do my mind good. I follow Ihlathi [ and we] proceed to go through the back door. The rain pounds the ground.

"Woza!" Ihlathi grabs my arm.

His energy is higher than mine. Though, after several moments of watching him romp around in the rain, I smile.

"You're right! This is funner than being stuck inside!" I cheer as I tag him and run across the yard.

The more we cross through the grass, the dirtier our clothes become.

"Eww, I think I have mud in my boots!" Ihlathi plops onto the ground and removes his shoes. "Barefoot sprint!"

In spite of myself, I follow his lead. We slip and fall into each other.

***

I am happy with this commission from Aaron on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/aarantheartist?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

He has great work and is attentive in bringing characters to life.