Bravery and Bruises: The Price Of Wanting Him

and searching for land. The emotional turmoil from the previous incidents-his admiration for another woman, his revelation about wanting a polygamous relationship, and the

ded her mind, a relentless barrage of memories that made her heart ache. Why did I allow him to treat me this way? she pond

sent a message to Lwazi, her trusted friend who had been a pill

some things in my head," she typed, he

sual warmth coming through the screen. "Of

the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. When she arrived, Lwa

razzled," he said, con

ng into the seat opposite him. She took a deep br

ing her to continue. "

oice barely above a whisper. "I saw him admiring another woman and sa

n. "You know that's not a reflection of your worth, rig

s hard to remember when I feel like I'm competing against someone

blind us," Lwazi said gently. "But it soun

nting a polygamous relationship. How could he do that after everything we talke

replied firmly. "If he can't see your worth, i

"But hearing those words from him made me question everything about myself

not a fool. You're learning. You're growing. It's

every time I try to move on, something reminds me of him. Like when I saw Zanele

an eyebrow. "Isn't she

alize how deep Sipho's gaslighting went. He made me believe she

tion at its finest. But it sounds like y

't want him to have a hold on me anymore. I

ed, a smile breaking through his earlier concern. "

fting slightly. "I used to cook for Sipho

can make something fun and indulge in our favo

delicious with her friend bringing a sense of warmth to her

of the lightness in life, of the joy that existed outside the shadows of Sipho's betrayal. They disc

ast was still there, but now it was accompanied by a glimmer of hope. She realized that while she might ha

ke up, look in the mirror, and remind herself of her worth. "I am enough," she would say, believing

ward, a message from Sipho jolted her b

we talk? I

ed back, the laughter, the intimacy, the promises he had made. But w

ld I respond? Should I let him back in? The thought of hearing hi

esn't come wi

and made a decision. No more. I deserve better

o, Sipho. I've moved on, and I

choes of the past were still there, but they no longer defined her.