SHE tore up the wedding photo with swollen, stiff fingers. Finally, when the pieces were to her liking, she released a handful into the air, as high as her bird-like arm allowed. The shiny confetti rained down on her sheepskin slippers.
“No, Ouma. Tonight you’ll cry for that photo!” Anna’s voice was sharper than usual. Tears clouded the pale, almost seethrough eyes gazing up at her.
Normally Ouma’s antics amused her. It was all this worry, the strained whispers in quiet corridors, made more ominous by the plastic visors guarding weary faces. They said it was just a precaution, nothing to worry about . . . yet.
She bent down, careful to scoop up all the pieces. Ouma’s face had remained intact on one of the little shreds. Her grey hair like a permed mane around her beaming face. The bride, one of her granddaughters, had her arm around Ouma’s shoulder. Her face was severed in half. Ouma loved to tear things up. To-night Anna would have to tape it together, eyes straining, only the candle for light.
Tomorrow things would be better. She gathered her belongings – her handbag, an umbrella, and the beautiful crocheted blanket. She draped the soft mint-green throw around her shoulders. Ouma had made it for her.
ANNA stared longingly at the taxi hooting as it whooshed past her – it would be a much shorter trip home. Instead, she joined the long, snaking line for the bus. Eventually, with a sigh of relief, she took a seat in front. She listened to the bus driver’s phone conversation.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William