Rain in the bowl

 They always say: money doesn’t buy love, but some people don’t agree with it because they believe that with money, love is worth it. Lerato Mokoena was a young woman who was hardworking and always on the streets to earn a living, which consisted of food and money. The alarm went off; it was in the morning, and the sun was still rising. “I hope today something will come out,” she said, preparing herself to take a bath. Lerato was living in a one-room shack in the informal settlement of Extension 1. Her shack was not in good condition; it was leaking on the roof. She was always under stress because when it rained, she would put the bowl so that the water wouldn’t affect her shack. “When I get the money today, I need to make the payment for the iron corrugated. I need to take care of my baby,” she said, pointing inside her shack. “One day, I am going to be a nurse and show the world that everything is possible, despite the condition I am living with,” she said, locking the door.

It was busy that morning. Thabo Mthembu, a well-dressed person, a businessman who was always busy, when he sees money, it is his daily food. “Hello, sister,” Thabo greeted and opened the window of his car. Lerato saw someone interested in having a conversation with her. “I am looking for a job, I need to survive,” Lerato humbled herself. “I am the right person for you,” Thabo smiled.

“Thank God,” Lerato thrilled. “Get in.” Lerato got in the car. “What job are you looking for?” Thabo asked as he drove away. “Any job will be good for me, like washing the dishes and cleaning the house.”

“I thought you wanted to be something big like a businesswoman,” Thabo said. “I don’t have a qualification at this moment. I need this money to enrol and be a successful woman,” Lerato said. “This is a good idea, you have the right person.” Lerato felt excited and told herself that the moment for her success had arrived.

When they arrived, Thabo showed Lerato around and told her that she would get a better salary at the end of the month. Lerato felt so thrilled. “You are starting today. Remember to report to me when you knock off,” Thabo said. “You are a God-send, sir. I  have been longing to get this job, and finally I got it,” Lerato said. Lerato was determined to work hard and prove to her boss that she could even do better on her job.

Later that evening, Thabo accompanied Lerato, but he was not himself. “Are you living in this condition?” Thabo asked, looking worried. “I wish the government would consider our needs,” Lerato said. “For me, this is not a new South Africa,” Thabo said. “As you can see, the corruption is everywhere.”

“I am not happy about the conditions you are living in,” Thabo said. Thabo was looking to date Lerato, he saw her as a respected and loving woman. “I will see you tomorrow in the morning, don’t be late,” Thabo said.

Naledi was Lerato’s neighbour, and she was also a friend. “Hey friend, I can see that love is in the air,” Naledi chuckled. “Come on, friend, I am working for  him.”

“You like lying to me, even your eyes say something else,” Naledi said. “But you know I was always looking for a job,” Lerato was surprised. “Look, my friend, this man is going enrich you. Why don’t you date him? He is loaded,” Naledi asked. “What? I am not cheap and chase after someone’s money; I need to work hard to earn it.” Lerato respected herself. “I am telling you the truth, this is an opportunity,” Naledi said.

“I had a long day, we will talk next time,” She said and unlocked the door. Lerato slept well, knowing that she got something she wanted.

During the weekend, Thabo visited Lerato to check on her, and Naledi was watching everything.

“Hello, Lerato,” Thabo greeted. “Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you?” Lerato asked. “I am here to check on you. How is life?” Thabo asked. “Everything is well, after giving me the job,” Lerato smiled.

Thabo saw that this was the right opportunity to ask her out. “I bought flowers and perfume. I would like you to have dinner with me,” Thabo said. Naledi laid her hand on the mouth. Lerato was speechless and didn’t know what to say. “But sir, I am working for you,” Lerato said, she was shocked.

“I understand that you are shocked. This is a once-off date,” Thabo said. “No problem, I will think about it,” Lerato smiled. Thabo charmed her and took advantage of her to change her condition.

Thabo left, and Naledi approached her. “Friend, I told you, this is your lucky day,” Naledi smiled.

“I will think about it, my friend.”

“Come on, friend, don’t tell me you are rejecting his date,” Naledi said. “I am joking, I am taking his offer, friend. I am going on the date,” Lerato said. Naledi was excited; she didn’t show any sign of jealousy. “In my life, I never felt like this. I am going to love him.”

“Remember, you said you are a hard-working woman, and you are not ready to date,” Naledi insisted.

“My friend, let’s forget about that. I need money.”

“Go for him, dear,” Naledi said, and borrowed her dress to look smart.

The day was warm, Lerato was dressed up and ready to meet Thabo, a black Audi TT car appeared, and Lerato was so surprised, it stopped right in front of her. “Am I dreaming?” Lerato asked herself. Thabo got out of the car and politely touched Lerato’s hand. “Hey, beautiful, I hope you are ready for our date,” Thabo said and smiled. Lerato jumped out of excitement and felt loved. Thabo opened for her, and they drove away. While driving to the restaurant, they chatted. “Look, baby, you look so beautiful today. You need compliments,” Thabo insisted. “I feel so loved today. I never met someone like you,” Lerato said. “I want you to feel like other women, you deserve it,” Thabo smiled. “You are so kind, Mr Mthembu.”

“You can call me Thabo,  if you don’t mind,” Thabo said.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Lerato felt as if she was in heaven. “Mr Mthembu….. Thabo, this restaurant is a special one,” Lerato was thrilled. “I told you I am going to spoil you,” Thabo said. They ordered food and started eating. Thabo held Lerato’s hand. “I don’t like the condition you are living with,” Thabo said. “To be honest, sir, this is bothering me; even I can’t pay for my mother's medication.” Lerato was drained. Thabo felt sorry for her, and he was determined to help her. “Every person deserves to be happy, and when a mother is sick, you won’t find peace.”

“What do you mean, sir?” Lerato asked. “How much do you need to pay for your mother’s medication?” Thabo asked. Lerato sighed, “I need R5 000 to buy them because my mother is diagnosed with cancer.”

“Don’t worry, my friend, I will assist you. I want to see you happy,” Thabo said. Lerato was not sure whether he was kind or wanted to use her. “Are you sure, sir?” Lerato asked. Thabo insisted, “I am definitely sure.” Lerato felt relieved. They continued eating and enjoyed.

One day, Lerato overheard a conversation between Thabo and his father. She was still at work, and his father, Mr Mthembu, mocked him for chasing a township and a poor girl. “I found out that you are dating that girl,” Mr Mthembu looked straight at him. “I don’t know what girl you are talking about, Father.” Thabo looked surprised. “You know exactly what I am talking about.”

“Father, I date whoever I love; you can’t pick a girl for me,” Thabo said. Mr Mthembu took a sip of his whisky. “You are dating a poor girl; she is a low-life girl!” Mr Mthembu shouted; he was just protecting his reputation. “You can’t talk like that about her. I love her the way she is,” Thabo defended himself.

“You need to wake up, I have a reputation to protect, what if we……” Thabo interrupted him.

“Lerato is loving and kind, and I saw that she is the right woman for me,” Thabo insisted.

“I have picked one for you, the Daughter of Mr Zulu, and she is elegant and educated. Lerato is not educated, and she does not look nice.”

“I know she is not educated, but I can assure you that she is going to study.”

“I have one condition: I will freeze all your banking details, confiscate your car, and be like her,” Mr Mthembu said. “You can’t do that,” Thabo said. Mr Mthembu didn’t say anything and left.

Lerato was not pleased at all. He approached Thabo. “Your father is looking down on me,” Lerato cried.

“Baby, I won’t break up with you.”

“I don’t care, and I don’t want to hear anything from you. You are using me, and I am resigning,” Lerato said and left. She was so hurt and returned to Extension 1 to help her sick mother. Thabo felt so ashamed because of what his father said. Thabo realised that his father was going to freeze his bank account, so he immediately transferred a certain amount to Lerato and made it as if it were a donation for the medication for her mother.

In the morning, Lerato was busy making porridge for her mother when she received a notification; she was so surprised. “Ma, I received a notification,” Lerato said. “What notification, my dear?” Mapula asked her mother. “It’s money, and it seems like a donation one,” Lerato said, staring at her phone.

“I thank God, the money will help with my medication,” Mapula smiled, and felt like she was already recovered. “Who could send this money?” Lerato asked herself. “Maybe Thabo spoke with people to send you that money,” Mapula insisted. “Thabo does not love me because of his father, Mr Mthembu. He is so cruel, that man.”

“Don’t talk like that, my dear, Thabo will come back and talk with you,” Mapula said.

“I don’t want to hear anything from him.”

“I taught you to forgive, no matter the situation,” Mapula said.

A month later, Thabo went to Extension 1 to check on Lerato, and she had already forgiven him. Thabo found her sitting with her mother. “I came to check on you,” Thabo humbled himself.

“What do you want?” Lerato asked. “I am the one who sent that money so that it can help your mother,” Thabo said. “So, does money buy love?” Lerato asked. “I never used you like the ones who sleep with poor girls for money. I love you, not because you are poor. I love you because you are kind and loving, but my father froze my bank account and confiscated my car.”

“Thabo, what the hell do you want?” Lerato got angry. “I am going to start a business with you, with the money left in your account, and I will love you the way you are. Please forgive me, and I am willing to start a life with you,” Thabo said. “What about your father?”

“My father is arrogant and thinks poor people are low-life people who steal and use drugs. He does not know there are kind and loving people,” Thabo said. “I like your honesty, my child, you are so kind, and God be with you,” Mapula said. “We will start a new life and be happy.” Thabo felt so special, and they began to use money to start businesses, and they got married; their lives were good.

Brian Makara, 2025.