A short story by Ntombizenhla Nxumalo
Contributors and their Story Titles
Compiled and edited by Ndaba Sibanda, the contributors to this rich and screamingly spellbinding text equally burst into their literary spaces and pages with dazzling, delightful, and different magic that keeps the reader banqueting, drooling, and awe-struck. Sifanele Sibanda sets the tone high with her moving movie-like story titled The Deadly Big Bully. Then Khumbulani Malinga marks his royal and entrancing entrance with his Love Letter. Ntombizenhla Nxumalo poses the critical question Is This the Way It Should Be? On the other hand, Pentecost Mate’s proficient brush intensely paints The Rural Bathtub. Robert Mugore smartly discusses and dissects The Devil I Know. Banqobile Virginia Dakamela rightly reads Money Changer-in Law the riot act. Norah Sibotshwa has no kind words for Betrayal, and Ndaba Sibanda is transfixed and staggered after spotting The Immigrant with A Difference.
Introduction
This is an anthology of eight hypnotising short stories whose language, themes, styles, depth, diversity, and handling all make it extraordinarily fresh, imperative, and haunting. The collection The Smell of Betrayal: You Sting My Heart presents a profound exploration into the pervasive and malignant nature of betrayal, portraying it as a malicious force that infiltrates and corrodes interpersonal relationships, societal structures, and individual psyches. The evocative language underscores the chaotic and negative impact of betrayal, depicting it as a metaphorical carcinoma that demands vigilant resistance and collective condemnation.
Through vivid imagery and poignant observations, the compilation elucidates how betrayal manifests as a catalyst for upheaval and emotional turmoil, leaving a trail of devastation and despair.
Characters
Hazel: Daughter to John and Miriam
John: Father to Hazel
Miriam: Wife to John; step-mother to Hazel
Constable Dambudzo
A Shattered Heart from the Start
Hazel resided in the eastern suburbs with her stepmother, Miriam, and her father, John. Having lost her biological mother to heart failure at the age of two, Hazel adapted to her new familial arrangement, where Miriam assumed the role of her caregiver. However, Miriam's demeanor underwent a stark transformation; once known for her hospitality and compassion as a local nurse, she metamorphosed into a figurative "lioness," exhibiting traits of sternness, rudeness, and unapologetic behavior towards Hazel.
“...From today onwards don’t call me mama. I am Miriam, girl. Your mother died when you were only two. Have you ever, ever, I mean, ever seen me breastfeeding a baby since you stayed with me?”
Hazel did not answer; she did not know what to say.
“Do you hear me, you?” she yelled.
Hazel stammered, feeling very confused and lost. “What is really happening?” she asked herself. “Has mama gone mad? But she is a nurse.”
“Do you hear me?” she shouted again.
Hazel broke into tears; silence was her answer.
“You are crying? Why are you crying? Hazel, you are ugly, very ugly. You can’t be my child. Lift your eyes and look at me. Am I ugly?” she asked with a low voice.
Hazel shook her head.
“So you can’t be my child!” she giggled. Miriam stood up and went into her bedroom, looking at herself in the mirror. Yes, she was beautiful.
A Deceptive Smile, Full of Guile
Miriam had resided in Hazel's company for nine years, during which John divulged to her the existence of his biological daughter. In order to secure a marriage proposal from John, Miriam feigned affection towards his daughter. However, her true nature gradually manifested, revealing a malevolent disposition. Miriam neglected to provide Hazel with sustenance, instead callously suggesting that she could satiate her hunger by sharing meals with Bobby, the family dog. John, oblivious to the unfolding events, remained unaware due to Miriam's deceptive and duplicitous behavior. While she presented herself as a romantic and caring spouse to John, her treatment of her stepdaughter painted a picture of a heartless and monstrous individual.
Fueled by bitterness and jealousy stemming from her infertility, Miriam took advantage of the situation by reporting what she deemed as Hazel's "misconduct" to her father. Concerned about the impending consequences of her parents' conversation, Hazel reminisced about her father's disciplinary methods, particularly recalling the belt he used. She used to confide in her late mother during such times. Now, with her mother gone, Hazel anticipated trouble.
In an attempt to ascertain the reasons behind her alleged "rudeness" and "disrespect" towards her stepmother, her father posed a series of questions to Hazel. Despite her silence, her father misinterpreted her calm and responded with a forceful slap across her left cheek. At that moment, she refrained from shedding tears but pleaded for mercy through her tear-filled eyes.
Hazel was then presented with two options, as clear as the sky: she had to either amend her "poor behavior" or leave the house to reside with friends who supposedly influenced her negatively. Feeling hunger pangs, she discovered that no one cared about her well-being. The following day, she chose not to attend school, despite her father leaving some money for her. Instead, she boarded a bus and headed towards the city center.
A Fake Plea, Cruelty Set Free
Desperate for survival, Hazel resorted to begging for money, fabricating a story that she was an orphan abandoned by her parents and currently living with a relative who had forcefully expelled her from their home. Meanwhile, Miriam continued her pattern of consuming all the food in the house and even feeding some to the dog, leaving nothing for Hazel. It became evident that Miriam had declared a hostile and vindictive stance towards Hazel, determined to make her suffer a fate akin to that of her deceased biological mother.
“...She will follow her mother to the graves if she doesn’t know?” she said smiling. “How can I be looking after another woman’s child yet I don’t have mine? The doctor told me that I would never have children, so I couldn’t be the second maid here. If John dies this property will be mine. I don’t want to be asked silly questions like, ‘Did he have any children?’ Everything must be mine!” she smiled.
Upon her husband's return from work, Miriam put on an act of apparent astonishment and disbelief, pretending to be unaware of Hazel's whereabouts. She feigned concern and inquired about Hazel's location, masking her true intentions and actions towards her stepdaughter.
“It`s you sweetheart? I thought maybe it was Hazel. She hasn’t come yet!” she pretended to be worried.
“She has not come? Did you phone the police or the school?” he asked.
“I didn’t, John. I am not feeling well. I have a terrible headache.”
“Don’t behave like a small baby, Miriam. Can’t you see this is a serious matter?” he shouted.
“What have I done? Did I send Hazel anywhere? I never did. Please don’t make me feel bad or irresponsible. I didn’t contribute to her disappearance.” She countered, looking him straight into the eyes.
A Knock at the Door, Truths Galore
After a brief moment, a knock on the door startled John, prompting him to quickly answer it. To his surprise, Constable Dambudzo from the local police station stood outside. The constable delivered the shocking news that both John and his wife were being arrested for child abuse, and they would have to explain at the police station.
At the police station, the authorities shared the distressing account of Hazel's mistreatment at the hands of her stepmother and the physical abuse inflicted upon her by her father. Overwhelmed by the revelation, John couldn't contain his emotions and broke down in tears. However, he took responsibility for his actions and paid a fine at the police station as a consequence of his involvement.
After settling the legal matters, John made his way to the hospital, presumably to address the consequences of the abuse and seek medical assistance for Hazel. Hazel was fast asleep. John called out;
“Hazel, Hazel.”
Hazel woke up and asked her father,
“Is this the way it should be?”
A Heartfelt Plea for Family
When Hazel inquired about the whereabouts of her biological mother, her father revealed the heartbreaking truth. He informed her that her mother had passed away when Hazel was just two years old. He expressed his belief that when he remarried Miriam, he had hoped she would love Hazel as her child. Realizing the gravity of his actions and the pain he had caused his daughter, he sincerely begged for her forgiveness, acknowledging the mistakes he had made.
“Forgive me, Hazel, I am sorry.”
John turned to his wife and asked her,
“Is this the way it should be because you are not her real mother?”
John directed his attention towards his wife, questioning the way things had unfolded, highlighting the fact that Miriam was not Hazel's biological mother. Miriam, realizing the gravity of her actions and the pain she had caused, also pleaded for forgiveness and expressed her remorse. She acknowledged that her heart had been influenced by negative forces, metaphorically referring to the "bad voice of the devil." Miriam made a solemn vow that she would never again allow her mind to become a breeding ground for malevolence and pledged to change her ways.
To be continued next week
About reviewer
Maina Wahome, a polymath from Kenya, is a distinguished linguist, educator, author, playwright, and poet. He holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. Arts) with a specialisation in English and Literature from Laikipia University in Kenya and a Master's degree in Linguistics from Universitas Diponegoro in Indonesia.Wahome's expertise spans Phonology, Morpho-Syntax, Cognitive Linguistics, Semantics, and Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM). His contributions include research articles and literary works such as novels, plays, and anthologies of poems. His academic and creative endeavors reflect a deep commitment to linguistic exploration and literary innovation.
About author
Ntombizenhla Nxumalo is the author of the story titled "Is this the way it should be?" She attended Founders High School in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is currently a part-time tutor at Zimbabwe Open University, teaching Literature. Her literary journey started in 2000 when she penned this story, through which she sought to look at the lives of young children who usually suffer when their mothers die or when they are divorced, including the trauma they go through and the sudden change in their lifestyle.