The Heart That Stayed Behind

I never planned to fall.

Not in love. Not again.

Not after Siyabonga.

When I walked into Imbeka Secondary School on my first day of Grade 8, I had already made up my mind: no boys, no drama, no heartbreak.

I told myself I was done with childish love — and maybe even boys altogether. I believed I was a lesbian. I chose peace. I chose myself.

Then I met Snothando.

Then I met Promise.

And through them… I met him.

But this is not his story.

This is mine.

The story of the girl who laughed louder than her pain.

The one who stayed…

When love walked away.