19

THINGOLUHLE MTHETHWA

l wake up to a harsh light streaming through the window, the sound of birds chirping outside .. The memories of the previous night's events come rushing back, and l feel a wave of despair wash over me.

With a heavy sigh, l rise from the bed , getting dressed for work, carefully choosing a polo neck dress that would hide the bruises on my neck. l apply makeup, blending the concealer to mask the telltale signs of the violence that had been inflicted upon me.

l stare at my reflection on the mirror, my hands trembling as l gently blended the concealer over the dark purple bruises on my neck.