The Wall

111

“Up there. That’s the last house, and those are the last bags they’ll be throwing into the truck.”

Nozipho hiked her dress high above her hips. She then grabbed Thembinkosi’s hand. Grabbed it hard.

The three workers were tossing bags and cartons into the truck. Two of them vanished for a minute, reappearing with a can they emptied together. They looked at each other and flashed a thumbs-up signal. Done. Together they walked around the left side of the truck. The first man opened the door and hauled himself into the cab.

“Now!” Nozipho said.

The momentum of her sudden sprint took Thembinkosi by surprise. He stumbled forward in Nozipho’s wake and dropped what he was carrying in his other hand. Pulled on her hand. In the other direction. They both almost came to a stop. But Nozipho was determined.

“The briefcase!”

“Doesn’t matter. Come on!”

“But…”

“COME ON!” Nozipho shot him a toxic look.

Thembinkosi followed her. Together they ran after the truck as fast as they could.