The Wall

67

Nozipho was still gripping the bedroom doorknob. Thembinkosi was leaning against the door as he held the nail file away from his body. They were staring at each other.

“Do you have the money?” High Voice. Thembinkosi reached for Nozipho’s hand.

“Why would I?”

“It’s gone.”

“What do you mean, it’s gone?”

“It’s no longer where I stuck it.” High Voice was growing louder.

“Where did you put it?”

“In one of the drawers. Here. In the kitchen.” The scraping of boots. Drawers opening and shutting.

“You’re joking.”

“No, I swear.”

“But the old woman can’t have the money. She was dead by the time you hid it.”

“I know.”

“Then explain it to me.” Deep Voice was growing quieter with each sentence. Neither of them said a word. “Explain it to me.”

“Someone was in the house.”

“That’s ridiculous. Who would come in here?”

“But.. the ID. It’s missing, too.”

Deep Voice began to walk up and down, slowly at first, then faster. Stopped. Resumed pacing.

“What will they do?” Nozipho mouthed silently.

“Kill each other.”

“Or tear up the apartment.”

Thembinkosi thought about the slip. And the shirts. And the dress Nozipho was wearing. The empty hangers.

“What is it?” High Voice asked. He sounded frightened. “Spit it out!” The boots stopped. “I’m thinking.”

“We should get back in the wardrobe.” Nozipho.

“How could someone get in here?” Deep Voice.

“Come on.” Nozipho.

“Wait.” Thembinkosi.

“We didn’t activate the alarm.” High Voice.

“You didn’t activate the alarm.” Deep Voice. “It’s your house.”

“Yes, my house, but it wasn’t activated.” High Voice.

“Come on!” Nozipho.

“No.” Thembinkosi. “Be quiet!”

“Come on!” Deep Voice.

“Now!” Nozipho.

Thembinkosi wrapped his arms around Nozipho and held her tightly. Footsteps in the hallway. “Are you very sure?” Deep Voice.

“Definitely.” High Voice sounded relieved.

“I want to take one last look in that fucking freezer.”

Nozipho slipped out of Thembinkosi’s arms. A few seconds later both of them had vanished into the wardrobe again.