Soldier Boy (Extract)

Neo stepped in. To Kgotla’s eyes, she walked in slow motion. Her elegant body was dressed in a magnificent outfit. She walked towards the bed, glamorous in every way. She did not smile, yet her face rippled with astounding beauty. Like spring rain, tears coursed down her cheeks. Kgotla tried to stand up but the casts would not let him. The doctor sneaked out and disappeared. Neo looked at Kgotla through tear filled eyes and smiled for the first time. He smiled back, like a child at the sight of candy. She leaned over the bed and their lips locked in an explosive bang. They kissed vehemently. Careful not to step on his healing limbs, she climbed on the bed and lay by his side. None of them had spoken a word. Neo pulled the blankets and burrowed underneath. They faced each other, heads pressed on the same pillow, faces nearly touching. Neo opened her mouth to speak. “Shhh...” Kgotla whispered. “Hush, don’t say a word. Don’t even lift that head off the pillow. I love it when your eyes look at me that way. I’d like to wake up like this every morning. So sleepy, your eyes, yet they melt the marrow in my bones.” Neo’s succulent lips twitched in a tiny, almost hesitant smile. For a fleeting moment her teeth sparkled like diamonds and briskly disappeared behind the luscious lips. She snuggled closer to him, the fabric of her dress brushing against his skin. Kgotla shuddered. She carefully pulled him closer and locked her hands around him. In no time, they were both fast asleep, in each other’s comfort. 

This is an extract from my short story, 'Soldier Boy.' It's yet another attempt at a romantic tale that tells of a young man whose life is infested by harsh challenges including unemployment and lack of financial stability. Although he's performed exceptionally well at university, earning himself an outstanding degree, he continues to roam the streets. He questions the value of education and begins to doubt the cliché, Education is the Key. Just when things turn out positively for him, just when he anticipates a better future, just when he thought he found the love of his life, he comes crashing down again - this time harder than he ever did. What is life? What is love?

Soldier Boy is a re-write of what used to be called Tears of a Soldier, and then later changed to The Soldier. It's been rewritten several times and the title Soldier Boy seems to fit well, for now. I hope it sticks.