Description

Piggs Peak dressed itself for love every February. Red ribbons wrapped around street poles. Small shops displayed plastic roses and handwritten discounts. Couples walked close together, laughing softly, as if heartbreak were something that only happened elsewhere. Lwazi Maseko watched it all from beneath a raised car at Mthembu Motors, the largest garage in Piggs Peak. Oil stained his hands. Grease lived under his fingernails. He was only a mechanic assistant—cheap labor with strong hands and quiet dreams. And his dream had a name. Lindiwe Vilane. They had planned Valentine's Day together. Nothing fancy. A walk through town, roasted meat