Oteng Modise is getting ready for a first date when his phone rings. The voice on the other end is his own — calling from the future with warnings about cologne, ex-boyfriends, and a forgotten wallet. But the real warning isn't about the date. It's about what happens after.
A grounded speculative fiction novella from Botswana that explores fate, choice, and the weight of knowing what's to come — all set against the heat of an ordinary afternoon in Otse.
Oteng receives a mysterious phone call from his future self with warnings about his first date.
Read Chapter 1 →Oteng meets Thato and they walk to the tuck shop, conversation flowing despite the cologne incident.
Read Chapter 2 →At the table, Oteng asks about Thato's ex Tumo — against his future self's warnings.
Read Chapter 3 →The moment of truth: Oteng reveals he forgot his wallet, and the date takes an unexpected turn.
Read Chapter 4 →Walking back from Mama Ofile's, Oteng and Thato process what happened.
Read Chapter 5 →At Thato's gate, they decide whether there will be a second date.
Read Chapter 6 →Thato returns home to find Tumo waiting — and the past refuses to stay buried.
Read Chapter 7 →Oteng walks home, reflecting on the phone call and what it all means.
Read Chapter 8 →