Chapter 4

Studio 3 sat hidden behind a ridge of dark dolerite rock. The circular glass building was dark and opaque, giving nothing away from the outside. Inside, the space was busy, with cameras and spotlights scattered around, and a large white futon in the center of the room.

In the corner stood a striking older woman wearing a black robe loosely tied at her waist. She was naked underneath, and through the slit in the fabric, I caught glimpses of her dark curls peeking out, as well as the curve of her breast. She smiled warmly and motioned for us to come closer.

"Welcome, Nomsa and Sipho, to the Reveal experience," she said. "I'm Aunty Zanele, and I'll be guiding you tonight."

"Nice to meet you," Sipho said. He shook her hand, and I did the same.

Aunty Zanele's gaze held steady on us. "Tonight is about intimacy through the lens. Tell me, do you remember that video you watched in the lobby?"

Sipho chuckled. "Oh, yeah. Definitely."

"Well, we shot that right here," she said, pointing toward the bed. "A pair of newlyweds similar to you wanted to celebrate the real way. We captured them as they really were, and that's what I want for you guys too. I'll direct, but mostly, I'm here to immortalize you and your intimacy. Think of it like a time capsule for your sex life and something to look back on for your wedding anniversary."

My pulse fluttered at her words. Sipho glanced at me, slightly uneasy but definitely curious. "What do you think, Nomsa?"

A nervous smile spread across my face. "Well, we're already here, and I guess I've always wondered what we'd look like from the outside. Why not? Let's do it."

"Alright, if you say so," Sipho replied.