THE LOVE THAT WAITED IN THE SHADOWS

by Tracey Rotondwa

They say true love is loud full of grand gestures, fancy dinners, and flowers sent in broad daylight. But my love story was different. It was quiet. It was slow. It was patient. It was Sphetho.

For the longest time, I never saw him. I mean, I saw him he was always around, always present, always kind. But I didn’t see the way he loved me, not really. Maybe because I was too busy surviving. Maybe because I didn’t think love was something I deserved. Or maybe because when you’ve spent so long holding your broken pieces together, you forget what it’s like to be seen fully, softly, truly.

But Sphetho saw me. Always had.

He loved me in the shadows in my silence, in my struggle, in my storms. He never asked me to be perfect. He never needed me to wear makeup or have it all figured out. He showed up when I was at my worst emotionally tired, financially drowning, spiritually lost and somehow made me feel like I was still worth everything.

And when I finally saw him for who he truly was, it was like the sun rising after years of darkness.

Sphetho is not the type to shout his love from the rooftops. He’s the kind who walks 50 minutes just to see me because he knows I’m upset. The kind who buys the most expensive chocolate he can afford, not because I asked for it, but because he wants me to taste something sweet when life is bitter. He is soft where the world is hard. Gentle where I am guarded. He is the kind of man who listens really listens to the things I say in passing.

I used to wonder what love felt like. I used to think it had to be loud and dramatic to be real. But Sphetho showed me that love is quiet consistency. It’s knowing someone’s favorite snack. It’s sending a “Did you eat?” message. It’s respecting boundaries but staying close enough to remind you that you’re not alone.

We’re both Libras. Our birthdays are only a day apart. Sometimes I joke and say that’s why we are shy the way we are because we mirror each other. But truthfully, it’s what makes us work. We understand each other’s emotions, even the ones we don’t say out loud. We know how to give space, how to pull each other in when needed, and how to love without possession.

I never imagined I’d fall for someone who once loved me silently. But now that I have, I see the depth of his heart in everything he does.

He’s shy, soft-spoken, and deeply loyal. He doesn’t just say “I love you” he shows it in every small way. And as crazy as it sounds, I want a baby with him. Not because he asked. Not to fix anything. But because the thought of my child having a father like him brings me peace.

I know people might not understand. They might say I’m rushing or making the wrong choice. But for once, I’m not choosing out of desperation I’m choosing from a place of love, of healing, of hope. I see Sphetho now. And he sees me. And in a world that rarely gives us permission to be soft, to be seen, to be held this kind of love is rare. Sacred.

He is my peace in the noise. My strength when I feel weak. My smile after the tears. He supports my dreams, even the ones I’m too scared to chase. He doesn’t belittle me when I talk about starting over. He reminds me that I’m worthy, even when I feel like I’m failing.

And what moves me most is how he loves Bontle. Not as a stepfather. Not as a duty. But as if she was always his. He sees her, plays with her, jokes with her and most importantly, protects her peace. That’s all I ever wanted.

Sometimes, I catch myself looking at him and wondering how I ever missed it. How I didn’t see the gold in front of me while I was searching for silver elsewhere. But maybe timing is everything. Maybe the love that lasts is the one that waits.

He tells me he prayed for this. That having a child with me would give his life meaning. That our family however small or imperfect is his answered prayer.

And maybe… it’s mine too.

We may not have the money. Or the perfect plan. But we have love. We have laughter. We have understanding. And if that’s the foundation we’re building from, I think we’ll be okay.

So, Sphetho my Zulu Libra man with the softest heart and the most beautiful smile this is for you.

Thank you for loving me in silence when I couldn’t hear love.

Thank you for staying close when I pushed the world away.

Thank you for being patient with my healing, my fears, my overthinking.

Thank you for loving my daughter like she’s your own.

And thank you… for being my “finally” after so many almosts.

You are beautiful inside and out.

You’re going to be the best daddy.

And I can't wait to build a life with you one that feels like home.