Heart Is a Muscle, The (2026)

[bunniefuu]

You excited to see Issy today?

Yes.

- This is another corner park.

- Yes.

So we can come to this one as well,

- If you want me to bring you to this one?

- Yes.

You know what. We can walk here.

Yes, but there is a park

over there. Far Away.

Do you want to come

play soccer here?

Yes.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

I was driving past and saw

the house had burnt down.

Yes.

Smoke?

Used to.

There are memories in this place.

But they all burnt away.

They are here.

In the walls.

In the ash.

And that ash goes into the ground.

You know ash is

really good for the soil.

That's why these plants

are growing so nicely.

You don't believe me, do you?

I believe you.

You know what?

All those memories.

They now live...

In the plants.

I'd rather just forget.

One day.

You will remember all of it again.

Remember what?

Alright there?

- Yep.

- You going to help me with the bags.

- I can get this on my own.

- Okay, can you?

Let's go. Jump.

One, two, three, go.

Nice one.

- Here's a spiderweb on here.

- Is it?

But I took it off.

Let me put this on.

Here we go.

What else?

You look very cool.

Pose for me.

- You want ice?

- One block.

These are nice pants.

Where did you get this?

At The Waterfront yesterday.

- It's beautiful.

- At The Waterfront?

I thought you had a work meeting?

I needed a break

so I went for a massage.

- You deserve it.

- Thank you.

I also need a massage.

I'm feeling a little stiff.

Stupid.

That's also a nice top.

It's old.

This thing needs a varnish or something.

Guys, I'm going to start now alright.

Okay.

Anees. Get off your phone.

- It's family time.

- Sorry.

I'm never going to tell you guys again.

And how was it?

Tell us.

It's not the same.

And you? You're very quiet.

I have nothing to say.

She doesn't talk out of the bedroom.

Boring.

It's probably nice out there.

- I love and leave you guys.

- Hello.

Don't repeat yourself okay.

You're just jealous.

You're not going to have another baby?

No. You just heard me

saying it's going dry out there.

You can really rub it in.

Jude is big.

Get it done.

And you? You going for another one?

No. Never again.

Why not?

You want to drink, that's why.

It's not that.

- Then what is it?

- It's expensive.

- It is, right?

- And Zaheer is lazy.

Lazy in the bed?

Or lazy at work?

Both. I'm telling you.

Hey. You two, slow down.

- I'm just saying.

- But we call it cards.

But they're dominoes.

It's beautiful right?

And she works fast too.

You must send me her number.

Let me get that child in the bath

then we can chill.

Jude my love. It's time for a bath.

My baby.

My angel.

It's bath time.

Where is this child?

My baby.

You okay?

Yes, I want to get Jude into the bath.

Jude.

Come now my baby.

My angel.

Six and six makes six.

Now you've got to read good

because you can't play...

You must knock louder.

Laila, is everything okay there?

f*ck.

Sorry guys, I pass.

Jude!

Ryan.

I don't know where this child is.

What do you mean?

He has to be around here somewhere.

I've checked everywhere already.

Jude!

Jude!

Jude!

Jude!

Jude!

Jude!

Jude!

Jude!

She was in the bedroom on my phone.

Issy my baby. Did you see

Jude while you were playing?

I didn't see him.

Okay, just try and remember.

Was he in the lounge? Was he outside?

Where did you last see him last?

My baby. Was Jude also

on the phone with you?

I don't know mommy.

Please. Please just try and remember.

Where was Jude?

- Was he in the yard?

- Okay, okay.

She doesn't know.

Relax now.

- And? Nothing?

- Still nothing.

f*ck.

Okay, okay.

Get everyone here.

- Meghan!

- Anees!

Zaheer! Anees!

Okay look, he can't be that far.

Anees, you go to the shops

and check with the neighbours.

Zaheer, you go to Greyland

Road, there's a park there.

I'll go to Sydney road

and check around there.

Stay here in case he comes back.

I'm not going to sit here and

do nothing. I'm coming with.

Farah, what was Jude wearing?

Okay. Okay.

Like a white, blue striped t-shirt

and a blue, white shorts, blue shorts.

- I told you to keep an eye on that child.

- Do you want to drive?

Sorry.

Excuse me. Salaam.

Did uncle maybe see a little boy

with long hair walking around here?

No, sorry.

Everything alright?

He's gone missing.

His mother's out looking for him.

- Stop over there.

- Okay.

Excuse me brother. Excuse me.

Yes my friend.

You didn't maybe see

a little boy around here?

Light of complexion,

around five years old, dreads.

Nothing in this area.

Okay, if you see anything

you know where I live alright?

I'll let you know.

Drop me off at home.

Yes.

Okay, I know where that is.

I'm coming now.

f*ck.

And?

Someone saw a kid walking around here.

Tell him.

With a man.

Where did you hear that?

Neighbourhood watch called.

What do you want to do?

Tell you what.

Zaheer, you check the

blocks over there at the back.

Anees you go to this section.

I'll take the blocks back there.

Let's meet in the centre.

Yeah.

f*ck.

Okay.

Okay.

Love you.

Okay, love you. Bye.

Anything?

That was my mom.

They're not answering.

Aunty, you see a kid walk

through here? Light complexion.

No.

Nothing?

No one has been through here.

Okay, thank you.

Hi guys.

You maybe see a little boy?

Five years old, long hair.

Striped t-shirt.

He's not from around here.

Jude.

Excuse me.

You maybe see a small kid around here?

Five years old, light skinned, dreads.

You can see there's a

lot of kids around here.

Someone said they saw him here.

Around the blocks with an older man.

So you think he's here?

It's my kid, man.

We're going to talk to this guy over here.

Guys.

Why are you guys making

such a noise around here?

We're looking for my son.

Someone said they saw

him around these blocks.

With an older man.

I'm telling you my friend.

We all have families around here.

But you should know that.

You.

- You see anyone with a kid?

- Today?

There's this guy, Andre.

He's living there with Veronica.

How long?

Maybe two or three days.

But he's from the other side of Ottery.

Who does he stand with?

I don't know.

Maybe one of Jackie Five's guys.

Where's he now?

Probably there on the field.

Thanks guys.

Hello!

Who's Andre?

Hey.

Who's asking?

Were you around Greyland Road?

With a little boy?

Yes, so what?

Where's that kid?

Who are you?

I'm only going to ask you once.

Where's that kid?

That's my kid.

So where's he now?

At home.

Alright, come show me.

I want to see him.

Because you don't look

like a f*cking father.

You, you don't know me.

You!

Looks like you're having a party here.

It's not like that.

Where's the boy?

- You! Where's the boy?

- So your neighbour can hear.

Okay, wait.

I'll show you. He's back there.

Why are you answering

these guys, Andre?

You, walk!

I'll wait for you out here.

Move.

Open up.

Lesley!

Lesley.

He's probably outside somewhere.

- How do you not know where your kid is?

- I swear he was just here.

You're talking sh*t. Come with me.

- Where's my son?

- I don't know.

I'm asking you nicely. Where's my son?

I don't know your son.

Stop f*cking lying!

- You're a f*cking criminal you.

- Me and you, we're the same.

What did you say? Are we the same?

Are we the same?

Who's the f*cking same?

Easy.

Calm down.

Calm down.

Okay?

It's fine.

I'm fine.

Let's take it easy.

I'm telling you. You got this one wrong.

This. These are my blocks.

So these are my people.

I'm telling you now.

If you stay here much longer.

Things won't end so well for you.

Go find your son instead.

Okay?

Here they are.

Here.

Wash your hands.

Anything?

Did the police come?

Not yet.

So... Call again.

I heard there were four kidnappings in

Grassy Park last month.

- Why would you say something that?

- I'm just saying.

Did you hurt someone, Ryan?

- Anything?

- No, not yet.

Listen guys.

I'm going to the police station.

- I'll come with you.

- You have some nerve don't you.

Why must you always

pull him into your sh*t?

Ryan!

- Where were you, Jude?

- I was just playing.

- Where were you!

- Daddy, leave me.

- Let go of him.

- You can't do that!

I thought you were dead.

Do you know what that means?

Listen!

Come, let's go.

He'll be okay.

You like this don't you?

What's going on here,

this is making you happy...

You.

You're a f*cking psycho.

You're f*cking cursed.

That's what you are.

- What did you say?

- What do you want from me Meghan?

If my family pays for your sh*t again...

I'm coming for you.

And I'm not scared of you.

Leave me!

- Come on lets go.

- I would never hurt my boy.

You hear me!

You wait here.

I'm coming now.

Here you go.

Meghan was right.

I lost my head.

Brother of mine...

We do what we must.

We've always...

Always looked after our own.

And that's just how it is.

Don't do that brother.

You've got to look after you

and your family first.

Look.

She's the mother of my child.

We tell each other everything.

It's good like that.

Laila knows all your sh*t anyway.

- Come on man.

- I'm kidding.

Things between me and Meghan

haven't been good anyway.

Everything she said there,

it's all my sh*t.

You know what I mean?

That day...

I shouldn't have let you get in that van.

I just stood there and

watched like an as*h*le.

What are you talking about?

You went crazy with

the police, and with me.

It was you who wanted

to get in the van that day.

That was my sh*t to own.

I should've gone away for that and

I'm asking you now for your forgiveness.

I'm 100% sure...

If you got into that van...

You wouldn't be here today.

Pollsmoor would've been

the end of your story.

Guys, you know this is the first

time we're speaking about this.

Plus, Zaheer, you could've told us

you and Meghan were struggling.

Yeah.

I didn't want to put my sh*t

on you guys...

- Come on man, we're here for you.

- You could've said something.

I'm also here. This one is

asking for money all the time.

Just hold on man.

- And this?

- You can put it in there.

Where's Meghan?

She went home.

Can you give me a ride?

Sure.

I'll get Issy.

I'm going to the car.

I can take some things.

Thank you.

Yes. What is it?

We need to talk.

Ryan?

- Who's this?

- It's nobody, go inside.

Did you do that to him?

I told you, go inside.

What do you want?

I told you, we need to talk.

What do you want to talk about?

You owe me.

How much?

I'm in a tight spot...

I just need a few things.

Listen friend, you need to walk away.

Get yourself away from here.

Alright, I'll leave.

But then you can talk to the police.

- What's your name?

- Les.

- Les?

- My name is Lesley.

How old are you Lesley?

Five.

My son is also five.

Look, all I know is you did wrong by me.

I'm not the guy you think I am.

Okay.

Yet here you are,

standing in front of my house.

Yes, but I don't want to be here.

I tell you what.

I'll come to you tomorrow morning okay?

This...

Is the first and last time. You hear me?

Yes, okay.

Give me your word.

You have my word.

Come my boy.

Daddy I'm cold.

We're going home now.

Hi.

Hi.

You alright?

Is that enough?

Yes.

It's been a while since

I've seen one of those.

I had one of them when I was a kid.

You don't see them around anymore.

My kid also likes go-karts.

That right?

Stay safe.

Sure.

Do it again?

- This is my cloth.

- It's yours, yes.

Let me do it again.

This time I'll do it here.

- Water the bee.

- Because I don't like bees.

- Don't you like bees?

- No.

But, you know. My bunny is...

My bunny is sixty-five.

His name was still Rex.

But Rex was very big.

- Really?

- It was this big.

It's older than the dinosaurs.

Mommy, he's also older than you.

He didn't die.

Because he was brave and strong.

Like his mommy.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

Look I... uh...

I was thinking maybe...

maybe there's more I can do.

More what?

I don't know.

Maybe I can take you

and Lesley out for lunch?

Look. I'm not looking for trouble.

You made things right.

Let's leave it at that.

I'm also not looking for trouble.

I swear. I just feel like...

I just feel like I...

It's just that...

Lesley.

Yes daddy?

Are you hungry?

Yes.

Wait here.

So...

You from Cape Town?

Are we friends now?

Was just asking.

My boy. Sit by this table.

You don't remember me do you?

You're from the area.

You used to hang out

there near De Wet Road.

- With those thieves, Langers, Fikkie.

- But you don't remember me.

At the park?

By Sydney Road, near Batts Road.

I was there.

What you guys did to my cousin, Roscoe.

I will never forget your faces.

That wouldn't have happened

if you didn't try to mug us.

Alright?

We were just kids.

We were also kids.

You were older than us.

We were still in school.

We didn't go to school.

We didn't have families.

We were just kids.

So what do you want?

You looking for revenge?

You want to get back?

I never imagined my life

would turn out like this.

But it did.

So what did you imagine?

Nothing.

I never thought about the future.

Why didn't Roscoe ever come back for me?

Roscoe was in the hospital.

For two months.

He was never the same after that.

But me? I wanted to k*ll you.

Then I found out who your father was.

My father?

My father wasn't there.

He didn't have to be there.

So, is that on me?

It's not on you.

But that could have been you.

Or me.

That's the thing.

We can never really escape

the sins of our fathers.

Can I help you carry up?

We're okay.

Lesley.

You sure?

Yes, we're okay. Come.

Ouch, my eye.

- My eye.

- Come here.

Almost there.

Is that better?

Her nose began to crumble.

She felt her cross face grow.

Her eyes began to bubble.

And her cheeks...

Began to glow.

As she sat and sobbed her heart out...

On her favourite garden swing.

She couldn't help but wonder.

Why did Bianca have to win?

Pumpkin pie.

I know you're sad.

You feel your heart might break.

But there's nothing wrong with sadness.

It shows your heart's awake.

What is wrong with me, she thought.

Am I not good enough?

What is it that Bianca has that...

People seem to love.

She fussed. And fumed. And fretted.

She complained to Toots the cat.

You want to talk?

Not really.

Sorry.

We can talk.

How is he?

He's fine.

He's going to be okay.

I don't see you anymore.

My head's spinning.

And I... uh...

What happened?

- When?

- With you and Zaheer and...

All those things Meghan spoke about.

That was a long time ago.

It's not important.

So you don't think it's important

for me to know?

There are things you don't want to know.

Ryan, we don't have to know

everything about each other.

We're allowed to have

some secrets. I get that.

But don't make me feel like

I'm not a part of your life, man.

There's nothing to say.

Your friend was in prison for five years.

You never talk about that.

Okay, fine.

Okay.

There were these guys.

They tried to mug us.

There was a fight.

Someone was hurt.

Why won't you tell me?

But that's what happened.

What don't you understand?

You know, over the years.

I would hear stories from people.

How you did things.

How your father did things.

I don't know what's true

and what's bullshit anymore.

All I know is that,

the way things are right now.

You feel so far away from me.

What must I say?

The truth.

I'm sick of it.

We have a child.

I'm your wife.

I thought I was your friend.

What do you want to know, Laila?

You want to know how I hurt people?

Not just with my words.

Is that what you want to know?

You want to know what

my father used to do to me?

He would bring a guy in,

on his knees.

And he'd put a g*n in my hand.

You know what a man does

when he knows he's going to die?

I'm talking about a grown man, Laila.

You know what he does?

He cries for his mommy.

And if I wasn't tough, if I wasn't hard,

he'd f*ck me up.

You want to know,

how when I was older...

I almost k*lled a guy.

Because he hurt

someone I cared about.

And Zaheer?

Zaheer went away for that.

Because he knew if I went to Pollsmoor

and they found out who I was.

And who my father was.

I wouldn't be standing here.

I wouldn't be here.

I'm so f*cked up in the head.

And anyone that comes near me gets hurt.

When we found out you were pregnant.

And we were having a boy.

I prayed...

I prayed you would have a miscarriage.

I was so scared...

I was so scared

I would give him what's inside of me.

Is that what you want to know?

Why did you never tell me?

I can handle it, Ryan.

That's the thing Laila, it's my sh*t.

It's my punishment.

Don't say that.

It's not, I'm sorry.

I'm here.

I'm here.

I'll check on him.

They insisted I learn to swim

thirty minutes away from our house.

They were happiest

singing karaoke together.

She thought

Whitney Houston deserved better.

If he was born in another time,

or on another street.

He could have been anything he wanted.

He taught me friendship and loyalty.

But never trusted anyone.

Except her maybe.

She respected his privacy.

Maybe too much.

Keep the change.

Hi friend.

You got a cigarette?

And a light?

You don't maybe know Andre?

Where from?

The blocks on that side.

Andre?

Andre who?

I don't know his surname.

He's a friend of yours?

Maybe.

You don't know your friend's name?

It's alright, stay safe.

Thanks.

Salute for the cigarette.

Salute.

Hello Lesley.

You can call me Les.

My friends call me Les.

Okay Les.

You out here alone?

Where's your daddy?

I don't know.

When last did you see him?

Yesterday.

Don't you go to school?

No.

You know you shouldn't

be out here on your own.

- You want to go find your daddy?

- Yes.

Let's go.

Uncle. Look.

It's pretty isn't it?

Yes.

You alright?

You can't be out here on your own.

You need some help?

Yes.

There we go.

- You comfortable?

- Yes.

Do you want to go to your mommy?

So you're going to

help me out here okay.

Is there anywhere I can take you

until your daddy comes back?

- Do you want to go home?

- Why don't we go to the beach?

I don't think that's a good idea.

Why not?

I tell you what.

I'll tell your daddy to take you. Okay?

Are you hungry?

Yes.

Have a piece of fish. Is it good?

Do you want to go to school?

My daddy said he'll take me next year.

That's good.

Are you excited?

Because there I can play.

I can make friends.

And I can be clever. Like my daddy.

And why is your daddy clever?

Because he knows stuff

about dinosaurs, fish, cars...

And he's nice to people.

You are very smart.

Hi.

They know each other barely a minute

and already they're best friends.

This place is beautiful, isn't it?

Me, my wife and kids, we come

here almost every weekend.

I say to my wife. We've got two

oceans, with a mountain in between.

How blessed are we?

Yeah that's true.

Claude.

- Hi.

- You live around here?

Yeah.

Your boy. He's a live wire.

How old is he now?

- He's uh, he's six.

- Six?

Mine too. The other

one is a little bit older.

Daddy sees you.

You blink your eyes once.

And they're all grown up.

That's why we need to make

the most of these moments.

Yeah that's true.

Look, I think I forgot my phone in my car.

Should we give it a call?

No don't worry about it.

Lesley!

Come.

Quickly.

Bye.

Just wait here.

I was in here earlier. I think

I left my phone here on the counter.

Please can you check for me?

Yeah, we've got it here.

Is it this one?

- Yeah.

- Okay.

Thanks.

Thought I lost it.

- Do you like that?

- Yes.

It looks like the same colours

we saw earlier.

But the colours we saw earlier

are big ones.

These are baby colours.

You're right.

Can we go now?

Yeah, I think that's a good idea.

Let's go.

Daddy.

Daddy.

Daddy.

Yes?

Hello aunty.

I was wondering if Lesley could stay

with you until his dad gets home?

Yes. He can come in.

Actually, don't worry.

It's fine.

I'll take him. Thanks.

Thank you. Sorry.

Do you want to come wait by my house?

Until your daddy gets home?

You can play with my son Jude.

Come.

Jude, my love. Come eat.

Hi.

Hey.

This is Lesley.

- Hello.

- Hello.

You can go play with the cars over there.

You remember him?

Yes, I remember him.

I found him alone on a

field near Olympic Avenue.

Where's his father?

I don't know.

You don't know?

So no one knows he's here?

Okay.

My love.

Are you hungry?

Jude! Come here.

Say hello.

Hello.

Okay, you take this.

And put the car down for me.

And you take this.

And you go play in the room for me. Okay?

Play nice.

f*ck.

This looks bad doesn't it?

Should I take him back?

You know what.

Let's call the police.

We'll explain everything to them,

then take it from there.

We'll do that.

Hi. Am I talking to the

Ottery Police Station?

Yes, my name is Laila and we

have a bit of a situation here.

We found a little boy on a field nearby.

I think maybe five or six.

My husband found him, yes.

Missed me.

Got you!

The van is on it's way.

Can you sit?

You're making me nervous.

I don't want you to leave me.

Leave you?

What are you talking about?

I know things haven't been good with us.

- I thought maybe you wanted to...

- Ryan.

I don't want to leave you.

What I want is for you to not leave us.

You're always on your own.

I f*cked up, didn't I?

But things will work out.

Don't worry.

Can you forgive me?

Can you?

He's my boy.

And I just want you both to be okay.

You know.

We are everything that came before us.

All of it.

Our parents and their parents.

They gave us all their sh*t.

But they also passed on other things.

They gave you their kindness.

Their love.

And their strength.

And that's what our son

is going to get from you.

Good evening sir.

We received a call from Laila.

That's my wife. Come in.

I'm Sergeant Pieterse.

I'm Lisa. I'm a social worker.

In incidents like this with kids

I accompany the police.

I'll get him.

I understand you're the one who found him?

Yes that's correct.

I found him alone on a field.

I went looking for his father, but...

- There was no one home.

- So you know the parents?

Kind of.

I know the father. Andre.

This is Lesley.

- Hi.

- Is my boy here?

Yeah he is. Come in.

No, no, no.

Bring him here.

- Daddy!

- Where were you?

- I told you to wait with Aunty Veronica.

- I was waiting for you.

Daddy was worried.

What's going on here?

Who are these people?

I went looking for you earlier.

Where were you?

I was working.

I work night shifts.

The friend we're staying with,

she was looking after...

Andre, please stop lying.

What night shifts?

You were busy with

your drugs again.

You don't know me.

You stay away from my boy

and from me. Hear me?

How do you two know each other?

He didn't tell you?

He did this to me.

Sir. Is this true?

Ma'am, it's just big

misunderstanding.

I've been helping this man

for the last week or so.

You're helping me?

You don't come near

my son again, I'll k*ll you.

Sir, please calm down.

- What do you want from me?

- Sir, please stop.

What are you looking for?

Nothing.

I'm looking for nothing, Andre.

I might not have much.

But I have my son. My child.

And you, you're

not going to take him away from me.

I don't want to take

your son away from you.

I, uh...

I'm really sorry. For everything, Andre.

I am... I am so sorry.

I think you two need to come

to the police station with us.

For what now?

- Sir, we'll sort everything out there.

- Why should he go with?

Ma'am, it's normal procedure.

Normal procedure?

We did the right thing...

Ma'am, I need you to calm down.

Laila.

Laila, Laila, it's okay.

It's okay. It's okay. I'll go.

Take Jude to your mom

then meet at the station.

It's going to be okay.

I'll go with you.

Come with me.

Don't worry.

Come here.

Jude.

Do you love me?

Yes daddy.

I'll see you soon.