“Please, Skoonma, stop feeding me beskuit!” Kleinboet exlaims from under one of the caravans.
Skoonma chuckles. “I just want to give you the energy you need so you can get the caravans working.”
Kleinboet slides out, gets up. He sighs: “To be honest … I was looking forward to some alone time. That’s why I fixed up only my own caravan.”
The rest of the family are all devastated. “But … you’ve fixed all three the caravans! I was so hoping for a spontaneous, surprising journey” says Bloos.
Kleinboet shrugs. “Ai, guys, it’s nothing against you. I just want some me-time.”
One by one, the family members nod their acceptance and start walking off.
“It’s okay,” says Kaalvoet Meisie. “I’ve already made the most epic playlist for the road trip. Songs to fit every possible scene and scenario, ready at my fingertips.”
Posmeester shrugs too. “I’ve gathered letters and other communications from just about every part of the country to prepare. Some of this history is not even widely known! But I guess I’ll send it to the museums.”
Swartskaap kicks at a rock – dejected. “I’ve done my research too. Found all the craziest, off-the-beaten-track places to visit that will surely live in our memories forever. I guess I’ll go on my own … someday.”
Kat stares into the distance, chuckles stoically. “I have made many weird and wonderful friends in my travels. They will welcome us at a moment’s notice, but I guess that will have to wait.”
Finally, Skoonma picks up her large container of rusks. “Sorry, Kleinboet. This beskuit is an old family recipe, guaranteed to make holidays ekstra epies. But I should have asked first.”
Kleinboet watches them as they slowly trudge away. He gulps, realises something. “Wait!”
The family members stop, turn around.
Kleinboet musters courage: “I was wrong. I don’t need alone-time. I need time with all of you, outside of our routine, outside of our duties, just … outside of all the werk and stuff. To remember who we are as individuals, and what we mean to each other in that way. And … have fun!”
The family members process this. Bloos steps forward, hopefully: “So, what does that mean? Road trip?”
Kleinboet nods with a big smile. “Een moerse road-trip, with the whole familie!”
Everyone laughs, ceremonially and happily embrace one another, as the sun rises over the vineyards.