Creak! Clank! Clunk!
Kleinboet mutters as he works on his old caravan. He sighs, steps back, wipes the sweat from his brow … and sees Kaalvoet Meisie approaching.
“Well, well,” she chuckles. “I was wondering when you’d ever bring this old skedonk out of the shed!”
“It’s not a skedonk!” Kleinboet says, offended. “It’s vintage! Legendary! It’s just that I haven’t had time to work on it.”
“Uh-huh,” Kaalvoet Meisie teases. “You paid a lot for this old thing, and you’ve never used it! So why work on it now?”
Kleinboet swallows his pride, and smiles. “That’s the thing! I want to go on a holiday. Just me and my old caravan, exploring!”
“Wow, that’s so cool! Where are you going?”
Kleinboet shrugs. “I don’t know yet. Our country has such amazing hidden gems. Even some I haven’t discovered right here in the Overberg!”
Kaalvoet Meisie whistles. “Jislaaik, Kleinboet, that’s something I’ve always wanted to myself! Please, can I come with you on your holiday?”
Kleinboet’s smile drops – he was hoping for some alone-time, but doesn’t want to hurt her feelings. He uhms and ahs for a moment, kicking at a little rock, scratching the back of his neck … when suddenly, the rest of the family appears from inside the farmhouse, having overheard Kaalvoet Meisie’s last sentence. Kat, Posmeester, Skoonma, Bloos and Swartskaap all step closer – excited, smiling.
“What’s this about a vakansie, Kleinboet?!” Swartskaap shouts. “Yoh, I need one myself! Can I come too?”
Skoonma and Posmeester share a wise look between them. “In fact, maybe the whole family deserves some off time,” Skoonma says. “And it’s good timing – I just baked loads and loads of karringmelkbeskuit!”
“Agreed,” nods Posmeester. “So, Kleinboet, how are we all going to travel?”
Kleinboet is thrown – a few moments ago, he was still dreaming of his solo vacation! He composes himself, clears his throat: “Sorry, julle. I only have the one caravan, and I’m still getting it ready. There’s not enough space for everyone.”
Disappointed noises from the rest of the family … until Swartskaap’s eyes light up. “Wait! There are two more old caravans in that old forgotten shed on the far corner of the farm! I’m sure Kleinboet can fix them too!”
Swartskaap rushes off, not looking back. The rest of the family look to Kleinboet expectantly.
He gulps …