Skapie Stories

The family is gathered around the fireplace in the Sondagskloof farmhouse – sharing stories, drinking red wine on a cold winter’s evening. They stop talking when they hear the unmistakable sound of Posmeester’s slow footsteps, the wooden floor creaking under his old leather shoes. He enters the living room with a smile, and is greeted by hurrahs and warm hugs. “You’ve been away for a long time, Posmeester,” says Skoonma. “We’ve missed you!”The rest nod in agreement. Posmeester smiles: “Believe me, it was worth the wait. I’ve got a special delivery for the family.”“Ooh, I smaak a lekker surprise!” shouts...

Kleinboet is lighting the braai fire, while Skoonma shows the teacup she got back to Bloos and Kaalvoet Meisie. “Jislaaik, Skoonma,” Kaalvoet Meisie says, “we can see why you were desperate to get this back! It’s absolutely beeldskoon!” Skoonma is about to answer, but her eyes light up when she sees two figures approaching from around the farmhouse. She gasps: “Swartskaap! Finally, you’re back!” She jogs up to him and hugs him. Swartskaap chuckles, then gestures to the girl by his side. “Skoonma, I’d like you to meet the beautiful being.” “Ahem,” the girl clears her throat, “you do remember...

Sunset in Cape Town. Kleinboet watches Skoonma in the Company Gardens, keeping an eye on her for her safety, while Skoonma meets with a mysterious lady. Kleinboet is out of earshot, but from what he can tell, it’s all quite civil. Indeed, Skoonma asks the lady: “That teacup has been in my family for generations. I know it’s a finders-keepers kind of jol these days.” Skoonma sighs. “But I genuinely just forgot it there after our recent family picnic at Brekfisbaai in Vermont. When I saw your ad online, I knew I just had to meet up and talk.” The...

The sun rises in the Sondagskloof. Skoonma is packing a few items – bread, cheese, a small bottle of cherry – into a small leather bag. She looks to the horison, and inhales – mustering courage. Kleinboet appears from inside the house, cup of coffee in hand. He looks at Skoonma. “Jislaaik, Skoonma, why does it look like you’re on a mission?” “Because I am,” Skoonma replies, eyes still fixed on the horison. “It’s a journey that might take days, or might take weeks …” Kleinboet looks at her bag, lifts an eyebrow. “And that’s all you’re taking with you?...