Tefo rescues me. Of course he does. Tefo and Milli both. They would never sit cosily inside watching cricket while I am lost in the dark.
I see twin torch beams sweeping across the bush. I scream some more. And then Tefo has his arms tightly around me.
“It’s okay, my little one. You’re safe. We’ll take care of you.” And Milli is wiping the tears off my face. And the two dogs are jumping up at my legs like I’m their best friend.
* * * * *
Tuesday dawns – 30 October – the day before Halloween.
For once, Tefo is up early, even before the sun has risen. He has to drive into Pretoria to collect some urgent meds. Rabies vaccinations, more Potassium Bromide for Sally Peterse, whose dog has fits, some shots for Rre Bokamoso’s horses. And Pretoria is three hours away.
“Why would anyone be happy to get up in the dark?” he grumbles. “Sometimes I don’t understand you, Melissa.”
“Hey, some of us are larks and some of us are owls.”
“Huh? What have birds got to do with this?”
That’s what my Auntie always said. “Some people love to be up at first light. Just like larks who sing their happiest songs as the sun rises. You’re a lark for sure, little Melissa! And others prefer the late night hours – like owls. Night-time is when they feel their best. Different strokes for different folks.”
Tefo hugs me and says, “I’ll be back around four. Don’t you go out walking until I’m home, you hear? Not until I’m here to rescue you if you get lost.”
I hug him back and say, “Drive safely. No speeding, you hear?”
As he drives away, I feel suddenly very alone. And very lonely. Even though Poppy September will be in later – just to stock-take and change bandages. I’ve cancelled all Tefo’s appointments for the day.
* * * * *
It’s late afternoon, but Tefo is not back yet. Instead he phones. Poppy has already left.
“I’m so sorry, my love. I’m having car trouble. The carburettor or something. The mechanic says he needs a few more hours to fix it. I’ll stay overnight with Milli. You know I don’t like driving at night. Maybe you must ask Poppy if you can sleep at her house?”
“No, it’s no problem, Tefo. I’ll be fine here alone. It’s just one night.”
“Are you sure, Mel? Just don’t go out walking, promise.”
“Promise.”
“And will you do me a favour? Will you feed the animals? Maybe just talk to them a little too?”
Ha! Talk to Tefo’s hairy brigade? I’m not doing that unless I get something in return.
“On one condition,” I say. “Tomorrow night you have to sit and watch the Halloween movies with me. All three of them! Starting with Will Smith’s I am Legend!”
Tefo laughs. “Okay, it’s a deal. You feed and talk to my animals tonight. And tomorrow night I’ll watch your idiot horror movies. Love you! Love you very much, my Melissa. Stay safe.”
My phone battery is low, so I put it on charge. Then I walk across to the Surgery to feed the inpatients. And talk to them. It’s amazing what you will do for someone you love.
***
Tell us: Lark or owl – which are you?