Free Claire's Prayer by Yvonne Cloete Page A

were balanced on each other in a random design and rose as high as the tallest trees. With Naomi leading the way Claire followed, her eyes darting everywhere to take in the splendour of Impunzi – seeing it as Sarah and Sebastian must have seen it all those years ago.
    Reaching the topmost boulder, Claire held up a hand to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun, and turned slowly around. She could see for miles and miles. To the south, dense bush and thick, natural grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see. A shimmer of water revealed a dam, some kilometres away. To the east, Claire could just make out the fenceline and the lodges. So cleverly had they been designed and situated that they fit in with the natural bush as if they had been there all along. To the north side of the kopje, within walking distance of the house, were the dairy, garage and workshop, the buildings whitewashed and shaded by trees.
    “I never get tired of the view from up here,” Naomi said softly, sitting down. “It makes me look at Impunzi with fresh eyes – see the beauty that we take for granted.” She sighed deeply. “I used to come up here with my mom. We’d pack a picnic basket and spend hours just talking and being together.”
    Claire didn’t respond in words, but met Naomi’s eye and took a seat next to her. Each knew that the other understood.
    Pushing her arm through Claire’s and dispelling the tension, Naomi chuckled as she pointed towards the workshop. “Oh look – there’s my grumpy brother. I wonder what’s bugging him this morning?”
    Claire’s heart skipped a beat as a figure strode away from the workshop. Yes, it was Seth – giving instructions, it seemed, to one of the labourers. Here he was in his natural environment, his dark hair windblown, his hands indicating what was to be done. Claire could not hear what he was saying, but she felt his presence with every fibre of her being. She was shocked at herself. How could she possibly feel so strongly after knowing Seth for only a day?
    As if sensing her regard Seth turned his head, and Claire knew he saw her. They stared at each other across the distance. Then Seth slowly lifted a hand in silent acknowledgement of her presence. Without hesitating, Claire waved back to him. Just that simple communication had restored the peace between them. Watching as he walked off, Claire sighed and turned back to Naomi.
    “I miss my mam, too. There are so many things I wanted to do with her – she’d love it here. I guess I’ve tried to realise that there are no guarantees in life, so I need to treasure each opportunity… you know, do the things we want to do with people we love sooner, rather than later.”
    Hugging her to lighten the now-sombre mood, Naomi said, “It’s hard, but it does get easier, Claire. I’m so glad you’re here.”
    Hugging her back, Claire answered honestly, “I’m so glad to be here too, Naomi. I was worried at first, about coming alone – but you’re so easy to get on with!”
    Naomi stretched out lazily in the sun, reluctant to leave their quiet spot and get going with the office work, which she knew she’d been neglecting. Watching Claire, though, she saw again her guest’s introspection, and her need to be alone. Pushing herself to her feet, Naomi sighed and said, “Claire, there’s still an hour before lunch…” grimacing, she added, “and some of us have to work! So, I’ll leave you to your exploring and shut myself up in the office for a while. If you need anything that’s where I’ll be, okay?” So saying, she jogged off down the path.
    Claire, unaware of Naomi’s tact, surprised herself with relief at being left alone. Leaning back against the hard, warm granite, she let her mind wander. Closing her eyes, she raised her face to the gentle caress of the sun.
    Returning to the house, Seth learnt from Naomi that Claire was still on the kopje. Deciding to get her for lunch, and then take her on a tour of the lodges,