Life-changing

Once upon a time.

I'll start our story early on a spring morning; not quite 18 months ago. The curtains open on the waiting room in a suite of clinical consulting rooms. It's almost empty apart from the receptionist and groups of people jostling for space on the overcrowded scrapbook wall. There are feasts from braai drums, jolly scrums on the Blouberg strand, wondrous meanders through the Two Oceans Aquarium, and turbulent waves at Newlands. Countless cheerful memories crowd the rainbow of spangled letters spelling out: 'We are Soci-Able.' A man sits with his back to them, out of place, out of sorts, and out of options.

I felt cornered, and more than a little sorry for myself. I wasn't feeling lonely, however. Not particularly. Not right then. Not until the door opened.