I’m not surprised Ceana has taken Patricia into her confidence about the proposed changes if she was looking for an unbiased opinion. Judging by the way Patricia is looking at me, Ceana also told her that I’m aware of what’s going on.

‘I think that a lot of people would benefit if they can pull it off. What I like about this place is that it isn’t solely about profit. Nico doesn’t just care about the visitors but he cares about the people who work with him, too. It’s like an extended family. In this day and age, that’s refreshing.’

As I help Patricia down the grassy slope, her voice is full of admiration. ‘I thought so, too, Fern. It restores one’s faith in mankind. Despite what we read in the papers and see on the news, there is a lot of kindness in this world.’

14

Emotions Run High

With Ceana heading off to Scotland feeling – as she declared – like a new sparkly version of herself, it marks the start of a string of goodbyes today.

After a group breakfast, with everyone appearing more or less on time for a change, this morning’s gardening session was spent harvesting fruit. It was a team effort as everyone had been enlisted.

Despite a tinge of sadness in the air, there was a lot of chatter and laughter, too – the culmination of a pleasant stay and the creation of some great memories. Stefan, I noticed, wouldn’t let Patricia wander far from his side. He hooked the branches, pulling them down within her grasp so she could pluck off the firm little plums to place in their wicker basket.

Margot, too, sat with us for lunch and we lingered over it for a couple of hours. Everyone seemed happy to join in, even Bastien was a little less reserved. And, to our great surprise, after a little prompting from Nico, he sang a song. It was in French, of course, but his deep baritone voice was a joy to hear.

Inevitably, the final parting of ways was tearful for some. Hearing Kellie promise Patricia she’d keep in touch as she tried to pin a smile on her face was very emotional. I could see they both had tears in their eyes. Patricia is one of a kind, a gentle spirit with a good soul. Whether Kellie will bond with any of the new arrivals on Monday is a real concern for me. I fear that it will push her closer to Taylor, rather than encouraging her to make an effort to make new friends. Especially if there’s no one she feels comfortable being around.