Tim returned, carrying a sandwich box and flask. Gcina beckoned him to her and spoke to him quietly. He nodded and went to Faye.

“Can you stand? Walk?”

“Yes.”

He held out his hand and helped her up. “Come. Let’s get out of the trees.”

Faye looked towards Clare. Gcina caught her eye.

“Go with him,” she said.

“But—”

Faye wanted to resist. She should stay with Clare. She promised Geoffrey she would. Why didn’t they want her there? What were they doing to the girl? She stood her ground but Tim steered her forward.

“Please,” he said. “Come. For your friend’s sake.”

She felt numb as she allowed herself to be guided away. Was it too late to save Clare? Was she already dead? She heard loud sobbing and it was only when Tim glanced at her that she realised it was coming from her.

They sat on the path on the edge of the forest. Tim handed her a sandwich. She ate, oblivious to what it tasted like. He poured tea from the flask. It was warm and sugary. She continued to cry, quietly now.

“What’s happening?” she asked. “Is she . . . why couldn’t I stay with Clare?”

“It’s procedure,” said Tim, not looking at her. “It makes it easier, less risk of upsetting the patient.”

“Will she be okay?”

“Gcina and Vusi are incredible. They’ll do everything they possibly can for her.”

The co-pilot made his way to them from the helicopter and he and Tim stood aside, talking quietly. Without realising she was doing it, Faye ate another sandwich and drank more tea. The sun was all but gone, leaving the fynbos and trees bathed in purple and pink. How long had it been since the helicopter arrived? Why were Gcina and Vusi taking so long with Clare? Or were they? Faye had lost track of time.

She stared into the distance, trying to imagine how she’d felt when she first walked here four days before. Or was it five days? The sound of footsteps made her turn around.

The paramedics approached, carrying a stretcher between them. Faye stood up. Clare was covered, a transparent mask over her nose and mouth. She didn’t move. The pilots ran towards the helicopter.

“Is she okay?” asked Faye, keeping pace with Gcina.

“We’re doing our best,” she replied. “Stay here. I’ll come back to you when we have her safely in the cabin.”

She watched from a distance as they got Clare inside. The four chatted a while before Gcina returned to Faye.

“Are you sure you are all right?” she asked, glancing at Faye’s neck and dirty shirt.

“Yes, I’m certain. It was hunger . . . earlier, I mean.”

Gcina nodded. “Listen, we have a bit of a problem. We—”

Faye’s heart leapt. “But she—”