Die winterlug in Kaapstad was skerp, maar helder.

The winter air in Kaapstad was crisp but clear.

In die Kompanjiestuin was die geure van varsgebakte brood en soutkaramel-met-kaneel soet in die lug.

In the Kompanjiestuin, the scents of freshly baked bread and salted caramel with cinnamon were sweet in the air.

Marelize het rustig tussen die stalletjies van die mark gestap.

Marelize walked calmly between the stalls of the market.

Sy was op soek na nuwe inspirasie, iets wat haar uit haar skryfblok kon ruk.

She was searching for new inspiration, something to shake her out of her writer's block.

Terwyl sy 'n draai by 'n kosstalletjie maak, stamp sy onverwags teen Jacques vas.

As she turned around at a food stall, she unexpectedly bumped into Jacques.

"Verskoon my," sê sy vinnig, 'n tikkie verleë.

"Excuse me," she said quickly, a bit embarrassed.

Jacques se glimlag was warm.

Jacques's smile was warm.

"Geen probleem nie," antwoord hy met 'n vonkel in sy oë.

"No problem," he replied with a sparkle in his eyes.

Hy hou 'n kamera in sy hand, en Marelize voel nuuskierigheid opvlam.

He held a camera in his hand, and Marelize felt curiosity flare up.

Hulle begin praat, eers oor fyners in die tuin, dan oor fotografie en skryf.

They began to talk, first about the fynbos in the garden, then about photography and writing.

Jacques was avontuurlustig, vol van idees vir sy volgende projek.

Jacques was adventurous, full of ideas for his next project.

Dit was soos 'n vars briesie vir Marelize.

It was like a fresh breeze for Marelize.

"Ek is altyd op soek na nuwe stories," sê sy, en sy voel hoe sy 'n bietjie oopmaak.

"I am always looking for new stories," she said, feeling herself open up a little.

Jacques knik, die gasvrye glimlag steeds op sy gesig.

Jacques nodded, the hospitable smile still on his face.

"Hoe gaan dit nou met 'n koffie?

"How about a coffee?"

" stel hy voor.

he suggested.

"Ek dink ons het dalk baie in gemeen.

"I think we might have a lot in common."

"Marelize huiwer 'n oomblik, dink aan vorige teleurstellings, maar daar was iets aan Jacques se vriendelikheid wat haar gerusstel.

Marelize hesitated for a moment, thinking of past disappointments, but there was something about Jacques's friendliness that reassured her.

"Goeie idee," antwoord sy, en voel 'n klein vonkie van opwinding.

"Good idea," she replied, feeling a small spark of excitement.

Hulle stap saam tussen die ou eikebome deur.

They walked together among the old oak trees.

Die klanke van die mark was soos 'n simfonie om hulle.

The sounds of the market were like a symphony around them.

Terwyl hulle praat, voel Marelize hoe haar skryfmoeë muse wakker word.

As they talked, Marelize felt her weary muse awaken.

Onder 'n groot eikeboom, met die knorrige bas soos ’n ou vriend teen haar rug, deel Jacques sy avonture in verre plekke.

Under a large oak tree, with the gnarly bark like an old friend against her back, Jacques shared his adventures in distant places.

Marelize het skielik gelag, 'n ware lag wat lanklaas uit haar gekom het.

Marelize suddenly laughed, a true laugh that had not come out of her in a long time.

Daardie oomblik, onder die eikeboom, was spesiaal.

That moment, under the oak tree, was special.

Later, toe hulle nommers uitruil, voel Marelize beter as wat sy in maande gevoel het.

Later, when they exchanged numbers, Marelize felt better than she had in months.

Daar was iets vars en opwindend in die moontlikheid van hierdie nuwe verbintenis.

There was something fresh and exciting in the possibility of this new connection.

Jacques lyk ook tevrede, dankbaar vir die kans op 'n nuwe vriend en dalk meer.

Jacques also seemed satisfied, grateful for the chance at a new friend and perhaps more.

Hulle beplan om weer te ontmoet.

They planned to meet again.

Die toekoms lyk helder, vol belofte en nuwe begin.

The future seemed bright, full of promise and new beginnings.

Marelize weet nou dat inspirasie soms in die onverwagsste oomblikke kom, en Jacques voel gevind.

Marelize now knew that inspiration sometimes comes in the most unexpected moments, and Jacques felt found.

Altwee voel die ligheid van nuwe avonture wat wag.

Both felt the lightness of new adventures waiting.