Die son bak op die Kirstenbosch Botaniese Tuin, die blare blink en die lug is vol die geur van inheemse Fynbos.

The sun bakes down on the Kirstenbosch Botaniese Tuin, the leaves shine, and the air is filled with the scent of indigenous Fynbos.

Jaco stap stadig saam met sy vriende, Mila en Annelie.

Jaco walks slowly with his friends, Mila and Annelie.

Dieselfde ou vrees knaag aan sy gedagtes – sy allergieë.

The same old fear gnaws at his thoughts—his allergies.

Vandag wil hy die vrese trotseer en die buitelug weer geniet.

Today he wants to face these fears and enjoy the outdoors once more.

"Jaco, jy moet wéér die skoenlapper-tuin sien," sê Mila entoesiasties.

"Jaco, you must see the butterfly garden again," says Mila enthusiastically.

Annelie knik instemmend.

Annelie nods in agreement.

"Ja, en die Fynbos is pragtig in die somer," voeg sy by.

"Yes, and the Fynbos is beautiful in the summer," she adds.

Jaco glimlag, al is hy effens huiwerig.

Jaco smiles, although he is slightly hesitant.

Sy ruggraat kriewel by die gedagte aan pollen.

His spine tingles at the thought of pollen.

Vandag het Jaco besluit om sy allergiemedikasie in sy rugsak te los.

Today, Jaco decided to leave his allergy medication in his backpack.

Hy wil probeer om met mindfulness sy angs te beheer.

He wants to try to control his anxiety with mindfulness.

Hulle stap die kronkelpaadjies vol inheemse plante binne.

They walk along the winding paths filled with indigenous plants.

Kleure dans om hulle, en voëls sing vrolik.

Colors dance around them, and birds sing cheerfully.

"Let net op jou asemhaling," herinner Jaco homself, sy hande effens klam van senuweeagtigheid.

"Just focus on your breathing," Jaco reminds himself, his hands slightly clammy with nervousness.

Die Fynbos-gedeelte lê voor hulle, gevul met 'n ryk mengsel van laventel, suikerbos en rooibos.

The Fynbos section lies ahead of them, filled with a rich mixture of lavender, suikerbos, and rooibos.

Skielik begin Jaco se neus jeuk.

Suddenly, Jaco's nose begins to itch.

Hy hoes liggies en voel benoud.

He coughs lightly and feels anxious.

Sy oë begin waterig raak, en vrees gryp sy hart vas soos 'n staalknip.

His eyes start to water, and fear grips his heart like a steel clip.

Sy asemhaling raak vinnig en vlak.

His breathing becomes quick and shallow.

"Jaco!

"Jaco!"

" roep Mila ontsteld toe sy sy paniekagtige uitdrukking sien.

exclaims Mila anxiously when she sees his panicked expression.

Annelie is reeds by sy rugsak en soek na die medikasie.

Annelie is already at his backpack, searching for the medication.

Sy vingers bewe effens.

His fingers tremble slightly.

Sy trek die pille uit en gee dit vinnig vir Jaco.

She pulls out the pills and quickly gives them to Jaco.

Hy sluk dit met 'n sluk water, sy hand trilend.

He swallows them with a sip of water, his hand trembling.

Minute later, stadig maar seker, voel hy hoe sy asemhaling normaliseer.

Minutes later, slowly but surely, he feels his breathing normalize.

"Ek het dit gemaak," sê hy, sy stem vol verwondering en nuutgevonde selfvertroue.

"I made it," he says, his voice full of wonder and newfound self-confidence.

Mila glimlag en plaas 'n troosende hand op sy skouer.

Mila smiles and places a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Annelie kyk tevrede toe.

Annelie looks on, satisfied.

"Jy het goed gedoen, Jaco.

"You did well, Jaco."

"Hulle stap verder en Jaco voel vry.

They continue walking, and Jaco feels free.

Die vrees is steeds daar, maar hy weet nou hy kan dit hanteer.

The fear is still there, but he knows now he can handle it.

Blomme blom oral om hulle, die wêreld is 'n tapyt van kleure en reuke, en Jaco glimlag breed.

Flowers bloom all around them, the world is a carpet of colors and scents, and Jaco smiles broadly.

Die son sak stadig.

The sun sets slowly.

Jaco het 'n oorwinning behaal, 'n nuwe begin in die tuin wat hy liefhet.

Jaco has achieved a victory, a new beginning in the garden he loves.

Sy liefde vir die natuur voel nou sterker as ooit, sy hart ligter, gereed vir meer avonture.

His love for nature now feels stronger than ever, his heart lighter, ready for more adventures.