FLAT BURN-OUT
January 18, 1995

 

Though the FLAT was beginning to quietly wind down, the strain of the constant demand on its occupants beginning to take a toll, its ending was characteristically dramatic. By the 3rd of January 1995, we had already given notice to vacate the flat at the end of January. Barry had moved to an abandoned house near Crart Avenue, and I into Berea Court. Horsburgh was leaving Durban and had planned to remain at the FLAT until his flight to Cape Town. About one week before the final date on our lease and one day prior the flight, he left a candle burning while going out for drinks. Barry and I drove past the FLAT just in time to see the fire engines and the firemen putting out the last of the flames. It was quite a finale. Ironically, all that remained of Horsburgh's belongings was his passport, something he regarded as a divine act.