I awoke on the morning of Fathers’ Day, staring up at the ceiling before finally throwing back the covers. Swinging my legs around, I sat up slowly, before rising to my feet and padding to the door. I stepped out into the hallway. Mum approached, greeting me with a kiss to the temple. When she stepped back, I noticed that she was holding two wrapped gifts for Dad. They were the same presents which we had wrapped together the night before.
“Come out to the back room,” Mum encouraged.
I followed her, at first bringing my phone with me. Before reaching the back room, I abandoned it on the kitchen bench. Dad unwrapped his presents. Even though we were celebrating, I couldn’t help but feel like none of this was enough – the presents weren’t enough, the praise wasn’t enough. All that would be satisfactory was my brother, and I couldn’t bring him back, so as the day drew to a close, I found myself seeking something more. I knew they held an evening service at Cameron’s church, although I didn’t know what time it started, or whether it would even be something worth attending. Therefore, I decided to Google it and told Mum and Dad that I was heading out. I parked outside and walked in by myself, pleased to see Cameron. Following a forty-five minute service, I left. When I returned home, Lucky jumped up onto me, whimpering with delight.
The younger sister of missing Sydney man Mitchell del Reyan, Nina del Reyan lives on Dharug land in western Sydney. She has recently commenced a teaching degree at Macquarie University. Nina loves her family and friends and is deeply committed to finding answers and justice for the families of missing people.
Abbey Sim is the founder of Huldah Media. She is a creative writing, law and theology student who lives on the lands of the Dharug people in Sydney, Australia. Abbey desires to explore themes of hope, love and longing through her storytelling. She is the author of 'Shadow' and 'From the Wild'.
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