Joy

I had been working in the library. The golden light streamed in through the tall windows that looked out towards the jacaranda tree. It was nearly summertime, when those purple flowers carpeted the lush grass. The days of holidays and endless games were fast approaching, as well as Christmas, a tinsel-filled time of dread, with the looming presence of the absence of my brother. Surely he’d be back by Christmas. After all, Mitchell had disappeared all the way back in March. The library had already closed for the evening, and I had now entered that weird hiatus when my working day had not ended, even though the patrons had departed, but nobody had yet arrived for the support group. I was sorting through the books which had been left on the returns trolley. When there was a polite knock at the glass doors, I glanced up to see Geoff standing on the other side. I sighed, and placed back down the thick novel which was in my hand. I stood from my swivel chair. I padded across the carpet and pressed the button which opened the automatic doors even when they had been switched off after the library had closed.

“Come on in,” I urged. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” Geoff assured. “I just wanted to see you, make sure you’re OK.”

“Thank you, I am,” I said, and I meant it sincerely.

Maybe something was starting to change again, some spark of joy.

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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'.