Doubted

I was seated at my desk this morning, my feet bare and my ankles loosely crossed. My mobile phone was placed in the far corner of the tabletop, beside my pink pencil tin. Just as I finally picked up a sharpened pencil to start writing, my phone beeped, startling me. My eyes darted towards the screen – black, save for the time in white writing at the top and a message beneath it.

Want 2 go 2 picnic lunch 2day?

My heart thumped faster at the sight of Geoff’s name. I couldn’t believe he’d just act like nothing had happened. On a lesser note, I didn’t think that Geoff would have had a random Monday off work, especially so soon after the long weekend. It might have been one of his rostered days off. I wanted desperately, from deep within my bones, to say yes, to spend that time with Geoff and to feel the hint of a spring breeze against my cheeks. Staying at home watching TV sounded tragic, although I doubted I would be able to control myself if I accepted the invitation.

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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'.