Doubting
After passing through the courthouse security, I scanned down the list of hearings posted for that day. Zipporah’s courtroom was a few floors up, so I took a few steps to the side, then pressed the button for the lift. After waiting for a few moments, the doors parted with a ping and I stepped inside, prodding the button for the third floor, where the hearing would be held. Just as the doors were starting to close, a backpack was swung between them. Responding to the movement, they opened again and Bandile entered the lift.
“Hi, Nina,” he greeted, a little breathless.
“Hello,” I replied, then the lift doors shut.
“Are you, you know, just a little nervous about this?” Bandile asked.
“Yes,” I replied, then the doors opened again, on the third floor of the building.
Bandile lingered back, so I could go first. Thankfully, the proceedings were swift, and custody was awarded to Zipporah – although the possibility of an appeal remained. The thought terrified me, although I sat and swallowed and everybody was none the wiser of my turmoil. Mum sent me a text message while I was on the way home, indicating that she was going to order a pizza for dinner, the unholy combination of meat, cheese and dough enticing. Once I pulled back into the driveway, I received a second gust of energy. Getting out of the car, I locked it behind me. With Zipporah’s custody secured, we could continue with preparing for the baby shower, which for me involved a craft project. I painted the glitter paste onto the paper, then carefully placed the ‘Baby’ confetti into the wet. Hopefully it would dry before the shower.
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'.