I wandered outside into the seat to check the letterbox, having heard the zip of the postie’s motorbike within the past hour. On this occasion, a slightly bulky envelope caught my eye. I pulled it out along with the usual junk, taking the whole pile into the house. Sitting down on my bed, I separated out what would get thrown into the recycling. Any letter addressed to me caused my heartrate to accelerate. Fortunately, the one with my name on it turned out to be from uni. They were making sure that we had information about the upcoming referendum. It was good of them, even though I’d already made up my mind. I would be voting Yes and I hoped Mitchell would, too, if he was afforded the opportunity. I lay down against the doona, crossing my legs and feeling every bit the teenage girl. Soon enough I would be in my twenties, but I wanted to soak in my youth like a summer day. Not much later it was time for me to get ready and leave. Lizzie and I were seated opposite one another at a silver table. I felt ecstatic to be out for dinner with my beloved cousin on a Friday night.
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'.