Geoff and I sat in Parramatta Park, in the early hours of the morning. Aaron was standing up, arms outstretched, palms exposed to the chilly air. He bent his neck from side to side. As Aaron took a deep breath, I grabbed another chip. Placing it into my mouth, I enjoyed the warm and salty taste. Aaron breathed out, then ambled over and sat down. Geoff placed his lips against my ear.
“When will we go home?” he asked.
“If you want to go home, mate, you can,” Aaron permitted. “It’s just--.”
He glanced around and shook his head.
“It’s so peaceful at this time of the morning,” Aaron commented.
He threw his head back and glanced up at the stars. The moment of serenity, however, was interrupted by footsteps thudding along the path. I glanced over and noticed a woman jogging towards us.
“It seems that you’re not the only one,” I observed.
The jogger grinned in our direction as she approached.
“Hello,” Aaron greeted. “It’s a beautiful morning, isn’t it?”
She paused, placing her hands on her head.
“Yes,” the jogger agreed with a grin.
“Would you like to take a break and sit down with us?” Aaron offered.
I squinted towards him, thinking that he was being overly friendly, but she nodded and agreed.
“It’s nice to take a little bit of a breather,” she admitted, moonlight dappled on her cheeks.
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'.