Purple

We trudged from the field following the match, having suffered a heavy loss – four-nil at the hands of the second-ranked team. At least we knew that we’d been outplayed by a better side, as we ripped off our gear and packed the sweaty shinpads away. After that I went to work and completed my shift, continuing to complete tasks even once the library had closed. Finally, I turned around behind the library counter. At the unexpected sight of Zipporah, I gasped.

“Sorry,” she apologised. “I didn’t mean to startle you, Nina.”

“It’s alright,” I reassured, running my fingers over my hair. “I just didn’t expect you to be here this early, that’s all.”

“That’s understandable,” Zipporah allowed, briefly consulting her watch. “I’m not usually one for punctuality.”

I giggled, a little guiltily, agreeing with her point.

“Anyway, I have food, and drink, and wine.”

She offloaded the items from her bag.

“I’ll get set up.”

“Let me help you,” I offered. “We’ll start getting the chairs and tables out, I’ve just been mucking around with work. How have you been?”

“Yeah, good, thank you.”

We prepared for the support group meeting.

---

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'.