We didn’t arrive back to the Roberts’ farm until around 1am.
“That was the best night. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Jumilah,” Mrs Roberts replied with a smile. “Now, make sure you get some sleep.”
I nodded, and made my way to my room to do just that. Sleeping peacefully, I dreamed of home. In fact, when my alarm blasted in the morning, I felt more awake than I was expecting. I got out of bed and took my clothes with me into the bathroom, showering and changing into my Healesville Sanctuaary uniform. Grabbing my bag, knowing Nikki wouldn’t be far off, I strode out to the kitchen.
“Good morning. I’m just making breakfast.”
“Oh, this is so kind of you, thank you.”
As a fair-weather vegetarian, I didn’t object to the kind gesture of having been cooked for. I accepted the bacon and egg roll on a pretty blue and white plate. Just as I started eating, I heard tyres, and needed to depart. I slipped onto the passenger seat of Nikki’s car, then shut the door behind me.
“Thanks for the lift,” I said. “I brought my breakfast, if that’s alright.”
“Yeah, sure, that’s fine,” Nikki permitted. “I’m not sure how long I’m going to stay for today.”
I nodded, as she commenced the drive to the sanctuary.
“How has it been at the Roberts’ so far?”
“Yeah, good, but it’s busier than my place,” I noted. “I am an only child.”
I’ve been saying that for eighteen years, and it will probably be true for the rest of my life.
Abbey Sim is a candidate for Honours in Communications at the University of Technology Sydney. She lives on the lands of the Dharug people in Sydney, Australia. Having started Huldah Media in 2021, Abbey desires to explore themes of hope, love and longing through her storytelling. She is the author of 'Shadow' and 'From the Wild'.
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