FIND THE FACE

By Tessa Harvey

    The young woman gritted her teeth, then remembered her dentist warning her not to do that. Instead, she nervously twisted her fingers.

    Far below, the dark blue of the harbour waters glittered in the sunshine, a few yachts heeling to the freshening wind. Seagulls dived and swooped and she heard their faint cries.

    Making a decision, she grabbed her bag and disengaged her car keys, stepping briskly out of the car and locking it. She kept her gaze averted from other parents placidly waiting for the release of their own children. She did not want to see even a hint of disapproval in their faces. After all, they had been told not to collect their children unless it was absolutely necessary. The words had been in thick black type, as though condemning.

    A gang of black cockatoos called to each other, overhead. Sandi loved their cry, though it had been likened to the sound of a creaky gate!

    Once, not so long ago, parents would have stood exchanging news and views in small clusters outside. Now, she only saw eyes above masks, hastily averted to avoid the necessity for close contact.

    Her sturdy shoes caught against the gravel, dislodged from the carpark onto the grey concrete drive leading to the school. As she approached the building, the bell rang and almost instantly, children appeared, streaming from different classrooms and walkways, talking and laughing.

    She hurried across the turning circle to go down to the Kinder class. As she did, blinds were flung up from the Kinder windows, which were hastily opened.

    Sandi paused. The sun beat down. It was very hot, like a dragon's breath - and it smelt like one too. Smoke curled out of the windows. It had a strange greenish tinge and the noxious smell nauseated her. There had been a thick raft of Covid instructions from the school - and windows were meant to stay open.