As the men in maroon and white piled on yet another try, Aaron burst to his feet. He swore loudly and threw his emptied plastic beer cup at the concrete floor. Alarmed, Penelope stood up and tried to hold him close, to calm him down.
“Aaron!” she chastised. “Settle down. It’s just a game, sit back down.”
Aaron burst free from Penelope’s slender arms and charged off. She scurried after him, and was hastily followed by Geoff. I supposed that somebody needed to stay, so I didn’t trail after them. Besides, my feet were rooted to the floor and I couldn’t move, even if I wanted to. As the goal kicker lined up, my heart accelerated, pain searing through my abdomen, embodying my worries. The ball sailed between the goal posts, but few people cheered – only the minority of maroon and white faithful clumped together in the opposite stand. They waved their flags passionately. I tried to follow Aaron, Penelope and Geoff with my concerned gaze. My head started to thump, not enjoying the tension whatsoever. We were just supposed to be enjoying the football, a Thursday night out as friends.
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'.
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