29. THE GIFT

With school out for the week-end Layla and her group exited St Brigid’s. Maddy Quigley was waiting in his car.

28. ZIPPITY DOO DA

The following Thursday evening Maddy Quigley strode onto the Oval like a sumo wrestling racewalker. A brick in one hand and a twenty metre tape measure in the other. He called one of the juniors over and thrust one end of the tape towards him.

 

“Stand there in the goal square Bluey and hold that.”

27. BUCKLEY’S

There was a good turnout at the city Oval for the afternoon rumpus – nineteen guys and nine girls. Good weather for it as well – clear and comfortably warm.

26. FANTASY FOOTY

The following Monday morning, Joel walked into Maths class and looked towards Layla’s desk. Yes! She’s back!

25. PAT-A-CAKE

After the burial, more food and drink was provided, people finalized their mingling and went home.

 

Back at the Jackson’s, Sholeh suggested to Layla that she should come along to the David Hofman lecture at Melbourne Uni in the city that night. Everyone was going. It would be a great Baha’i night out in memory of Tahirih. And her cousin would drive them. And as her parents were staying the night why not?

 

[Layla]:

“Aaahhhh , you are scouting for suitors Sholes and you want reinforcement. I’m feeling a little down to go out tonight. It’s too soon.”

24. PftD

The next morning, after breakfast, the Jacksons and the Parkins made their way to Baha’i House. Both families were glad of the extra numbers. Death may be a joyful messenger to the departed, however, depending on the circumstances, it can be a traumatic transition for those who remain and even a little awkward for those who come to support the bereaved on a most difficult day.

23. GLEN IRIS

Later that evening, packed and powdered, the five Parkins solemnly set off down an ethereal and restraining Western Highway. At 7PM it was still very, very hot. The air conditioning was blowing as strongly as it could and was a cold, monotone distraction for the pondering passengers.

22. PARENTS WITH PEDIGREE

Layla reached her house in Searle Street and opened the door saying

“Hello, I’m back, anyone home?”

 

Up stairs and from behind another door, her mother, Afsaneh says

“Hello Layla baba, how are you? How did your talk go today?”

 

[Layla]:

“It vent vell mom. The priests and nuns can’t believe how they’ve being missing out. They are very interested and the bishop is thinking of declaring next week after confirmations.”