Stirring my porridge, waiting for it to turn creamy, I thought about what Mum and I could get up to during the day. Maybe we’d head to the local markets. I wouldn’t admit it to Dad and Caitlin, but the markets are pretty cool, with lots of people always there and good drinks and snacks available.

I placed a dollop of honey on my porridge and then sat in front of the TV. Dad had ABC News on with the volume right down, as usual. I was reading the headlines when my eye caught on ‘Virus outbreak in Belarus being investigated as a remnant strain of Covid-19.’ Oh great, I thought to myself. I hoped to Wapma, my ancestor – the large carpet python, the creator of all – that Covid-19 didn’t rear its ugly head again. Even though life was almost back to normal now, everyone I knew was still a bit jumpy about it.

I was admiring the footage of the women’s cricket, a woman bashing a ball for six, when I got a message from Mum.

I knew Mum was excited to see me so I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, yet I couldn’t help but be disappointed. It must have been written all over my face because when I took my bowl to the sink, Caitlin stood up and asked, ‘What’s wrong?’

Dad glanced up from whatever he was reading to see what was happening.

‘Mum’s sick. She said she’d pick me up tomorrow morning,’ I explained.

I could tell that Dad was bursting to say something, but instead he just kind of grunted. ‘Well, at least you can come to the rally and we can have a nice lunch or something.’

‘Whatever,’ I said, deflated.

‘You can come to the market with me to help me with the fruit and veg, if you like?’

‘Sure,’ I said, hoping he might buy me a cinnamon scroll or something.

Dad and I got ready, jumped on our bikes and made our way to the local market. It was packed, and I recognised lots of kids from my new school. Little kids were climbing the tree set in the middle of the market, surrounded by tables and chairs where people sat around drinking their coffees and things. After Dad bought some almonds, we went to one of the fruit and veg sections that I knew sold the yummy pears and apples that Dad and Caitlin had been buying.

I didn’t realise it at first, but Hayley was serving customers, with other people who I assumed were her family. ‘Oh, hi.’ She smiled when I approached.

As she weighed our things I said, ‘Your pears and apples are the best.’

‘Thanks.’ She gestured to the line of people behind us waiting to be served. ‘Better get back to it!’

‘Who was she?’ Dad asked as we walked to the next store.

‘Hayley. She’s in my class.’

‘She seems nice.’