Aurora, basket in hand and smelling of Brasso, had just finished her weekly clean of the golden plate that announced the house name, Hendun. It was a meditative job, the polishing, the day’s early ritual before summer’s heat overpowered. The weather prediction for the coming school holidays was storms, a release from the building humidity.
Opening the heavy front door, she turned at the sound of pounding feet. James had caught up to Fee. Then the scream as he pulled her pigtail, yanking her head back with such ferocity Aurora thought he’d snapped her neck. Mouth open, Aurora stood frozen in surprise as she met his eyes. The look he shot her before he turned to walk away was one of hate and challenge. She knew the look, the rabid dog, and it left her body bristling with fear.
The job was new and Aurora’s English limited, her communication was more a matter of hand gestures and nods. Hoping the family would let her stay, she filled the space like a ghost, leaving her trace through beds made, and bathrooms cleaned. She had not expected this. The photographs littering the lounge room of a smiling family belied the malice she’d seen in the boy’s eyes.
Kneeling on the runner next to the sobbing, crumpled girl, she took her into her arms and whispered, ‘Cara, sei al securo. Sei al securo.’ The body thin, lacking meat sank into her arms. It was a jolt of connection and left its imprint on Aurora’s soul.
Burnside Writers Group 