SANDS OF DELUSION

By Tessa Harvey 



Kitty looked out of her window to the estuary bay. The water looked silver in the sunlight. Cormorants flapped overhead, heading fishing. At night they would arrow homewards to Bird Island.
    Just as Maria loved plants and flowers, Kitty loved birds. Once she had seen an Eastern Curlew and marveled at its beauty. There used to be so many, they were hunted for food. A few fan-tailed Godwits were waiting for food in the shallows. She especially loved watching the little terns flying, sliding and swooping through the air like small skiers on a steep mountain slope, fast as the wind.
    The young girl stepped into the shower. She was especially glad her teacher and case worker had stopped hassling her about getting rid of the baby. 
    She was not aware of the battle that had been fought on her behalf, nor of how close Luis and Maria had come to losing their foster children to the system.
    As the warm water sprayed over her, Kitty was aware of a tiny sensation like infinitesimal wings in her stomach. At first she felt puzzled and afraid. Then she realised it was her child moving!
    The sensation was exquisite. Dressing, she felt as though the guilt and shame were being replaced by a quiet joy. She didn't feel so alone any more. This baby was so special.
    Later, there was a knock at the door. Luis opened it to find Max on the doorstep, accompanied by his father. Max looked embarrassed.
"Er, Mister Alvarez, I've come to say sorry to, er, Katherine, to Kitty." Luis raised his dark grey eyebrows, and beckoned the visitors to come inside.
    They sat down in the comfortable lounge area. The French doors opened to a small flagstone terrace and beckoning garden, but were closed for now as the weather had turned chilly.
    Luis turned to his guests as Maria came in to offer refreshments. Both men declined politely and Max again stated the reason for his errand, stammering slightly and blushing.
    Maria called Kitty. "I was awful to you," blurted Max. "I'm so sorry for saying bad things to you. I know you are not like that."
    Jaxon added, "Recently my father died. My mother would very much like to be involved with the new baby. She is really suffering at the moment. I think it would help her. Also the kids need to concentrate on their education. I also am sorry this has happened."
    He paused, looking out at the garden and beyond to where gum trees tossed in a rising wind on the hillslope. "Max has been alone too much lately. With God's help, I intend to be a better father and grandfather."
    Jaxon moved to leave the room, Max following, when Kitty reached out her hand. "Thanks for coming," she whispered. "It means so much."




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