Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 3 September 2015 | Page 31

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE

Allegra still wears her utility belt, with a knife, a lighter, blue band aids, hand
sanitiser and some Nurofen. It takes hours, but the wallaby ends up skinned, gutted,
wrapped in saltbush and cooking in a covered dirt pit. The sun is back on its way down
before big sister gives the go to unearth the meal. Izzie scrabbles at the dirt with her
bark shovel.
That evening their den is lined with a few softish grasses and leaves. Izzie lays her
head on Allegra’s chest.
“How did you know to wrap that wallaby in those bushes? It tasted amazing.”
“Did my research. You were going to cook with it in the show, remember?”
“No.”
“Well you were. Can’t find any other of the other bush tucker, unfortunately.”
“You’re clever.”
“Nonsense.”
“Yes you are. I’ve always been jealous. Not sure why, actually. That’s just the way
things are.” She snuggles closer. “You smell good.”
“We’re filthy!” Allegra laughs.
“I know. You still smell good.”
She strokes the hair back from Izzie’s face. “I bet, by tomorrow, they’ll find us.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. You’re a valuable asset, remember?”
“Hm.” She wriggles her toes. “Tomorrow, then.”
When her eyes open, it’s to the sound of human voices. Calling two names. WA

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