RACHEL

It’s still raining lightly

when I get off the school bus

and I run,

slopping through the puddles

with the schoolbag over my head

until I reach the farm gate

where I hear music,

old-fashioned music,

coming from the front room

and

in the middle of the yard

is Dad, dressed in his overalls,

and Mum, in a summer dress,

and they’re dancing,

arm in arm,

slowly around the garden.

When they see me

Mum giggles

and Dad waves for me to join them,

‘Lovely weather, isn’t it, Rachel?’