A New Year

We drove the long way round to the coast, highways and backroads in flames. The fire was already too huge and close to comprehend, but my Pop was the love of my life and I wasn’t going to miss his funeral, even if I didn’t want to say goodbye.

Heartbroken we left my Nan to head home – north, the only way not swallowed by fire. Lines of cars idling in thick smoke.

Suddenly the flames crossed just metres in front of the car. Us and everyone turned around, escaping as fast as we could.

We rang in the new year stranded, unable to get home. No power, we weren’t really sure when it had happened.

At least I was there with my Nan, all of us quiet with grief.

We prayed the next year would be better.