The cry for help..

The female waits.

The water beats down on her. Steam surrounds her, making her barely visible.

Her ears are alert, her head cocked, listening for enemy sounds. She stands completely still. All she can hear is the water pounding and the beating of her heart.

And then, in the far distance, a cry goes up. It escalates into a wail. It grows louder and higher in pitch.

The mother's pupils dilate.

She shifts position and cocks her head to the other side. Her body tenses as she prepares to pounce. Her hackles rise. She is now fully alert and in defensive position as she hears the cries of her child.

And then, it comes. A deep, loud shout from the distance. A note of panic tinges the voice and the mother sags in despair.

"Darling, where are her school shoes?"

The female exits the shower and heads downstairs.



*An excerpt from "Bush Daddy's first day of taking the kids to school" by Bush Mummy.