THE FERALS 

By Tessa Harvey

Judy reached over and felt the boy. He was very cold, but warmer than he should have been, out in this weather. She looked thoughtful. Unlike Jake, understandably absorbed in his son, Judy had seen the cat and his torn collar. She looked around as Jake tried to understand what Brodie was saying. It had rained recently, and near the hollow log cat footprints etched the mud with signs of a struggle- bits of fur, crushed grass, were quite clear.

Saying nothing, she led the way back to her vehicle. Night was here now, but the flashing car lights were a welcome beacon in the darkness. Jake helped his child in, and sat with him close.

Judy carefully drove back onto the track and the way opened before her, clearly lit by the headlights.

The car heater was on, warming all three. Jake directed her to his own car in the school yard. He placed his son in the back seat and fastened him in, thanked Judy warmly, and drove home.

The principal went to tidy her papers and left the caretaker to lock up the empty school, bidding him goodnight. The cleaners would come early in the morning.