THE FERALS 


By Tessa Harvey


"We need showers," broke in Jake ruefully regarding their singed and smoky clothes.

"I can help," declared Ethel. They all turned to the older lady. "Well, I bought new clothes on the way. I am not daft yer know. I guessed the sizes so that can maybe make you have a giggle!!"
Alice produced towels and the two men hurried off to the bathroom. A while later they emerged, much fresher and brighter.

"Now, a trip to town to get more clothes - and toys," Jake added, seeing his son's face. "Maybe not a new bike today, but soon."

"You need a shave too, daddy," declared his son, "and Alice doesn't shave or Sophie," he added thoughtfully.

"We'll fix all that, then how about a meal in town for us all? Is that okay, Ethel, Alice?" Alice agreed, but Ethel offered to stay and deal with dishes and washing. "I don't want to go out gallivanting today. "Let me help this way and keep Shadow company."

Later that day, Jake was shocked to hear the police in Victoria had marched into a pregnant lady's home in the Aussie state of Victoria. "Black Lives Matter" had been allowed their marches, spreading the virus.
All this lady had done was try to organise "a peaceful protest" against all the COVID-19 restrictions which were so stringent, now that a few held power over millions. The poor woman was taken from her home in her pyjamas, weeping, anxious for her unborn baby. Handcuffs had, incredibly, been used on her.

This could happen everywhere, thought Jake, horrified.




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