tales from an ordinary world

2003-01-07

Swirling heat, distant sirens, an almost-cool wind. It's pretty quiet now, in the early afternoon. A red truck shoots past, advertising "australia's favourite duck." I'm fighting a feeling of terror, I'm passing the time with cool drinks and comfort food.

The change had come while I was inside - the expected hit of heat as I left the air-conditioned building just didn't happen this time. Sickly smell from the ice cream shop while I dodge fellow pedestrians.

The tram's late - you can see it in nervous passenger eyes. Collective exhalation as it screeches around the corner. Red light reflection - it'll turn green in a moment, just you wait and see.