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CHILL OUT | FICTION THIS Luce doesn’t answer my question
Lollipop Park about the rain but then I’ve long given up
expecting her to. Besides, it’s a grown-up
question and even I can’t guess the an-
I prefer to take Lucy to the park when it’s quiet – it’s swer. That’s the trouble with this time of

better for her not to have others shying away from her year – you can’t be sure of the weather.
“Right,” I say, making a sudden deci-
sion. “Coat and shoes on. We’re going
BY TESS NILAND KIMBER ILLUSTRATION: MICHAEL DE LUCCHI out.”

Hearing that last magic word, she
OOKING out of the flat’s stays dry. There’s a fête at the local com- perks up – reminding me of the old
lounge window I can see munity centre later this afternoon and spaniel Beth and I had when we were
it’s going to be one of there’s going to be dancing and all kinds children, who’d bark the minute I rattled
thosegreydayswhenthe of displays. It should be fun but if Lucy’s his lead. Dropping her doll, Lucy looks
weak sun plays peek- too tired to go, we should still be able to at me with pale blue eyes, and a smile,
a-boo behind a veil of hear the music if I leave her bedroom which is never very distant, dances
cloud. I suppose I ought window open. There might even be fire- across her lips.
L to expect it. It’s March – works. She loves to watch them. “Lollipop?”
all too soon winter will set in. Colours are definitely her “thing”. I I grin and pretend, by rolling my eyes,
“What do you think, Luce? Are the think, hope, she’ll be arty like my sister. that I’m not pleased with her choice.
weathermen going to be right for a Bethpaintshugeoilpaintingsinthe style “Okay, Lollipop Park it is.”
change? Is it going rain?” of Jackson Pollock – in myriad splashed She gives a little cheer and, as I button
Iturnbacktomydaughter,who’splay- colours. They have such life to them – I up her puffer coat and tug on those soft
marchingherdollalongtheglass-topped can’t help but be cheered up whenever pink gloves I bought at the Saturday
coffee table. I really hope the weather I view her latest work. market, I can’t resist a hug. You see, like

62 | 6 FEBRUARY 2020 you.co.za