The Late Pickup

Ages 12-15

Ariella waits at the school gate, and her father is late.

The others go. The street empties, one car at a time. The crossing guard folds her sign and walks off. Ariella stands with her bag at her feet, and looks up the road to the left, and then to the right.

She waits until the clock on the bakery says a quarter past. Then she picks up the bag and walks, up to the corner, as far as she is allowed.

His car is there. It is parked at the curb, a little way past the corner, with the engine off. She can see the back of his head against the seat.

She walks up to it. He has his hat tipped forward, and his hands in his lap. He is asleep.

She stands by the window. She looks at the hat, and the gray at his temple, and his hands.

She puts her knuckle to the glass, and taps once, softly.

He does not stir. She taps again.

His head comes up. He looks at her, and at the clock on the dash. He puts one hand on the wheel, and reaches across and unlocks the door.

She gets in, and puts the bag on her knees. The engine starts.