Dingos Surrounded the Baby, but Something Older Watched From the Ridge

The Hollow in the Hill

At first light, Clara climbed the ridge with Miriam and Tom. They followed the path past the burnt circle and up toward the outcrop. Then Miriam spotted a narrow opening at the base of the rock, previously covered in bush. A den, perhaps, or something older. Inside, the walls were smooth and looked blackened by fire.

Clara reached in with her phone flashlight. At the back were a set of woven objects: rings, pouches, and one baby-sized sandal. It became clear Elsie wasn’t the first, and the place demanded recognition. Clara pulled her daughter’s old sock-pouch from her coat and left it there before they all left.

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