Day Nine: Tussock jumping

It’s a dangerous bend. She has to wait, and listen, at the wrought iron gates. The sentry box was white, but is flaking now, sagging to one side on the wet grass. Opposite, The Gate Cottage, fenced, where a Chinese goose patrols the garden while the owners, Paul and Sheila, are out at work. Sheila cleans and does the laundry. Paul maintains the grounds, does any odd jobs that are going. Bruce the Goose stands guard now, watching her. She glances around, still listening. There’s no sign of traffic but she’s been caught before, a sudden, careening vehicle appearing out of nowhere over the brow of the hill…