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brisk air. It made her feel alive. Breathing deeply, she began to dial Bulla and Garry's number, then stopped. She would go to Jess's, get a coffee, have a shower and borrow some clothes. Then she'd be in a better condition to deal with things.
    The town glistened with overnight rain, the road wet beneath the wheels of her ute. Driving down the quiet tree-lined streets her eyes took in the small gardens. She'd often wondered how people could bear to live with their neighbours so close.
    As she entered the street where Jess lived, a white Toyota ute pulled out onto the main road. A farmhand heading out to work, Gemma assumed, her quick glance taking in the muddy bullbar and line of four large spotlights perched on the roof.
    She turned into Jess's driveway, surprised to see the light on. It was unlike Jess to be up this early. She got out of the ute and went to the door. She had just raised her hand to knock when the door flew open and there stood Jess in a flimsy green negligee. Her happy voice cut through the morning air: 'I knew you wouldn't be able to resist . . .' Jess's voice trailed off when she saw Gemma. 'Gem, what are you doing here? Are you okay? What's going on?'
    'Dad's had a heart attack,' Gemma choked out.
    Jess's hand flew to her mouth then she rushed forward to hug her friend. 'Oh Gem, is he all right?'
    'I think so, but – Jess, what is happening to my life? I'm so scared.'
    Jess didn't answer but hugged her again, then she looked at Gemma and laughed. 'Look at us, me in my lingerie and you – looking rather crumpled, I must say – in jeans and a jumper. I've got to get dressed or I'll freeze. I'll be two secs. You make the coffee.'
    A little while later the two of them were sitting at Jess's kitchen table with steaming cups of coffee.
    Gemma shook her head. 'Jess, I'm just not sure what's going to happen now. I can't think straight or even work out what step comes next. I feel so helpless.'
    'Give yourself a break, Gem,' Jess advised. 'It only happened, like, twelve hours ago. It'll take some time to get used to the idea. It's only threatening to overwhelm you now because you've had so much happen to you in the last little while. Just go with the flow and give yourself some time to adjust. Stop trying to control everything.' Gemma opened her mouth to speak but Jess held up her hand. 'I know, I know. This is how you handle things – but this is a situation you can't control. So breathe deep, and relax.'
    Gemma smiled. 'I'm glad I came to see you.'
    'Well of course you are. How often does someone meet you at the door looking the way I did? Now go have a shower and then get back to the hospital. I'll give you a key to the house and you can stop here tonight, get a decent sleep. Your mum can stay here too if she wants but I reckon they'll find a bed for her at the hospital if she wants to stay there.'
    Heading out into the wet streets again Gemma felt much better – stronger, which she needed to be for her mum and dad. Looking at the clock she saw it was nearly 6 am and if she didn't get in contact with Bulla and Garry soon they would be at work. Pulling over to the kerb, she dialled their number on her mobile phone.
    'What?' answered a grumpy voice.
    Gemma laughed out loud and said, 'Why are you
    so grumpy? It's a beautiful morning. There's been rain!'
    'Damn it, Gemma, you know what time it is, girl? Don't you ever sleep?' Bulla grumbled.
    'Yeah I do, but it's still a great morning.'
    'I'll tell ya after I've had me first cuppa. Whaddya want?'
    Gemma knew he was putting on an act. He'd probably been awake since before light. 'Got some bad news. I'm down in Pirie. Dad had a heart attack last night.'
    Bulla let fly with a curse.
    'He's okay – was only mild – but I'm going to need you or Gazza to go and check the stock over at Hayelle. I'll probably be home later today, maybe tomorrow. I'm going to stay here until they don't need me anymore. There's talk they'll be sending him down to the city today or