Stay Home Now 21 The Smell After the Rain

STAY HOME NOW

Say “Hi” to your friends through the window, Tell them not to open the door. As if you meet them in person, You may well be breaking the law.

Help out by doing the dishes, Or perhaps dusting the furniture? Mother could do with a breather Even though she’s no longer chauffeur.

Now get into your onesies, grab some chips! Or stream that binge-worthy show on Netflix. With the help of our heroes, a jab is now here. Home will soon be open to friends far and near. Even though we’ ve sustained lockdown extension, Listen up, and do pay attention, Please avoid misapprehension.

Have a thought for those caught in the battle enduring. Evening, morning, day and night, Raise a glass to those who fight On our behalf, to keep Britain well. End of lecture. Get out and tell the world what to do or else Say farewell.

By Matilda Hardman 9S

This pathogen is here to stay, Help us all to keep it at bay. Even though hugging that friend is alluring,

Art by Meher Garg 7G

THE SMELL AFTER THE RAIN By Freya McNeill 12KO

The smell after the rain was something they always waited for. Its musty stale air snaked through Parker’s nostrils as they kicked a meticulous pile of leaves. Slosh. Granted, the sopping natural debris did not have the desired crunch effect - the best sound was saved for skulls, but they would settle for this. The street was empty considering it was now 2:02 am and Parker bathed in the artificial amber light, grinning like a foolish theatre kid in the stage’s blinding lights. They swiped blood from their pale face and jabbed it in their mouth letting each taste bud absorb the salty metallic taste. Not bad. She was sweeter than the last - not that they were in the habit of tasting the blood of their clients. An anomaly of course. Parker splashed their Oxford shoes in a concrete-hosted puddle, letting the rest of the speckled blood drops taint the already questionable water.

“Mx Walker,

” a woman’s voice purred from behind. Their head snapped back. Her high heels echoed like gunshots through the street. Parker stood up a little straighter. “Little late to be out?” she said.

They just plastered on a smile. “I could say the same, ma’am.

She pursed her painted lips, cracking each knuckle revealing her wedding ring tan line. “You did what I asked?”

“I did what I had to, ” Parker replied, tightening their business-striped noose.

“Justice has been served, " she stated plainly.

“Well, everyone has their curtain call, so”

“But if they can squeeze in another act, ” the woman persisted with a fake laugh, “then

one can open a door of possibilities.

“At what cost?” they asked and extended their hand - her touch ice cold. The couple were dressed up in a tailored suit and a pencil dress for the shut newsagents, market stalls and delis. Black-gummed pavements lined the way like star constellations as a police car’s siren blasted through the silence. Parker’s face illuminated blue. “If a person will do more harm, just cast someone else.

“It’s not up to you. My evidence is perfect for this case!” she hissed. Then the woman sighed, “This will change someone’s life. Aiden is not guilty…

“Mr Anderson’s company made those faulty car engines. Those deaths belong to him, ”

they said. Their jaw tightened. “There’s no justice in that, ma’am. There’s terror in

those damned technicalities. ” Parker stared into her electric green eyes, taking in her

musty scent.

“He’s innocent, ” she whispered and they scowled. “I didn’t ask of your opinion - just

your help.

“I’m your bodyguard, not a thief. If you don’t die, I get paid. ‘Aiden’ will have to look

after himself, ” Parker said. Their chest heaved, their fingers twitching and she backed

away.

“I’m testifying, " she confirmed.

Silence.

“You did... do what I asked, didn’t you, Parker?” the woman said, her voice cracking. She smoothed her swept hair and he looked down. “You tied up those loose ends?”

They smirked. “Oh, I’m about to,

” they muttered. She screamed, blood poisoning her pure white dress. Parker didn’t have to worry about the mess; it would soon be washed away in the rain. The empty street. They blinked and the memory of her was gone - her testimony gone. Mr Anderson would be behind bars soon.

DOODLES EDITION TWO