7. The fascination of being nowhere

A car pulls up. Across the road is a footpath sign. On another day, a curious herd of milk cows would gather at the footpath gate, and some would low as parents dashed madly out of the car, baby unbuckled from the car seat. There is no here here. The nappy is whipped off on the verge, and the baby's bottom is wiped. A clean nappy is put on. The baby is buckled in. The parents take their seats. The car drives on. Somewhere the family matters. Somewhere the baby is unbuckled again and grandparents shout in welcome and delight.

An accordion of plastic, paper and baby human waste, along the Wormington to Toddington road, May 30, 2024.