Kate Allyce

As the 'Queen of the last minute', she had ten minutes to finish getting ready before her friends came over for dinner. In those ten minutes, she had to set the table, shower, pick an outfit, dab on some makeup and finish cooking dinner. With six minutes to go, she jumped in the shower, leaving the rice on the stovetop. The doorbell rings five minutes early! She makes a mad dash to get dressed. In rushing, she slips on the floor and rolls her ankle. Friends are knocking on the front door, checking if she is okay. The front door is locked, so they can't get in to help. By the time she manages to get up from the floor and make herself presentable, the rice is boiling over on the stovetop and the gas flame is flaring. A kitchen fire was not on the menu for tonight's dinner. Luckily, there is wine in the fridge!

From the window, I can see a quintessential Australian street. It is nighttime. A few scattered stars are visible, along with power lines and wooden houses in various states of repair. Paperbark trees are gently swaying in the breeze. Bats are fluttering in the distance.