Starlight in the Ring by H. N. Quinnen

dark-brown attire and high-heeled shoes and never misses wearing her red lip stick. Her black-framed spectacles suit her long face. She is my outstanding teacher and I always miss her when we are apart.
    I haven’t been in Miss Barlow’s class, in Butterworth High School for two weeks, since the term started because I’m not well. I’m home, sitting down hearing my family members talking, laughing and shouting. I hear footsteps going in various directions, the cluttering of plates, mugs and spoons. I can’t see anything – it’s very dark. “Mum! Are you there?” I ask, seeking assurance after hearing her voice. “Is the storm coming, that it’s so dark?” There is no response to my question.
    “Mum, when is daytime coming? What is happening in Skoonfontein? Why is it so dark? I want to go to school,” I ask mymum after noticing the endless darkness. Mum doesn’t answer me but I can hear her talking to a visitor. I guess I’m disturbing and maybe even embarrassing her. Children aren’t supposed to interrupt when parents entertain visitors in case they hear adult secrets and pass them on. That would get them in trouble!
    I want to read books, but I can’t, and I’m upset. Is it still at night? But why is it so long? I love daytime, being out on the farm doing my favourite things; playing with my baby dolls, Ruby and Clifford, which I made with sticks and old rags in my playhouse behind our home. I feel someone grabbing my hand, saying, “come and sit outside for fresh air.” And that’s my mum for sure. I follow her, and as soon as I step my foot outside, I feel the heat of the sun on my skin.
    “It’s very hot out here. It’s lovely.” My mum and Rita exchange hands; I hold onto Rita’s hand as we both go further away, perhaps by the bushes behind our house.
    “Sit here,” says Rita.
Our playhouse is still there, fortunately,
I say in my mind. Rita says, “I’m going to gather firewood to cook dinner for Ruby and Clifford, Betty. Please wait for me right here. I’ll be back soon.”
    “All right, but don’t be long – our children like soup and bread, don’t they?” I hear Rita’s footsteps and then it’s quiet.
    She returns and passes Ruby to me to feed. I rock and pat her gently, pretending to feed her bread and milk. We play together for a little while and then return to our house when the sun goes down and it gets cooler.
    Strangely, the dark continues, and I wonder what’s going on. I’m used to working, or doing my own stuff. So, I get up and walk, hoping to get to the kitchen.
    “Oops!” I’ve bumped into the metal chair. I turn around, stretch my hand forward, hitting the washing-stand corner. After striking the corner of the wooden table, I cry as I fumble, hoping to find my way around the house. Why will no one tell me what is going on? I start to get used to being moved around andhaving people doing everything for me.
    That same evening I hear my mum suggesting taking me to the doctors.
Yes,
I say to myself.
But, what if I never see again?
I don’t want to be a burden on others. How will I read the books? “No!” I say aloud, feeling agitated with my thoughts and situation.
    I hear the car stop by our door, and my mum talking, and I recognise Missus’ voice. My heart fills with joy as the car starts moving forward, my mum taking me to the doctors. I can remember the silence in the car all the way, until it stops, and the door opens. Somebody helps me out into the surgery. I hear the Doctor’s voice, asking my mum questions. We return home, and I’m put straight in bed. I get the sticky sweet medicine three times a day. I get fed up of staying in bed.
    Fortunately, in time, I recover from this temporary blindness, and return to school. Miss, being very pleased to have me back in class, beckons me to her table at the front of the class, saying, “Betty Baker, you’re my star. Work harder and succeed in your education.” She looks directly into my eyes, making me