The Housemate

Oli’s gaze shifts to the police tape that Beanpole tied firmly to the wooden fence post after their exchange, before looking along the path, up the short flight of brick stairs to the concrete porch and open front door. The ABC news bulletin reports that police have been called to a residence in St Kilda regarding the discovery of a body, but relays nothing more than Oli already knows. No.’ Eyes shut and gripping the bedhead, seventeen-year-old Oli gathers her mother’s limp body into her lap, pushing dirty blonde hair from Sally’s cold face. ‘Mum!’ A sob erupts from Oli, and she gasps for air. Something that has been bothering Oli finally clicks.