The sweltering sun poured down across the vacant stretch of dry land. What was of the shrub appeared to be struggling to survive with the sparse source of water. Bianca had never seen soil of such rich brownish-red, and despite her own struggle with the heat, admired the beauty of the land surrounding her. There were no mountains or towering trees to be seen along the horizon line, she had not passed any towns for well over an hour. She took a deep breath, tasting the freshness in the air, and feeling a calm sensation rush over her. She felt untouchable, released and almost happy as she drove across the desert.
Corey stirred in the backseat, too young to understand how far they had travelled. Bianca pulled over under a reasonably shady tree for a rest, and offered Corey some cool water from the esky in the back of her old station wagon. He gulped it down willingly, seeming appreciative of the cold damp cloth she placed on his forehead. She spread out a rug under the shady tree, seating him on it, alongside a few of his toys. He was hot and bothered, shaking his rattle about with a tired smile. Wanting to explore, he crawled towards the intriguing red soil. Bianca followed him closely, aware of the danger of snakes and other creatures. She stood on any large ants she saw with her boots, hoping that Corey would learn to do the same, as she knew that they would be very painful if they bit him.
She was having second thoughts about what she had planned to do. Though she had travelled so far, and had planned everything perfectly so that both she and Corey could have the lives that she wanted for them. He was too young to understand, and she hoped that he would never despise her for what she was going to do.
The lady that she had met about an hour back at the roadhouse had been so lovely. She had asked too many questions about where Bianca was headed, whether she planned on going to Uluru, and whatnot. Her husband was the quiet one in the relationship, sipping his coffee with concerned eyes over articles in the newspaper. They were headed the same way as Bianca, perhaps only half an hour or so behind as they had ordered a meal as Bianca was leaving. The lady wished them all the best on their travels, telling them to take care and look out for roos, and definitely not to drive past dusk.
It was decided then. Corey would have a more fulfilling and joyful life ahead of him, with all the modern commodities a young child needs. A life that Bianca couldn't give him. Her unreliability and instability made her unfit to be a mother, just as her father had told her countless times before.
Bianca held Corey for the last time, kissing his forehead and asking him for her forgiveness. She retrieved a picnic basket from the boot, removing all the crockery, and replacing it with Corey's blanket, a few articles of his best clothing, and his favourite toys. She wrapped Corey in the blanket and placed him in the basket. His eyes were very sleepy, so she fetched his bottle, and hummed too him, with tears pouring down her eyes, while he drifted off to sleep.
As she started up the car, she couldn't help but feel regret for leaving him by the side of the road in the basket. Though she knew that the lady would be along soon and spot him, and take her in her arms lovingly as her own child.
