The gate

The car park is full by 2:47.

You are in the second row. The engine is off. Through the windscreen you can see the gate and about thirty other parents who are also watching the gate.

The gate is closed.

You check your phone. It is 2:52. The bell goes at 3:00.

A child has appeared at the gate from inside — not your child — and then disappeared again.

The woman in the car next to you is also on her phone. The man ahead is eating something.

It is 2:54.

You look at the gate.