The Mind Creative OCT 2013
The discussion then wandered off to matters relating to family, friends
and life in general. We spoke at length about travels to distant lands,
argued about politics and discussed about food and sports. I asked him
many questions about Sydney and Melbourne. I had seen these cities
nearly thirty five years ago. I enjoyed every moment in his company and
with every passing minute, I yearned for more. I wanted the
conversation to go on forever.
I pretended to look at my watch that had stopped thirty five years ago. I
knew that Fred Grundy would be here any moment. I knew that his car
had broken down and that he was running late. I was also aware that, at
that very moment, he was walking down the dusty road towards the
station. I could feel the stationmaster’s eyes boring into my back from
his little tumbledown office. It was time for me to leave.
I stood up and extended my hand and the young man grasped it with
youthful exuberance. I simply let out a quiet sigh.
“It’s getting late, have to
move on now,” I said with a
smile. “I am sure Fred will be
here very shortly. Otherwise
you can always speak to Jim
the stationmaster. He will
help you out.”
“See you around town,” he
replied. “I will be sticking
around for a week.”
“Bye,” I said and turned away.
I definitely did not want Fred Grundy to see me, talking to the young
man. Limping badly on my shattered limbs, I started walking away
quickly, into the eternal darkness. I could sense Fred Grundy walking
into the station behind me.
34