Memories of Life

9. Dreaming.

9. Dreaming.

When the first year of university was almost at an end, Robert had become well entrenched into his more than expected busy life. He and Henry continued to have their secret nights of "release" while studying together. And when informing Henry he was playing rugby, his friend had initially teased Robert remorselessly about it with his cutting wit. Though eventually he succumbed, attending a game, sitting quietly on the hill observing without any books or distractions. Robert knew he had no time for the game, but felt privileged his friend had taken time out despite his insatiable work habits, to support him.

On one such occasion he introduced Henry to Jerry and Shae, thinking he would charm them both. Though was disappointed when his friend played the role of the quiet, polite young man. Robert noticed he almost exclusively did this in the company of others, and couldn't understand why the funny, all knowing, gregarious, intellectual Henry he knew refused to reveal himself to the world? The man was an enigma Robert concluded. But even so, he was honoured to know, and call him friend.

Only weeks before he was to return home for the summer break, Robert made his weekly call to Pop. Fiddling nervously with a stack of coins sitting on the booths stainless steel bench he listened as Pop passed on the latest news. "Yes your fathers well. He's away in Sydney at the moment attending a convention on bridge building." Pop chuckled at the banal sounding nature of it.

"What about you Pop, how's the hip?" Robert continued with the pleasantries.

"Oh. I get by okay." Pop then paused for a moment. "I have news of Michael, though?" His grandfather knew how desperate Robert was for word of his brother. He had made a point of driving to town to make enquiries when Richard had left for Sydney. Knowing he would not let him drive when he was there because of his failing vision.

"How is he Pop?" Robert asked with a rapid urgency rising in his voice. "Where is he? What's he doing? Is he alright?"

The phone fell silent for a moment with only the sound of soft static while Pop considered his response, before saying "The truth is Rob - I just don't know? I went to his house and discovered he no longer lives there."

"That would explain why his number has been disconnected for the last month." Robert interrupted.

"Yes. It would appear so." Pop then cleared his throat. "So then I went to the road works depot to talk to his boss..."

"What did he say?"

"Hang on boy I'm trying to tell you." Pop replied with a tone of annoyance transmitting down the line at Roberts' impatience.

"Sorry Pop." Robert said trying to calm himself.

"Yes, anyway his boss this Martelli chap informed me he's working with a remote crew out west. Maintaining roads on small communities, and farms out that way. Apparently they work for seven days, then take four off." Pop paused again in contemplation. "But Michael doesn't come back? He just stays out there camping by the roadside having the other men bring him supplies."

A silence broken only by the lines static, crackled while both men pondered the meaning of this. "Are we able to get in contact with him?" Robert finally asked.

"No Rob; this Martelli say's they only have radio to contact the nearest community or station. But he would happily pass on a message if we wanted."

The disappointment with this small amount of news was evident when Robert eventually bid Pop farewell, confirming the date of his return for the Christmas break. Slowly he replaced the receiver down pocketing the remaining coins, before walking back to the unit. Robert could not understand why his brother would go to such lengths to avoid him, considering how close they were. If he wanted to leave, why not just come here to be with me? Robert thought. Approaching the car park near the block of units his thoughts were interrupted by a soft, small voice. "Excuse me."