Is there anybody out there? #26

This blog continues on the series ‘Is there anybody out there?” Feel free to read the previous chapters here

You have been neighbours for twenty years. You noticed something was up, and you had plucked up the courage to go and visit your neighbour Molly. A little while back, Molly shared how love may be an option and had brought it up again, and since ‘Patrick’ (although only a brief meeting) had come into the world, things had shifted somewhat, and you were finding yourself having to visit a distraught Molly at 1am in the morning. She was at a crossroads right now, and in the place they spent special moments together, she is weighing it all up, but maybe had now come to a resolution.

There had been the occasional conversation between Molly and you, since the night she had needed your support. But instead of it being the panicked looks, it was relatively calm. Today was the day, I wonder whether Patrick was going to be there?

As Molly approached, you could see she had gone to some effort, her blouse matching the growing camellia bush which was now quite stunning.

‘Too much’ Molly asked.

‘No I think it is Ok. It suggests comfort and not you being on the hunt so to speak……….Oh I did not mean it quite like that.’

‘That’s fine. It is the look of comfort I was going for.’

As you drive down in the car, you add ‘Don’t forget Patrick has been to hell and back, we need to play it cool. He may not even come.’

‘Yes. I am still not completely sure how I am going to go. I suppose for me, I will be looking for a breakthrough moment.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Maybe not walking on egg shells quite as much. Looking to relax more. If I can relax, I am sure he will be able to as well. I just want it to be easy.’

‘Yes. Me too’ as you turn into a car park in fron of the cafe. ‘I have lost count of the number of times I have been down here. It always seems to be nice here. Oh and by the way…..’

‘What’ replied Molly

‘I have brought hubby down here. He can see what is so compelling about it.’

As you get out of the car you do a quick look up and down the street. No sign. ‘Let’s just order coffees, if he does not come we will still be able to enjoy our time.’

‘How are you feeling Molly’

‘It seems a bit like a first date. I am feeling rather nervous. I have not done this in a while.’

Still no sign. You were starting to wonder.

‘How are things with Jessica?’

‘Oh wow’ replied Molly ‘she seems really happy now. Although she still likes to keep fit, she is not doing the social media thing as much. She told me she had a different reason now.’

‘I can only imagine Molly. Your story is quite compelling. Are you feeling relieved?’

‘Yes’ said Molly thoughtfully ‘I really am. It seems much good has come out of his death. Kind of like a legacy.’

You smile ‘Molly, I think I can see him. He is standing at the corner with his dog. What was the dog’s name again?’

‘Rover, Reggie……oh that’s right Rusty.’

‘He has just noticed us. But is still standing there. What should we do? Should we go to meet him?’

‘No, I gather he is nervous as well. Give him some time. If you feel the time is right maybe a wave.’

Patrick was still standing there, transfixed to the spot. Rusty was sitting at his side. Then he looked over to your direction.

It was at this moment you waved. After a while he started moving, taking a few tentative steps. As he got closer, you could see the strain on his face. It was like he did not want to come, but still he was.

You noticed he was little dressed up. It was Molly who spoke up ‘Hello Patrick, it is nice to see you again. Would you like to join us?’

Patrick just stared for a while, and then nodded.  

Then he sat,

This commentary in this blog is intended to be general in nature. It is just some observations from one fellow traveller in life to another. If anything in this blog raises issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or consult with a trusted medical professional.

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