The front of the train loomed closer, as clear from afar as near, the window's dirt hiding the identity
of the driver within, front buffers extended with the markings of countless challenge.
The screaming started then, as always, and the ferocious spectacle of oncoming death rode ugly
on the face of the train. Now the shape began to change, slowly at first, then gathering continual
kinetic energy to merge into a blur of speed and heavy steel. Terrifying pulsations, and then - he
saw her. Her face, turned towards him, showed the terror of her impending death. Agonising
screams rode on every movement and then suddenly sanity returned, bringing an awareness to his
troubled mind.
He lay still, conscious of the soaked and tangled bedclothes, knowing that the screams were his,
and too, the sobs of pity in the aftermath of fear. Some minutes passed before he managed to
separate himself from his linen bonds. He walked naked towards the open window. As he passed
the full length dressing mirror the first shadow of morning threw his image at him, taunting him
with a hidden terror. No, in this grey light was realisation, and today, the promise of eventual
peace.
The fading night air still reflected the intense heat of the previous day. As he looked out across the
city towards Mount Lofty he was thankful to see no sign of any fires. The forecast, promising two
more days of unrelenting hot weather, would have fire-fighters nervously monitoring the hills area.
The water pressure was strong as it cascaded warmly down his back, draining away the last
remnants of stress. Breakfasting first, on only orange juice and fruit, he left his home just before
six o’clock.
*****
Dooley looked up, only to put the damn hook through his finger.
"Some bastards have all the luck."
"Too right."
Except for the distant sleek Mercedes, the two fishermen had the beach to themselves. Waves that
flowed with powerful grace across the vast white sand would soon lose their momentum. The early
breeze was easing now and the silver crests that bounced on the bigger rollers were few. Dooley
and his mate had lost interest in the Mercedes driver - just another weekend tourist beating the
rush.
Far from the entry ramp the Mercedes had stopped, facing seawards, the engine still running. The
driver, a mature gentleman of kind expression, emerged from the luxurious cabin. His dress would
have surprised most, dark lounge suit complete with white shirt, black tie and shoes. He busied
himself around the car for some time before draping a tarpaulin over the vehicle's rear. Eventually,
satisfied with his work, he crawled under the tarp and into the comfort and shade that the back seat
now offered. Secure now, he listened to the CD softly playing the songs she had so enjoyed. As he
opened the bottle of Krug, which had sat deep in the reducing ice, he hummed in time to the
melody. Both the silver bucket and crystal glasses were significant and for more than thirty years
had taken special place during their anniversary of love.
Out beyond the windshield the perfect blue of sky met the sea below in mellow contrast. Both
glasses now full, he caressed the rim of the other with his own and with a steady hand sipped the
cold champagne in grave salute. The purr of the engine seemed distant and the cabin interior,
although stuffy, worried him little. With his eyes closed her vision was so clear, her beauty not
marred by the mesh of tortured metal. For three hundred and sixty-five pain-filled days he had
been alone. The train had robbed him of her love, a love undying, pledged to eternity.
They'd both enjoyed the beach here at Sellicks. They'd called it an instant holiday. Their children,
who now had families of their own, seldom went to any beach. Cars now passed in cavalcade, and
loud music rent the day.
"Another champagne, my darling? Why not? And another?"
*****
Hours later children ran past the Mercedes, had second thoughts and turning, came close and
peered into the dark interior. The smoky glass allowed no penetration of his secret place and with
sudden poke of tongue they were gone. The heat was excessive now, though it mattered little. For
he had entered a different world - a peaceful untroubled world. Her world.
*****
Adelaide celebrated the old century just after lunch. The Mercedes engine, although the laborious
result of many skilled hands, grumbled and stopped.
"Thank God for that, Bert."
"Yeah. About bloody time." He raised his voice.
"Probably some sort of pervert, Annie."
She shouted for her children to come away from the car, for the umpteenth time.
"Fancy coming to the beach just to sit in airconditioned comfort."
"Hmm", mused Bert. But they were wrong.
Later when the family had gone a group of teenagers threw a ball back and forth across the
Mercedes' roof. When they tired of their game, they lounged against the front of the vehicle in
light discussion before heading off towards the ramp.
*****
The beach was quieter now, for most had gone and in their wake lay discarded cold drink cans and
coloured wrappings. Ten degrees had taken the edge off the day and an offshore wind buffeted the
sea into an angry cleansing force. Many would speak of the Mercedes on their journey home, and
in time so would more. A lone jogger, who saw the tide closing on the vehicle, thought it unusual
but hardly his business. His dog, who was more curious than his master, urinated on a front wheel.
Later still, two seagulls left splattered evidence of their visit.
*****
The two fishermen walked around the vehicle, and Dooley tapped on the glass. His mate pulled
aside the tarpaulin.
"Look 'ere, mate."
Dooley had seen a piece of plastic hose and tape put to better use.
"Poor bastard."
"Yeah, mate."