The Bridge.
Sam stands on the pebble-mix path leading to the Hills Hoist.
‘Evening, son,’ comes a voice through the hedge.
‘Hi … I mean, evening, Mr Anderson.’
What was Mr Anderson doing in his yard so late?
‘Looking at the Milky Way while it’s clear,’ answers Mr Anderson.
‘Oh. You got one of those big telescopes, then?’
Mr Anderson chuckles. ‘Just these old eyes.’
Why do old people find those things so funny?
‘It’s way up in space. You’ll never see the Milky Way,’ Sam offers helpfully.
‘Oh, it is possible. I can see it now.’
Three steps, and Sam is by the lilly pilly hedge.
‘Want to see?’
‘I s’pose,’ says Sam
‘Look straight up.’
‘Just stars everywhere.’
‘Beyond measure, Sam. Let your mind adjust, and you’ll see everything. It’s okay, son.’
Then Sam remembers he still has homework—lots to catch up on. Maybe. He can’t actually remember when he last did any, or even went to school to get his homework list. He’s sure his mum will call out for him any moment.
But Sam stays there, swaying gently in the warm air of the evening, and cricks his neck to seek the stars. ‘There’s cloud,’ he says.
‘That’s it! That’s the Milky Way!’ Mr Anderson sounds relieved.
From the house, Sam’s mum cries, ‘Sam! Sam! Why?’
‘In a minute, Mum.’
She’s probably still upset about my homework.
‘Life is marvellous and miraculous. And finite.’
Finite? Sam thinks Mr Anderson is being tricky with his words, the way adults are. Yet he doesn’t want to go home. In fact, when he glances back towards home, it’s suddenly further away. Even his mum’s crying is faint now. Sam’s legs wobble, and when he looks at his feet, he sees the grass and pebble-mix path have disappeared. Instead, he’s standing on the timber bridge where he used to fish right near Mr Anderson. Just a greeting. No chatter like by the lilly pillies.
The bridge is whole again. Not broken to pieces like the day the pylon gave out. Sam forgot about that day. Now, Mr Anderson stands right in the middle of the bridge, like he’s waiting for Sam.
‘My mum, though—’
‘She knows you’re gone, Sam. It’s time.’
And then Sam and Mr Anderson walk across together, side by side. In silence.
****
Dedicated to Justin.
(I hope I get to see you again one day. ✨💛)