The Opal Desert

by Di Morrissey

  Kerrie was surprised and touched by the gesture. ‘Thank you for all your help. It’s wonderful to know you were part of my exhibition. I think your father would have been pleased.’

  ‘And pleased with you, too, I’m sure. I’ll download the photos I took of the night as soon as I get back and send them to you. G’night.’

  Kerrie lay on the hard bed in her motel room, pleased that at last she had formed a warm relationship with one of Milton’s daughters. With Alia’s evolving interest in being a curator, perhaps she would also like to become more involved with Milton’s legacy. If so, it would give Kerrie time to paint and travel, and to be with Tim.

  ‘Thanks, Shirley, for your sensible counsel,’ she murmured before falling asleep.

  After saying goodbye to Alia at the airport the next morning, Kerrie pulled out several CDs and put them within reach to play on the way back to Opal Lake, in case she and Anna ran out of conversation.

  They settled in the car with takeaway coffee in paper cups and a donut from the service station where Kerrie had filled up.

  ‘I never normally eat this stuff,’ said Anna.

  ‘I feel like a sugar hit when I’m on a long drive,’ explained Kerrie. Then she asked, ‘I suppose you’re a health food fiend because of your running?’

  ‘Partly, but it’s also easy to make protein shakes and grill a steak.’

  ‘Don’t you cook? Alia and her sisters never learnt to cook because we had a housekeeper who cooked for them. Well, that’s their excuse. Mind you, their father was something of a gourmand. We ate out a lot, too.’

  ‘My mum is a plain cook and we rarely go out, though my parents go to the RSL for a feed sometimes,’ said Anna.

  Kerrie was beginning to realise what a simple, perhaps sheltered and unsophisticated, background Anna came from in the suburbs of Adelaide, somewhat like her own upbringing. How Milton had changed her life. ‘Have you ever thought of travelling overseas?’

  ‘I’d like to travel with a team for an overseas meet some time. That would be great.’

  Kerrie thought of all the wonderful places she’d been with Milton. ‘What about living overseas?’

  ‘Oh, there are sports academies, institutes, universities I could get into, but that all means money, even if I won a scholarship.’

  ‘So your problems are financial ones?’

  ‘There is the money problem, but the rest is hard to explain. Even though I can run fast, I can’t run right. My coach says that my race tactics are wrong, and if I can’t fix them, I’ll never be anything more than a good club runner. I’m not sure that I know how to get them right. If I can’t, there is no point in going on.’

  ‘You haven’t decided if you’re going to pursue an athletic career or not? I don’t want to sound like a know-all, but you can’t spend the rest of your life just wandering aimlessly, Anna. Don’t be like me and put your talent on hold. Make up your mind so if you decide running isn’t for you, you can find something else worthwhile to do with your life.’

  ‘That’s what Shirley said.’ They were both silent for a minute. Then Anna added, ‘At least you know you have a talent. You’ve proved you’re good at what you do.’

  ‘Thank you. You mean because of the show last night? That’s the icing on the cake. While I’m thrilled that I was considered good enough for an exhibition, and that people liked my paintings, first I had to prove to myself that I was good. I had a lot of help. Murray Evans, you met him last night, started me off by taking me out to the bush and letting me try, and Shirley supported my first attempts at painting. But I also had to find something inside myself.’

  ‘How? What is it?’ asked Anna quietly, almost with longing.

  ‘I can’t really tell you, Anna. It’s a kind of awakening, I suppose. And I also discovered the joy. Being passionate about something is one thing, finding pleasure in it and enjoying what you do is another. And that’s not being complacent. I now know I have tons more huge hills to climb. But what’s driving me, what makes every day fulfilling, is that I enjoy trying to climb those hills.’

  When Anna didn’t answer, Kerrie went on, ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to lecture you. Not my business, of course.’

  ‘I was just thinking. I’ve never talked about my feelings with anyone before, other than Shirley. Pam is nice, too, but I don’t talk to her the same way. Everyone is nice out here,’ she said lightly.

  ‘When it’s a small community you have to rub along. But I bet there are a lot of people around Opal Lake who suffer their dark nights of the soul.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Anna, and Kerrie had the feeling she was about to say something else but she paused, seemed to change her mind, and went on, ‘I hear stories in the pub.

  I sometimes think people aren’t so much looking for something out here, pretending it’s opals, as hiding or escaping from something. I suppose that applies to me too.’

  ‘Alia thought much the same thing,’ said Kerrie. ‘But I don’t think you are holding a deep dark secret, are you?’

  ‘No. But I bet some people are.’

  ‘Like?’

  ‘Who knows. Like I said, I hear bits of gossip in the bar. No one knows the real story about anyone it seems. And I wonder about Davo.’

  ‘Why Davo?’

  ‘I heard one story that he came from Melbourne, and he told me he was an ex-surfer. I suppose he could have been both. But I don’t much like him.’

  ‘It’s interesting you say that. I have to say I don’t care for him either. He’s a bit of a chauvinist. I ended up in Opal Lake because of his attitude. He so didn’t want to bring me and that made me determined to come. But it worked out just fine for me.’

  ‘Yes, I suppose it did. But he’s so arrogant. Thinks he’s God’s gift to women, and with no cause. He tried to teach me to drive Shirley’s car and he thought that it gave him the right to keep touching me. Yuck. I always feel like he’s undressing me when he looks at me with that smirk.’

  ‘That’s certainly not good. Did you say anything to Shirley?’

  ‘No, he’s a friend of hers. He has to be because she keeps giving him money for his business.’

  Kerrie, who had not heard this before, was somewhat surprised but said nothing to Anna, instead commenting, ‘Well, you are pretty, Anna, I’m sure a lot of men would think so.’

  Anna turned and stared at Kerrie. ‘Me? I don’t think so. I’ve never been the pretty one in a group.’

  ‘Rubbish, you are pretty. Good hair, beautiful skin, lovely eyes and a great, trim body,’ said Kerrie.

  The two women continued to chat happily and the drive to Opal Lake seemed to pass quickly. When they arrived back at the pub, Anna grabbed her small bag, thanked Kerrie for the great time she’d had and hurried inside.

  Kerrie drove to the Golden Dome and met Bob and Liz and Banjo the kelpie, before turning around and heading straight back out again to go up to Shirley’s to tell her all about the successful show. At the entrance to the dugout Kerrie noticed that Shirley’s pot plants were looking a little droopy, and she made a mental note to water them.

  ‘Hey, Shirley . . . I’m back. Triumphant!’ called Kerrie.

  ‘In here,’ called out Shirley.

  Immediately Kerrie knew something wasn’t right. Shirley was in her bedroom and she didn’t sound very well. ‘What’s up? Why are you in bed?’ When Kerrie entered the bedroom, she was shocked to see Shirley not only in bed, but looking pale, dishevelled and, from the expression on her face, in some pain. ‘Shirley, what’s wrong?’

  ‘I’m a bit crook,’ she answered. ‘So was the exhibition a sell-out?’ she asked, trying to sit up. But as she did so, she winced and caught her breath, clutching a hot water bottle to her side.

  Kerrie saw a bowl and towel by the bedside. The bowl had obviously been used and when she touched Shirley’s forehead she realised that it was hot.

  ‘Shirley, you’ve been sick and you have a fever, and also in pain. Do you know what’s wrong?’

  ‘I
’m having a bit of a bad attack of gallstones and my normal remedies aren’t helping.’

  ‘If you’re really in pain then you need proper medication. What do you want me to do?’ asked Kerrie.

  ‘You could rub my feet and tell me about the show. And bring me some ice. I’m alternating heat and ice. I’ve tried Epsom salts, cider vinegar, flaxseed . . .’

  ‘Shirley, that doesn’t sound like proper treatment to me. We have to get you to a doctor.’

  ‘No. They’ll take my gall bladder out and I need it!’

  ‘Shirley, it’s a common operation. Can’t the stones be zapped and broken up? I hate to see you in such agony. You can’t stay here,’ exclaimed Kerrie as Shirley doubled over in pain.

  Shirley stubbornly shook her head. ‘I’m not leaving. I’ll be all right. I’ve had these attacks before and I get over them.’

  ‘Shirley, you can’t stay in this dugout in this sort of condition. You need proper medical attention. Let me call someone. What about the Flying Doctor Service? How do you get medical help out here?’

  ‘The sister came to the clinic last week. Kerrie, stop fussing. Make us a cup of tea and sit down and talk to me, distract me.’

  Kerrie reluctantly left Shirley to make some tea. The kitchen was messy and she wondered if Shirley had eaten, but realised that she probably had no appetite. Kerrie didn’t like the look of her at all, but she didn’t know what to do out here, so far from medical help. She wished Pam was still here. She knew that Ingrid was staying a few more days in Broken Hill. Finally, she decided to ring Mick at the pub.

  ‘Crikey, Kerrie, if you think she’s really that bad I wouldn’t wait. The best thing to do is to drive her over to the hospital in Broken Hill right away.’

  Kerrie glanced at her watch. ‘If we leave soon we’ll get there before dark. I’ll call the hospital and let them know that we’re on our way.’

  ‘You’ll drive Shirley over? I’ll come up and help you get her into the car. I doubt if you’ll be able to do it by yourself.’

  ‘That’s good of you, Mick, but persuading her might be another matter.’

  ‘Well, you call the hospital in the Hill, and help Shirley pack her kit.’

  ‘Mick, how long has it been since she last left here?’ asked Kerrie suddenly. ‘She won’t want to leave.’

  ‘Tell her it’s time to go now or else she’ll be leaving in a bloody box,’ said Mick firmly.

  Kerrie was unsure how to broach the idea of hospital with Shirley, but as she went back into the bedroom she caught her breath. Shirley had fallen back on her pillow, gasping in pain, her face ashen, her hands clutching her side.

  ‘Shirley. Shirley. This is no good. We’re taking you to hospital. You have no choice,’ said Kerrie gently. ‘I’ll get some things together for you.’

  ‘No!’ Shirley managed to say, struggling to sit up. ‘I’m not going anywhere.’

  ‘Shirley. Please, be sensible. It’ll be fine. Mick is coming to help and I will drive you over. You can’t risk staying here. What if it’s not gallstones?’

  ‘Well, it is and I won’t hear of you driving. You just came back. Get someone to come here,’ she finally said.

  ‘Shirley, you need proper medical attention and by the time the Flying Doctor gets here we could almost be in Broken Hill. They would just take you there, anyway. Have you got some painkillers you can take to get you through the next few hours in the car?’

  ‘A hammer?’ said Shirley weakly. ‘No. Please, Kerrie. I’m not leaving here. It will pass. It always does.’

  ‘How long have you been having these attacks? For goodness’ sake, you’re a nurse! You should know better. Where do you keep your nightwear?’

  Kerrie began rummaging through a chest of drawers as Shirley was hit by another spasm of pain, which prevented her from arguing.

  A soft voice called from outside the bedroom. ‘Kerrie? Can I help? Mick sent me up.’ Anna came into the room and paled as she saw Shirley.

  ‘Yes, can you go into the pantry? She’s got an old suitcase in there. Then help me pack a few things into it.’

  ‘Kerrie . . . no . . . please,’ called Shirley weakly from the bed. She was holding a towel to her mouth and sweat had broken out on her forehead.

  Kerrie took no notice, headed to the bathroom and began putting toiletries into a small bathroom bag.

  ‘Anna, there’s something else you can do for me,’ she called. ‘Would you mind going to the Golden Dome and getting my bag that’s on my bed. I haven’t unpacked yet, so it’s got everything I’ll need. Take it down to the pub and give it to Mick, and tell him to come as soon as he can.’

  ‘He’ll be up in a minute. Shirley, don’t worry, you’ll be right as soon as you get to the hospital. You’ll be back here in a flash,’ said Anna consolingly, then turned and ran from the dugout.

  Shirley lay limply on the bed. She pointed to her pain relief pills and Kerrie refilled a glass of water and handed them to her.

  ‘I’ll refill the hot water bottle.’

  Mick arrived and without ceremony marched to the bed and scooped up Shirley. Kerrie lifted the cotton bedcover and a pillow off the bed. Despite her bulk, Mick carried Shirley to the car as Kerrie held open the door to the back seat. They eased Shirley in and Kerrie arranged the pillow and cover to make her as comfortable as possible. Her eyes were closed, and she no longer seemed to be aware of what was happening around her.

  But suddenly she opened her eyes. ‘What’s going on? Take me out of here. I’m not leaving my home!’

  Mick firmly closed the car door. ‘You sure you don’t want me or Anna to go with you?’ he asked. ‘She’s a stubborn old girl.’

  ‘Thanks, no. Just call the hospital and tell them I’m leaving now,’ she said, and Mick nodded.

  ‘They won’t know what hit them when the old girl gets there. Drive safely, Kerrie.’

  ‘Will you lock up Shirley’s dugout?’ said Kerrie. It had occurred to her that Shirley not only kept her stash of opals inside but also her valuable fossil.

  Mick looked surprised. ‘Righto. If you say so. I’ll keep the key down at the pub.’

  For Kerrie, the trip to Broken Hill in the fast descending light was a blur. She tried to calm and console Shirley, who groaned, complained and then seemed to doze fitfully. Eventually Kerrie put on a soothing classical CD and concentrated on driving.

  Once Kerrie thought she heard Shirley whisper ‘Stefan’, but she couldn’t be sure as she was concentrating on the road and keeping an eye open for kangaroos. When she did glance at Shirley in the rear-view mirror, she saw the elderly woman was leaning on her arm, wide awake.

  ‘How’re you going, Shirley?’

  ‘As well as can be expected. What about you?’

  ‘Good as gold.’

  ‘Thank you, Kerrie. I’m sorry about this.’

  ‘Oh, Shirley. Don’t be silly. We all care about you, and we just want you to get better. Whatever it takes.’

  ‘This is not what I wanted. I just thought that when my time came, I’d slip quietly away and not bother anyone.’

  ‘Shirley! For goodness’ sake, you’re not damn well going anywhere just yet. We all get little medical hiccups. It’s your turn! A little op and in ten days or so you’ll be back home receiving visitors as you always do.’

  ‘Hummph. I just want my life back. I still have a lot of writing to do.’

  ‘Then the quicker you get over this, the better,’ said Kerrie firmly.

  There was silence for a while then Shirley asked, ‘Do you ever think about dying, Kerrie? Even though you’re so young?’

  ‘I did. After Milton died. I felt very vulnerable. And then my mother’s death was so soon after. I felt very alone. I thought my life was over and I didn’t have anything to look forward to. But Tim has changed that. No, you changed that! We all have to live for each day. I mean, look at Anna, so young and as unsure and confused as I was when Milton died. You think you have a life plan, this is going to happen,
you’ll do this and that, and then whammo. Everything is turned on its head,’ said Kerrie, determined to distract Shirley. ‘You and I retreated. Anna runs away. Alia rolls with the punches. Who’s right? Maybe we all just deal with things in our own way, no one is to say who’s right, who’s wrong. But the bottom line is we have to move forward, because that’s the key – moving on.’

  ‘You’ve got Tim. And now you’ve made peace with Alia. You’ll be all right,’ muttered Shirley.

  ‘Shirley, so will you! You have a whole town behind you!’

  It was a relief to see the lights of the hospital in Broken Hill. Kerrie pulled into emergency and as soon as she spoke to an attendant, two medics arrived with a trolley. They eased Shirley from the car and wheeled her inside.

  In the glare of the lights, Shirley tried to lift her head. She became more querulous and demanding.

  ‘We’ve been expecting you,’ said the triage nurse. ‘Are you a relative?’ she asked Kerrie.

  ‘Yes, she is!’ screeched Shirley. ‘And I’m a nurse.’

  The nurse sighed. ‘The worst kind of patient. If you could come this way and help with the paperwork, please.’

  ‘She’s in a lot of pain. Delirious, I think,’ said Kerrie anxiously.

  ‘She’ll be examined right away.’

  Kerrie completed Shirley’s paperwork as best she could, before she was taken into the emergency ward where Shirley looked more peaceful.

  ‘She’s still in a great deal of pain. The doctor will see you both shortly and let you know what the next step will be.’

  The nurse left and Kerrie took Shirley’s hand and stroked it. After a few minutes Shirley turned her head and opened her eyes and looked at Kerrie.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said softly. She seemed very calm, which Kerrie put down to the painkillers. ‘I signed the paper. For the operation.’

  ‘That’s if you have to have one.’

  ‘I will,’ sighed Shirley. ‘I should never have left home. I never wanted to leave, to die somewhere strange away from my dugout.’

  ‘You’re not going to die,’ said Kerrie firmly. ‘And I’m sorry if you think I overstepped the mark, but you were in agony. You couldn’t stay there like that.’