Page 6 of In the Long Run
I watch Gen for a few seconds.I refuse to wish this interaction and the one last night had gone differently because I’m all out of wishes – have been since I was a kid – so I duck my head and sprint in the opposite direction.
Eugene’s going to be a terrible patient.He pushes the overbed table away and frowns at his water glass like it’s at fault for his broken foot, not the pothole that caused his fall.
‘Lisfrancs are an uncommon injury with an unfortunately long recovery process,’ a kind hospital rehab worker named Kate says, and the frustrated lines marring Eugene’s face deepen.His water’s going to be vapour before this meeting’s over.
‘Heard you own that French pâtisserie, Alizée’s.It’s a little ironic you’ve suffered an injury named after a Napoleonic army surgeon.’
I bite the inside of my cheek.I’ve known Eugene long enough to know he won’t appreciate anyone stating the obvious, but Kate’s not so lucky.Eugene shifts his glare.Forget what I said about his water.Kate might be vapour soon.
‘It’s hilarious,’ he deadpans.I’m struck by how much older he looks in the hospital bed.There’s more grey than black in his short, curly hair and the lines around his eyes are more prominent than I remember.My gut tells me that laughing isn’t the cause of them like it used to be.His round glasses are tucked into the neck of his hospital gown, visible smudges on the lenses.This morning’s paper sits next to him, folded so precisely I can tell he hasn’t opened it yet.It’s like he’s already given up.
Uncomfortable with the path of my thoughts, I put my military training to use and take control of this conversation.
‘The surgeon said Eugene should be able to come home tomorrow.’His operation’s scheduled for this afternoon and his bad mood is one hundred per cent exacerbated by the fact that he’s fasting.I almost stopped at Alizée’s to pick up some of his favourites before remembering he wouldn’t be allowed to eat them.
‘Providing it goes well, that should be fine.’Kate taps away at her iPad.‘While we’re talking about home, I’d like to get a better idea of what that looks like.Is it a house?An apartment?’
Eugene waves his hand, signalling that I’m up.My attention to detail has been mentioned on every school and Army report I’ve ever had.If anyone can get Eugene’s place safe and tidy for his return, it’s me.I’ll put all the excess stuff in my room.All I need is a bed and access to my backpack.I’ve spent months out field with less and survived fine.I cross one ankle over the other.
‘It’s a ground floor flat, so stairs aren’t an issue.The shower’s over the bath, but I’ve already hired a bench seat for it.And I can shift some furniture around to make it easier with his wheelchair.’I’m not sure how long it will take until Eugene’s able to manage one of those knee scooters, but I got one, just in case.
‘Do you live alone, Eugene?’
He continues to stare at his drink and I don’t blame him.Eug’s a busy guy.Always has been.That’s why it meant – and means – so much that he’s always made time for me when, really, no one would’ve blamed him for being the first to turn his back and walk away.Fuck knows no one else had wanted me when everything really went to shit.
‘He does,’ I answer for him.It’s been fourteen years since I lived with Eug and he’s kept my old room exactly the same for me, despite my lack of visits.
‘His mobility will be severely restricted as he recovers,’ she says, looking worried.‘Living independently isn’t an option.’
I’d suspected as much but my mind had been fried from the mad dash to the airport and then getting to Eug’s side to really take it in.
‘Do you have any family who could help, Eugene?Perhaps your …’ Kate’s kind brown eyes shift to me, and she pauses.I’m clearly not his son.How many kids call their parents by their first names?
‘Godson,’ I supply.‘I can take some time off.’
It’s a no brainer.Eugene didn’t hesitate to step up when I needed him.
‘How long are we talking about?’I ask, opening my calendar app.I’ve got long service leave in my book, and I’m not slated to go on any courses or exercises.If ever there was a time to be grateful for my boring staff job it’s now.One, I can do admin from anywhere, and two, I always keep to myself so I won’t be missed.
‘He won’t be able to weight bear for several months,’ Kate says.
‘Damn, Eug, you’ve done yourself quite the mischief,’ I say, trying to coax a smile out of him with the phrase he must’ve saidto me at least a million times.The corners of his lips twitch and I’m calling that a win, especially considering the extra-large shit sandwich he’s being asked to chow down on.But he’s always been an overachiever.Alizée’s is proof of that.People come from all over Melbourne for Eugene’s croissants and the fancy little cakes I can’t pronounce the names of correctly.‘I’ll call my CO and organise to use my long service.That gives us until early September, and I could take annual leave if you need me longer than that.’
Eugene harrumphs and tosses his head but the ball of tension in the middle of my chest lessens.Thisis more like the man who raised me.
‘Knox, mate,’ Eugene says.It took him so long to stop calling me ‘little mate’ once I got bigger than him and I still miss it.‘You don’t have to do that.You have your own life, and you’ve worked so hard for it.I’m not going to do anything that could muck up that fancy posting you’re trying so hard to get.’
‘It’s not open for discussion.I’ll take leave or work remotely.Work will be okay.’
I’m not due to post this year, and even though Eug is right about my career adviser having big plans for my next posting, including a promotion and a job overseas, staying in Melbourne for a bit won’t impact my chances of securing that job.There’s got to be some benefits for being a workaholic who never causes any drama.
But this is Eugene Black.The kindest man to ever walk on this planet.The guy with the hugest heart.My biggest inspiration and the role model I’m endlessly grateful for.He’s always donated all Alizée’s unsold food to local shelters because ‘everyone deserves a treat’.He bakes extra bread for them too so it’s nice and fresh, even though breads and savouries are traditionally more of a boulangerie’s item, not a pâtisserie’s.But Eug’s never been afraid to buck tradition.
‘What’s my other option?’he asks Kate.
‘We find you a spot on a rehab ward.’She lifts her iPad again and Eugene pales.
‘No need,’ I say.Once I explain what’s going on, I’m confident my boss will be supportive of whatever I ask for.He’s a good guy and with retention rates a major issue now, flexible work arrangements are becoming more common.‘It’ll be just like old times, Eug.’
