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“Anything on?” she asked.
Dad grunted. “There never is.”
“What do you usually do at night?”
He turned the television off and set the remote down on his armrest. “I usually watch something, read, go to bed. Sometimes I go down to the local pub with the boys. It’s quiet at night on the island.”
“That hasn’t changed.”
“Nope,” he agreed. “I’ve been night fishing lately. And in summer I went spearfishing in the dark. It was a little more exciting than I like it.”
“What happened?” Bea asked, her brow furrowed.
“A pretty big fish jumped in my boat because I left the torch on. And I had a close encounter with a shark.”
“Dad!” she objected. “You shouldn’t be spearfishing at night. That’s so dangerous!"
He grunted. “I’m fine, tweaked my back a little but I’m managing. I decided I preferred to spearfish during the day after that anyway. Although, it’s peaceful at night. The stars look nice too.”
She sighed. “I can’t argue with that. But what if something had happened to you? No one would’ve known.”
He shrugged. “How is that different to any other time?”
“I’m sorry I haven’t visited much.” Guilt washed over her. She hated that she’d left him alone for so long. She’d convinced herself that she wasn’t needed on the island. He was independent and happy with his own company. But she could see now that he’d been lonely, even with the friendships he’d maintained over decades. There was no substitute for family. And she hadn’t been there for him when he needed her.
His grey hair was thick and wavy, his bright blue eyes full of life. But he was growing older, and she’d missed spending time with him for too many years. Who knew how much longer she’d have him, and she’d squandered that time pandering to the needs of a husband who didn’t appreciate her.
“You’ve been busy. And Bradford’s a big help.”
She frowned. Her brother had never been the responsible one. That’d always been her role. When they were teens, she was the one who made sure Brad had food to eat, that he’d brushed his teeth and his lunch was packed. Dad was busy working and Mum was gone, so she’d taken on the role of parent. But Brad had acted out, and she’d been so frustrated with his lack of concern about their family.
“Really? Brad’s been here?”
Dad walked into the kitchen and switched on the jug to boil. Bea followed him, her lips pulled into a tight line.
“He checks in, helps when I need it, that sort of thing. He’s been the only one here for Christmas the past few years.”
“I asked you to come to Sydney,” Bea protested. It’d been no end of frustration for her that her father refused to travel. She’d had things to do in the city. It was the busiest time of the year for her and the kids—it made no sense for them to head to the island.
“You know I don’t like to fly. And it’s too far to drive. No, Brad and me—we had a nice time together. He even cooked.”
“He cooked?” She quirked an eyebrow. Apparently, there were many things she didn’t know about her baby brother these days.
“He’s getting pretty good at it, too. Made an apple-infused pork roast last year.”
Her eyes widened. “Wonders never cease.”
“You should give him a chance. He’s changed.”
“That would be a miracle,” she scoffed.
“I don’t understand your attitude,” said Dad as he poured hot water over a tea bag into a mug. “Tea?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks. My attitude is based on years of experience.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Seems like yesterday,” she huffed.
