IT TOOK MORE EFFORT than usual to maintain my bearing as I walked down the gangway and back onto solid land. My luggage was no heavier, but that wasn’t what pulled me down. I sat in my car as Omeed and the other asylum seekers were led off the boat and into a waiting van. Nathan and George followed, carrying the old man on a stretcher. I could still see him despite the body bag. I could see him with my eyes closed.
I blinked twice then squeezed my eyes shut. Once my vision finally cleared, I drove home. No music.
All my body wanted was to sleep, but I knew my mind wouldn’t let me. I dumped my bag in the laundry then made a cup of tea while my laptop booted. I set my cup on the table beside my computer then returned to the kitchen. I opened the pantry door and knelt. Reaching right up the
