Free Rain Music by Di Morrissey

it’s what I want to do. I’ve actually never told anyone this before. I’m not quite sure why I’m telling you. I think it has to do with your proprietary interest in me.’
    Toni studied him for a moment. ‘That sounds really great. The thing that struck me about your work is that it’s not just the music, but the lyrics. They make you think. The music is beguiling, but the story you tell gets inside you.’
    They stared at each other, both sensing they had stepped over some previously accepted boundary. This was treading into new territory – the personal.
    Ned was the first to look away. ‘Ah, everyone in show business dreams of doing something special. Might never happen, or never get performed, even if I do actually write it.’ He gave an awkward smile. ‘Gotta give it a go, right?’
    They continued walking down the corridor, Toni’s hand supporting his bandaged arm. ‘Yes, you do. You know what they say: you won’t know if you don’t try. Yes, I think you should really stretch yourself. And this is the place to do it. I found that when you step outside the safe and the familiar, well, things happen. Besides, there’s not a lot up here to distract you.’ She gave a slightly embarrassed shrug and withdrew her hand. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh?’
    Ned nodded. ‘Cliché it may be, I have a nagging idea inside me. Which is why I figured I’d take some time out,’ he said. ‘I got the offer of a place, and I’ve got a bit of money saved, so I don’t have to worry for a while as long as I don’t live the high life, and I can see if I can make my idea work.’
    â€˜Well, you won’t be doing much else around here,’ said Toni with a chuckle. Then she added softly, ‘Good luck. Go for it.’
    *
    The following day, as he stepped out of the air-conditioned hospital into the fresh warm air, moist breeze and brilliant sunshine, Ned felt as though he’d entered another world. He took a deep breath as he eased into a taxi, which drove him to the auto-repair shop to enquire about his bruised and battered car.
    â€˜Thought you’d given her up, mate. I was thinking of flogging it,’ said the mechanic with a grin.
    â€˜Been in hospital. We both got a bit of a hammering.’
    â€˜So the police told me. Hit something, did ya?’
    â€˜Birds. I swerved to miss them.’
    â€˜Cripes, must have been bloody big ones to make you take such evasive action.’
    â€˜There were a bunch of them picking at a dead cow. They were humungous. I thought if one came through the windscreen with a seven-foot wingspan and massive talons, I’d be worse off than the car.’
    The mechanic stared at him. ‘Really? Wedgies?’
    â€˜There were wedge-tails, but I think there were other raptors as well.’
    The mechanic scratched his chin. ‘Could be. I’ve heard that Brahminy kites and ospreys are hunting in-shore these days. Learned about roadkill. Reckon you were bloody lucky.’ The mechanic led Ned to the back of the shop to the crippled remains of his car. ‘I’ve got bad news about your vehicle. It’s a complete write-off.’
    Ned stared in dismay at the wreck. He shook his head then reached through the window to the glove box and found all his relevant papers. Perhaps not the safest of places to keep them, but being on the road wasn’t conducive to order in his life.
    â€˜Where’re ya headed?’ asked the mechanic.
    â€˜Thought I’d chill in town for a bit while I sort out this mess.’
    â€˜Good place to spend time, Cooktown, but get out before the wet, that’s when the place quietens down. You can’t travel far then – not even the locals can. You’re not looking for work?’ Seeing Ned shake his head, the mechanic continued, ‘Just as well. Not much around, though we do get the odd backpacker