Life And Times Michael K Novels & Stories

"Of course I have. Um.... do you want to talk about this now? Or have something to eat and we'll do it back at mine?" As I look around, several pairs of staff eyes are watching us. "Yes, I think somewhere more private would be a good idea." ***** Back at Michael's apartment he turns the key and waves me in. "Make yourself at home," he says. "Sorry it's a bit small, but there's only me and I like it that way." "No visiting girlfriends?" He sniffs. "Just the family occasionally. I like to keep my strings untied, and the apartment not looking as though I'm trying to invite anyone into my life. I use the clubs and keep it.... informal."

He didn't have much time left, so every moment like this was precious. He didn't mention the coughing up blood, and she didn't ask. They just stared at each other, full of compassion. Michael felt like heaven had treated him kindly. At the end of his life, he was blessed with a woman who truly loved him. He badly wished that he could keep her, but he couldn't be that selfish. He didn't have long left, but Eleanor was still young. She still had the chance to be happy, to live the life of a woman fully.

No answers. Michael didn’t accept a single interview, despite handsome offers from both print and television tabloids. He moved away with his parents to a beachside town of similar proportions and prejudices as James Bridge. In their new house, a letter of sympathy from the newly elected prime minister, John Howard, and his wife, Janette, tucked away in a filing cabinet collecting dust.