Jake rested in the passenger seat to the purr of the car\u2019s engine, his head gently vibrating against the window. His father held the steering wheel in one hand and hung his other arm out the window, letting a warm breeze dishevel his greying hair. An endless row of barbed wire and wooden posts separated the highway from the fields of canola, blurring past like a yellow brushstroke on blue canvass.<\/p>\n
A kangaroo leapt in front of them. The car skidded, launching them into their seat belts. The kangaroo crossed long before they stopped. The smell of burnt rubber drifted through the car.<\/p>\n
Images flashed through Jake\u2019s mind. <\/p>\n
The premonition returned.<\/p>\n
His mother followed the chain of taillights through the city in her pink hatchback. Piano music played on the radio while rain roared outside. With a half-smile and vacant stare, she was heading home after a long day at work. <\/p>\n Swerving across lanes, the four-wheel drive screeched with each turn. It sped through a red light and slammed into his mother\u2019s car in an explosion of glass and twisting steel.<\/p>\n Slumped through her smashed window, across the blood-smeared white hood of the four-wheel drive, his mother\u2019s sky-blue eyes looked forever to the dark clouds. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJake.\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes snapped open. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe missed it.\u201d His father drove off. \u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake\u2019s trembling fingers pulled at wisps of blonde hair on his chin. Nothing was okay anymore.<\/p>\n \u201cYou looked like you were lost in your own world again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJ\u2014just th\u2014thinking about Mum.\u201d The sun flashed in his side mirror, reminding him how far their all-day drive had taken them from home – from the place they had all shared. Every day since, and every mile now driven, pulled him further from the family they once had.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s always on my mind too.\u201d His father wiped a tear from Jake\u2019s eye. \u201cLook at you. Ya know, your mother always said grey eyes were some special family secret.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, s\u2014she always said nice things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been real worried about you. Your schooling\u2026at home\u2026you\u2019ve been distant.\u201d His father reached over and rubbed his knee. \u201cYou\u2019re meant to be upset. But\u2026it\u2019s like there\u2019s more going on.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI just don\u2019t know what\u2019s eating at ya.\u201d<\/p>\n I wish I could stop these thoughts in my head coming true.<\/em> <\/p>\n \u201cJake.\u201d His father shook his leg. \u201cI don\u2019t know what more I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake clawed his seat to control his shaking. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cYou and me, we need to work through this together\u2026ya know.\u201d <\/p>\n Jake looked at his father and saw three months of worry written into his bloodshot, dark-ringed eyes. Eyes that once shined with happiness – when they were all together. He wished things had not changed. Guilt stung him inside. If only he had done something. \u201cI just wish I could have been there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo help her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one could have done anything.\u201d His father sniffed. \u201cIt was over in a heartbeat for her.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake shifted away. \u201cTo warn her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Jake, they said she didn\u2019t even see the other car coming.\u201d<\/p>\n I saw it coming. <\/em><\/p>\n His father grimaced. \u201cWe\u2019ve been over this. I love you, but this is killing me.\u201d He sighed. \u201cWhat could you have possibly done?\u201d <\/p>\n He fixed his father a stare. \u201cI kn\u2014knew it was going to happen\u2026b\u2014beforehand.\u201d<\/p>\n His father strangled the steering wheel. \u201cAre you crazy?\u201d He punched the roof. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026I just don\u2019t know what to do anymore. I don\u2019t know how to help\u2026and with our money situation on top of things\u2026it\u2019s all been too much.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI\u2019m just hoping this trip to the country helps.\u201d<\/p>\n A hot flush coursed through Jake\u2019s cheeks. He folded his lanky arms and turned away. Darkness cast by trees in the setting sun blanketed their journey ahead. He wondered if his father would ever understand him. No one else did. A storm of stones awoke Jake as they pulled into a gravel driveway. A farmhouse sat on a rise in the distance, surrounded by a sea of wheat. They parked in a work yard adjoining the home. <\/p>\n \u201cDad.\u201d<\/p>\n His father turned and yawned.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll show you I\u2019m not crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you will.\u201d His father forced a thin smile and mussed Jake\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n A red-orange glow on the horizon stretched across the fields, lighting up a face weathered by seventy seasons farming under the Australian sun. An old man sat perched on the veranda steps, stroking a lamb curled up by his work boots. A chorus of cicadas kept them company.<\/p>\n He stood with a groan and the lamb bleated. \u201cNow shush, Lucky, you\u2019ve \u2018ad your pat,\u201d he said in a drawn-out voice. He stroked the lamb and then extended a grease-etched hand to Jake\u2019s father. \u201cKarl.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you again, Crow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep. It was a hell\u2019ava time at Claire\u2019s funeral, but it was great to see you guys.\u201d Crow stroked his beard. \u201cTen years with nothin\u2019. Now I see ya both again within a few months.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cComing out for harvest was a great idea.\u201d Karl rested his hand on his son\u2019s back. \u201cEspecially for Jake\u2026ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow was your drive, Jakey?\u201d Crow asked. <\/p>\n Despite Jake being sixteen, he stood taller than most adults, yet Crow towered a foot higher than him. Jake dropped his face and fidgeted. <\/p>\n A callused hand lifted his chin, and Crow\u2019s ash-grey eyes locked onto Jake\u2019s. \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t hit that \u2018roo.\u201d Crow grinned.<\/p>\n Shadows leapt into his mind.<\/p>\n Darkness enveloped Crow. A shotgun exploded with a flash, lighting the night. He doubled-over and fell to the dirt.<\/em><\/p>\n The porch light shone off Crow\u2019s white hair and his smile pulled at a cobweb of wrinkles. Fear surged through Jake, trembling his body. He did not want any more premonitions. His legs led him backwards. His father stepped forward, reaching out. Jake sprinted to the car, slapped his hands on the hood, and closed his eyes. <\/p>\n \u201cWhat now?\u201d his father shouted. <\/p>\n \u201cLeave him be,\u201d Crow said, still calm.<\/p>\n Jake burned inside with embarrassment at letting his father down again. \u201cI d\u2014don\u2019t want to be here.\u201d He glanced at his father. \u201cI w\u2014want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n His father approached and whispered, \u201cPull yourself together. He\u2019s a good man.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s why I have to go.<\/em><\/p>\n A firm hand pressed on Jake\u2019s back. \u201cDon\u2019t worry yerself,\u201d said Crow, \u201cthis place will bring out the bes\u2019 of ya. I\u2019ll see to that. Just settle in and make a fresh start tomorra\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake crept outside at dawn to the screeching from a flock of galahs. An explosion of pink and grey wings filled the canopy of a giant gum tree in the backyard. His father sat in a tilted-back chair, gazing across the fields. A crisp breeze carried the aroma of coffee from a cup held in his lap.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019re you feeling today?\u201d His father smiled, pulling out a chair between them.<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u2026fine.\u201d Jake scanned the empty work yard. <\/p>\n \u201cSomething\u2019s on your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Crow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGetting the header ready. How \u2018bout you help him today?\u201d<\/p>\n Heat flushed through Jake. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n A corrugated iron shed rattled in the work yard. A harvester rumbled out, leaving a cloud of red dust and exhaust glowing in the morning light.<\/p>\n Jake backed up.<\/p>\n His father raised his voice over the engine. \u201cWell, I think his farmhand, Nick, is out somewhere in the ute. I\u2019d like you to get involved somewhere\u2026ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow opened the cab door and waved Jake in. Jake snapped his head away, leapt down the stairs, and dashed across the back yard. <\/p>\n Lucky stood in the far corner, chewing at withered plants clinging to a rusted fence. A four-wheel drive utility loaded with hay bales on the rear tray skidded to a stop on the other side. The lamb scurried away. The driver wound down his window and shouted, \u201cBro, Old Crow said you can help \u2018im or come out wid me.\u201d He laughed. \u201cBut I reckon you better come \u2018long wid me.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked from Nick to Crow like a rabbit caught between two foxes.<\/p>\n Nick pushed his sunglasses up onto the stubble on his head and revved the engine. \u201cOi, get the fuck in already.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake ducked between the strands of fence, catching his shirt on the barbs as he went through. The rust-spotted door groaned as he opened it and climbed in.<\/p>\n \u201cShut the fuckin\u2019 door, you\u2019re lettin\u2019 the air con out.\u201d They skidded off.<\/p>\n Jake grappled with his seatbelt in the bouncing car.<\/p>\n \u201cBro, you don\u2019t need to belt-up, you dumb arse.\u201d He snickered, swerving along the road. <\/p>\n Jake clenched his door handle.<\/p>\n \u201cOut \u2018ere you can drive how you want \u2018n shit. Cops can\u2019t get you.\u201d His tattooed arm wound down the window and he spat outside. \u201cWe\u2019re headin\u2019 out to a far paddock to feed some sheep.\u201d He burped up the stench of stale beer. \u201cI\u2019ll let ya know when to get out and open the gates \u2018n shit.\u201d<\/p>\n A cry burst into Jake\u2019s head. He threw his hands to his ears and clenched his eyes.<\/p>\n Hobbling in a frantic circle, a sheep struggled to walk. Crying out, its twisted back leg etched a trail of blood along the dirt.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOi, what the fuck, bro.\u201d Nick screwed his acne-scarred face.<\/p>\n They sped along the edge of the fields until reaching a barren paddock. A distant mob of sheep marched across the sun-baked earth, chewing at scraps of dry stalk.<\/p>\n Jake looked back and forth between Nick and the sheep. <\/p>\n Nick accelerated. <\/p>\n \u201cH\u2014hey, s-slow down.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick laughed. \u201cH\u2014h\u2014h\u2014hey.\u201d He jerked the steering wheel side to side, throwing Jake around in his seat. <\/p>\n They skidded to a stop, and the mob surrounded them amongst a cloud of drifting dust. \u201cBro, get out and push the hay off.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake forced his door open against the sheep, climbed into the back tray, pinching his nose at the stench of manure. The utility crept forward. He pushed the bales off one by one into a cacophony of bleats.<\/p>\n Speeding up, the car swayed from side to side. He gripped the bales and squatted. The sheep stampeded behind. Nick braked, launching Jake into the back windscreen. Laughter erupted inside.<\/p>\n Jake slapped the driver\u2019s window. \u201cS\u2014stop it, y\u2014you\u2019re going to run them over.\u201d<\/p>\n The car jolted into reverse. Wailing sheep competed with the roar of the engine. Nick slammed on the brakes, throwing Jake to the dirt.<\/p>\n Bleating frantically, an ewe lay on its side. Jake pushed himself up and wiped the taste of manure from his mouth. The sheep hobbled away, dragging a broken and bloody back leg, before collapsing.<\/p>\n The horn beeped. \u201cOi, get in.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake knelt by the ewe, reached out to touch it, and hesitated, not knowing how to help. His hands shook. Crying out, the animal stared at him. Jake glared at Nick. \u201cHelp it.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick sped off, coating Jake in a shower of stones.<\/p>\n The sun crawled through the clear sky to mid-point as the sheep\u2019s bleats quietened to an occasional moan through bubbling saliva. Jake rested against the sheep\u2019s sweat-soaked back, stroking its head. The sheep vision tormented him, reminding Jake he could not avoid his premonitions even when he tried.<\/p>\n The utility crested the horizon. <\/p>\n Jake sprung up, sending a cloud of flies buzzing around them. His heart thumped in his chest, beating faster as the engine grew louder. <\/p>\n Crow burst out before the car had stopped. \u201cWhy did \u2018e leave ya \u2018ere?\u201d He ran over to them. \u201cHe said ya wanted to walk back.\u201d He chuckled. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d wanna trek five k\u2019s in this heat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe ran it over,\u201d Jake rasped through a dry throat. \u201cI knew he was going to.\u201d He looked up at Crow. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm.\u201d Crow shook his head. \u201cHe\u2019s some piece o\u2019 work.\u201d He went to the utility and took out a shotgun.<\/p>\n A blast of terror shot through Jake. His body locked in place, his mind racing with the vision of Crow.<\/p>\n Collapsed on the dirt and gasping, blood pooled around Crow.<\/em><\/p>\n Crow approached, casting a shadow over Jake. \u201cI needa put \u2018er down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cW\u2014w\u2014what?\u201d<\/p>\n The ewe panted.<\/p>\n \u201cMove back.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake stood and dragged himself away. Decaying fences crisscrossed arid paddocks, stretching to the horizon in every direction. <\/p>\n An explosion blew through Jake.<\/p>\n \u201cJakey.\u201d Crow raised his voice. \u201cCome back with me.\u201d Crow grunted and the utility\u2019s tray banged as the dead sheep landed inside. <\/p>\n A scorching wind stirred up wisps of sand, stinging his bare legs. Crow drove alongside. \u201cCome on, ya can\u2019t \u2018void me forever. An\u2019 besides, too much sun is no good for ya.\u201d He scratched a dark mole on his cheek. \u201cTrus\u2019 me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not avoiding you.\u201d He walked on, scraping his boots with each step.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, climb in.\u201d Crow slapped the outside of his door.<\/p>\n Jake stopped and stroked his sunburnt neck. \u201cI just want a ride back.\u201d He climbed in, burning his legs on the vinyl seat.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me take ya somewhere betta.\u201d Crow wiped his forehead with a sweat-stained hat.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be alone.\u201d He folded his arms and turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, ya don\u2019t. People like us are alone enough already\u2026Trus\u2019 me.\u201d <\/p>\n They drove along a track lined with bush on both sides. A tapestry woven with every shade of green whirred past. Crow gently steered around the holes and corrugations in the track as a plume of dust trailed behind.<\/p>\n A crow stood on the road in the distance, diving its beak in and out of a squashed galah. It watched their approach between bites. Jake looked from the bird to Crow, his heart rate increasing. The crow stepped aside at the last moment, and then strolled back after they passed. <\/p>\n Crow raised his voice over the hot wind howling through the windows. \u201cDo ya know where we get the saying \u2018silly galah\u2019 from?\u201d<\/p>\n Jake turned further away.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, in the country ya get an understandin\u2019 of the birds. The galahs are the dumbest. They\u2019re at the bottom of the peckin\u2019 order far as intelligence is. You could be drivin\u2019 along and a whole flock will take flight in front of ya, only to turn back and fly straight into ya.\u201d He leaned over. \u201cThey\u2019re stupid.\u201d He focused ahead. \u201cAll other birds are just that little bit smarter as ya go \u2018long. And then there\u2019s the crow.\u201d He grinned. \u201cNothin\u2019 surprises the crow. They always see what\u2019s comin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n They stopped by a granite rock, sitting like an island in an ocean of wheat. The sunburnt-red monolith blocked out half the sky, casting a cool shadow. <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re gonna need to learn ta shoot on the farm.\u201d Crow took the shotgun and climbed out.<\/p>\n Jake\u2019s pulse beat in his ears. He hesitated, before following.<\/p>\n Crow demonstrated how to load and work the action. He fired a succession of shots, interspersed with quick pumps. The blasts echoed off the rock and reverberated through Jake long after each discharge.<\/p>\n He pushed the gun into Jake\u2019s hands. \u201cJust aim at somethin\u2019 and \u2018ave a go. Just don\u2019t shoot me.\u201d He chuckled. \u201cYou can do it, Jakey.\u201d Crow steadied the gun. \u201cJust point \u2018n shoot. Ya can\u2019t miss with this one.\u201d<\/p>\n He touched the trigger. The butt exploded back into his shoulder. A pungent burning smell filled the air. He pumped the action, unable to contain his grin.<\/p>\n \u201cWay to go.\u201d Crow took the gun and returned it to the car. \u201cLet\u2019s check on the crop.\u201d<\/p>\n He followed Crow into the wheat. Drooping seed-heads caressed his arms as they waded through a waist-high golden field. Crow broke off a seed-head, rubbed it between his hands, and handed it to Jake. \u201cEat it.\u201d Jake ate the nutty tasting grain. <\/p>\n \u201cDry and crunchy? We\u2019ll start harvest after the full moon.\u201d He caught Jake\u2019s eye. \u201cUnless the storm comes.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow turned to the rock. A breeze rustled the field, carrying the sweet smell of sun-baked grain. \u201cThat\u2019s where I asked my dear Maggie to marry me.\u201d He took a deep breath. \u201cWe came \u2018ere every year \u2018round this time to check the wheat.\u201d He rubbed Jake\u2019s back. \u201cI know you\u2019re suff\u2019rin\u2019 over your mother. I can see it, and I know how you feel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d he murmured. No one knew how he felt.<\/p>\n \u201cI lost Maggie before last seedin\u2019 to cancer. It\u2019s a\u2014\u201d He choked. \u201cIt\u2019s a hell\u2019ava way to go. Trouble for me was I knew it was comin\u2019 and there was nothin\u2019 I could do to help \u2018er.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake knew that feeling. \u201cI wish I had said something to Mum. It\u2019s like I knew something was going to happen.\u201d He quietened his voice. \u201cBut, I didn\u2019t \u2018cause Dad thinks I\u2019m an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow gripped Jake\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI wish I could turn back time too. I wish I had been there for Maggie. I was so torn up before she went that I ignored her. Worst part is I\u2019m now havin\u2019 my own medical dilemma\u2026so I kinda know what she went through.\u201d <\/p>\n Crow wiped his eyes. \u201cMaggie and I had a good fifty seasons. I never\u2026I never wanted to have a harvest without her.\u201d His chin quivered. \u201cI \u2018aven\u2019t told anyone this, Jakey, but after she died I came \u2018ere and nearly ate a mouthful of lead.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake paused. Finally someone knew how he felt. \u201cI wish I had of done more.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cYour father tells me you became close to yer mum before she passed on\u2026That\u2019s somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah but\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cLook at me.\u201d Crow stood in front of Jake, looking him in the eyes. \u201cI know ya feel real bad \u2018bout your mum\u2019s passin\u2019. But you\u2019re not responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone else is.\u201d Crow grinned. \u201cAnd that someone will get his in the end.\u201d Crow nodded as the sun silhouetted behind, surrounding him in a brilliant glow. <\/p>\n Jake placed a palm on Crow\u2019s chest and a burning sensation radiated along his arm. He closed his eyes and released all thoughts.<\/p>\n Grasping at his chest, Crow lay on the dirt. A shadow cast in the moonlight stood over him.<\/em><\/p>\n Sunlight filtered in. He clenched his eyes, turning his head back and forth.<\/p>\n The figure turned away, shotgun hung by its side, its footsteps crunching on the gravel.<\/p>\n He opened his eyes, mouth agape. <\/p>\n Crow smiled. \u201cCome on, we betta check the others.\u201d<\/p>\n The premonition haunted the return journey. Muzzled by doubt, he caged his concern for Crow. His father thought he was crazy, and so would everyone else. Crow seemed to understand him, and he would keep it that way.<\/p>\n They found Nick repairing a collapsed fence where the track bordered a salt lake. Skeletal trees punched through the parched landscape amongst waves of shimmering heat.<\/p>\n \u201cCome \u2018long, Jakey, I want ya to see somethin\u2019.\u201d He winked.<\/p>\n Crow approached Nick, with Jake trailing in his shadow. \u201cHey, ya clown,\u201d said Crow.<\/p>\n Nick snapped upright, throwing down a pair of pliers. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Crow stopped an inch from Nick, leaning over him. \u201cWhat\u2019s with leavin\u2019 the boy out there?\u201d<\/p>\n Squeezing his fists and bobbing up and down, Nick shouted, \u201cBugger off, he wouldn\u2019t fuckin\u2019 get back in.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow stood firm. <\/p>\n Jake stepped back.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m holdin\u2019 off ya pay,\u201d said Crow.<\/p>\n Glaring at Jake, Nick stepped over and jabbed him in the chest with a bony finger. \u201cWhat did you say, ya little faggot?\u201d Sweat dripped off Nick\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n Jake held up his palms. \u201cI\u2014I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Darkness flickered into his mind.<\/p>\n Moonlight flared in Nick\u2019s dilated pupils. With a twisted face, he thrust forward a shotgun, looming over Crow.<\/em><\/p>\n Sunlight fluttered Jake\u2019s eyes. \u201cI d\u2014didn\u2019t \u2026\u201d <\/p>\n Laughter burst through Nick\u2019s rotten teeth.<\/p>\n Jake turned and tripped, grazing his hands on the salt-encrusted ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2026the\u2026fuck.\u201d Nick strolled away. \u201cYou\u2019ll pay me, Old Man.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow leant down beside Jake\u2019s quivering face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry \u2018bout him. He\u2019s jus\u2019 a silly galah.\u201d He lifted Jake with one hand.<\/p>\n Jake faced Crow, unblinking and heaving for air.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Jakey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cN\u2014N\u2014Nick \u2026\u201d Pressure built in his head and the ground swayed. \u201cHe\u2014\u201c His knees buckled and he fell into darkness.<\/p>\n A sizzling barbeque aroused Jake to the smell of cooked lamb. Nick raged in his head. The vision had opened his cage of self-doubt, and now with the final feather in place, his mind flew free on a path to help Crow. He dashed outside and found Crow on the veranda. <\/p>\n \u201cHiya, Jakey.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake dived onto a chair next to him. <\/p>\n \u201cHow ya feelin\u2019?\u201d Crow asked.<\/p>\n He put his face in his hands, not knowing where to start. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou passed out.\u201d<\/p>\n He dropped his arms. \u201cWhere\u2019s Nick?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut fencin\u2019 with your father.\u201d Crow set down two plates of lamb chops and salad. \u201cI was hopin\u2019 you\u2019d eat\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n He pushed his meal away. \u201cWhere\u2019s your guns?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLocked in the shed.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake scraped his chair back. \u201cI hate Nick.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow grinned. \u201cMe too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026why is he here?\u201d He held his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has a purpose \u2018ere at the moment.\u201d Crow chewed on a chop. \u201cWhen he\u2019s done his job, he\u2019ll be on his way.\u201d He slapped a fly on the table so hard the plates jumped. \u201cYou can be sure of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n Crow sipped a beer like time did not matter.<\/p>\n Jake sprang up. \u201cI just know it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I know stuff too, Jakey, and I have a feelin\u2019 we need his help \u2018ere.\u201d He wiped his mouth on his sleeve and leant back.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a feeling too\u2026and\u2026and he\u2019s got to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cListen.\u201d Crow exhaled. \u201cI was passin\u2019 through town a couple of weeks back and I jus\u2019 had an urge,\u201d he picked up his beer, \u201cand stopped at the pub. That\u2019s where I found \u2018im. Said he was tryin\u2019 to get away from the city.\u201d He took a long swig. \u201cI hadn\u2019t really been too focused on harvest this year, but I took one look at \u2018im and knew he could help me out. Then I ran with the idea and got you and ya dad up too.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake marched into the backyard, trying to contain his frustration, dry grass scratching his bare feet. The sun had just set. He took a deep breath and turned back. The iron roof of the home glowed under a full moon. A chill crawled up his back like a spider.<\/p>\n The rumble of a tractor approached.<\/p>\n He ran back. \u201cThe full moon\u2019s tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure is.\u201d<\/p>\n He spun to the work yard. A tractor drove in, followed by the utility. He whipped his head back. \u201cNick\u2019s back.\u201d Jake paused, defeated. \u201cJ\u2014just be careful.\u201d He went to his bedroom and peered through the curtains. <\/p>\n Walking like every muscle cramped, his father returned to the house. Nick strutted to his caravan in the work yard. His father staggered in and slumped onto his bed on the other side of the room. \u201cHow\u2019s your day?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cD\u2014Dad.\u201d Jake stood still.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d His father sat up and rubbed his beard stubble. <\/p>\n He struggled to swallow. \u201cRemember I said I knew Mum\u2019s crash was going to happen?\u201d He dove his fidgeting hands into his pockets.<\/p>\n Karl let his face drop and exhaled. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd y\u2014you said I w\u2014was crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re crazy\u2026ya know.\u201d He cupped his hands on his face. \u201cYou\u2019re just not well\u2026 Not well at all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cD\u2014Dad.\u201d His body trembled. \u201cI knew Mum was going to die and I did nothing about it.\u201d He wiped his sleeve across his nose. \u201cBecause people think I\u2019m mad.\u201d He threw his arms up. \u201cI see things all the time\u2026Bad things\u2026Before they happen.\u201d<\/p>\n His father shook his head. \u201cShit, Jake. I\u2019m ready to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDad, Nick is going to shoot Crow\u2026tonight.\u201d He burned with rage.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n He stepped closer. \u201cI want your help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell are you on about? We\u2019re not doing anything.\u201d He laid back down. \u201cIf I wasn\u2019t so knackered I\u2019d leave now. Go to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake climbed into his blankets. His body shuddered. He knew he was on his own. He tossed and turned for hours at a loss for what to do.<\/p>\n A tapping at the window cut through the silence. Jake scurried to the bedhead. His hands trembled. He snatched the curtains aside. A crow perched on the windowsill, staring at him with its midnight-black eye. It cawed and flew away into the darkness. Jake jumped back. <\/p>\n Moonlight slipped through a gap in the curtains, lighting Jake\u2019s father snoring in bed. Jake crept past and out of the room. Floorboards creaked and the back door groaned open. <\/p>\n A lightning storm danced on the horizon. <\/p>\n Gravel crunched underfoot across the work yard and into the shed. Jake tugged the cold steel handle on the safe and it held firm. <\/p>\n He crept back towards the house. Shadows cast in the moonlight stretched across the work yard like dark claws. Goosebumps crawled up his arms.<\/p>\n Nick\u2019s caravan door screeched. <\/p>\n Jake froze. Sweat burst through every pore on his body.<\/p>\n Nick swayed in the doorway, the interior light throwing his shadow over Jake. Nick sucked on a glass pipe whilst holding a lighter to the end. He pulled the pipe out. \u201cWhat \u2018cha doing sneakin\u2019 \u2018round, you little pussy?\u201d Nick fell back with a crash and laughed. <\/p>\n Jake sprinted inside and pulled the covers over his head, straining to slow his breaths. <\/p>\n Footsteps creaked on the veranda, each step shooting fear into him. He peered through the window. Nick snatched open the back door. Jake leapt off the bed and pressed himself against the bedroom door. Drawers and cupboards opened around the home. A set of keys rattled.<\/p>\n The footsteps disappeared outside. Jake sprang to the window and fogged it with his breath. A dark figure went into the shed.<\/p>\n Just be quiet, just be\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Crow walked outside. <\/p>\n He placed a shotgun by Jake\u2019s window, and strolled into the shed. <\/p>\n Jake launched out of bed, crashing onto the floor in a tangle of blankets. He scrambled outside, picked up the gun, and scurried to the side of the shed. He leant back against the corrugated iron wall. Sweat trickled into his mouth.<\/p>\n The thunderstorm rumbled.<\/p>\n The gun safe clanked open.<\/p>\n \u201cNick,\u201d said Crow with his calm voice. <\/p>\n \u201cOi, what the fuck?\u201d yelled Nick.<\/p>\n Jake strained to stand, but his trembling legs collapsed and he slumped to the dirt. The gun barrel shook in front of his face. The smell of oiled metal churned his stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re nuthin\u2019 but a thief\u2026and a murd\u2019rin\u2019 coward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Hey\u2026hey, Old Man. There\u2019s been no murder.\u201d A shrill laugh erupted. \u201cNot yet anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know fuck all\u2026Old Cunt. You should\u2019a paid me\u2026I need my fix. I just need it. Okay. Now I\u2019m taking this shit and your ute too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re goin\u2019 all right,\u201d said Crow, \u201cbut not where you think.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed my niece.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick went silent. <\/p>\n Thunder clapped overhead. <\/p>\n \u201cYou killed \u2018er in that crash and ran \u2018way like the coward ya are.\u201d<\/p>\n Images crashed into Jake\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n Nick leapt from the four-wheel drive into the blood-stained shattered glass on the road and ran away.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWh\u2014\u201c Nick\u2019s voice quietened.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I aint lettin\u2019 ya get away with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou aint doin\u2019 shit, Old Man.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake\u2019s heart pounded. <\/p>\n \u201cNick, do it,\u201d Crow screamed. \u201cDo it, you murd\u2019rin\u2019\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n An explosion shook the shed.<\/p>\n Jake\u2019s eyes snapped open. Lightning streaked across the sky. He leapt to his feet. He pulled the gun\u2019s stock into his shoulder and steered the sights into the work yard. <\/p>\n Nick wandered between the sights, saw Jake, and stopped. He grinned and lowered his own gun. \u201cPussy.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake held his aim firm.<\/p>\n The back door slammed open. \u201cJake,\u201d yelled his father.<\/p>\n Nick looked to Karl.<\/p>\n \u201cNick,\u201d shouted Jake.<\/p>\n Karl halted. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFuck off.\u201d Nick raised his gun at Karl.<\/p>\n Jake snatched the trigger. Nick flew sideways. He yanked the action back and forth, clenched the trigger, and repeated the cycle until the last few pulls ended with empty clicks.<\/p>\n Nick\u2019s twisted body lay face-down, gargling and choking.<\/p>\n Jake\u2019s ears rung. Adrenaline surged through him. He dropped the gun and ran to Crow. <\/p>\n Crow lay on his back, caressing a wound on his chest. \u201cJakey.\u201d He gasped.<\/p>\n Jake trembled a sob.<\/p>\n Blood trickled out the corner of Crow\u2019s mouth. \u201cYou did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. You\u2019re shot. I did nothing.\u201d Jake dropped to his knees and put a hand on Crow\u2019s wound. \u201cYet again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have cancer and it was \u2018bout to kill me.” Crow gasped. “I chose to go on my terms.\u201d <\/p>\n Warm blood oozed through Jake\u2019s fingers. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Crow\u2019s hands slumped to his sides. \u201cI have visions too, Jakey. Like the crow, you and I always see what\u2019s comin\u2019.\u201d He chuckled.<\/p>\n Jake cried. \u201cI can\u2019t do anything about them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not meant to.\u201d Crow coughed a spray of blood. \u201cJus\u2019 make the most of the time ya have. You became close with your mum\u2026before she passed. You did good.\u201d He gasped and air sucked through a hole in his chest. \u201cNow, don\u2019t push your father away.\u201d He reached up and caressed Jake\u2019s cheek with a wet hand. Jake laid his hand over Crow\u2019s. \u201cLook after my farm.\u201d His hand fell.<\/p>\n Crow went still.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jake rested in the passenger seat to the purr of the car\u2019s engine, his head gently vibrating against the window. His father held the steering wheel in one hand and hung his other arm out the window, letting a warm breeze dishevel his greying hair. An endless row of barbed wire and wooden posts separated …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64613,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,14351],"tags":[14352],"class_list":["post-91710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fiction","category-tcl-23-spring-2017","tag-the-colored-lens-23-spring-2017","entry entry-center"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/64613"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=91710"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91710\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":139465,"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91710\/revisions\/139465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=91710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=91710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thecoloredlens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=91710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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\nJake clasped the gun and aimed at a tree. It swayed in the sights. The moment before pulling the trigger stretched for an eternity. His breaths grew louder and his eye glossed over. His sweaty finger slid off the trigger and he lowered the gun.<\/p>\n
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\nCrow collected the plates. \u201cEverything will be fine. Trus\u2019 me. Why don\u2019t you get yerself an early night? You\u2019ll need it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJake paced the room.<\/p>\n
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