!!!!CONTENT WARNING!!!!: This story discusses and makes explicit reference to Domestic Violence. Readers are cautioned.
The horizon blended with the road so well, I had no idea how far I had gone. I knew running would be hard, but I had no idea it would serve to be so treacherous. Why was I running? A collection of reasons. The most major was prominent with the welts covering my body. My left arm hung limp by my side. All I had with me were the tattered clothes on my back and a half empty bottle full of dirty, warm water. The harsh Australian summer sun scorched my bare shoulders and the upper part of my chest. I was entering into delirium, but determined to soldier forward.
Walking in the 48 degree heat was a surefire death sentence. I left my tormentor behind the first chance I could get, and now it was a matter of getting to safety. Every so often, a large lizard would skitter in front of me, leaving a trail in the dusty road. I stared with longing, knowing they could provide me sustenance, but I also knew it would be impossible to catch one. I was not a skilled tracker or hunter, and my pale skin, freckles, and soft ginger coloured hair proved I was the furthest from Indigenous.
I saw a wispy cloud track from beyond the horizon and my heart started to beat a little faster. Perhaps there was salvation on the way. I watched with bated breath. Beads of sweat dribbled from my forehead and my legs wobbled around me, causing each step to be extra difficult. The Red Centre buffeted my body with powerful lashes of dust and dirt. The sparse plants, hardy and strong, mocked me with their spindly limbs. No chance of water being stored within, and inedible at the best of times.
The cloud became larger, but there was no indication of how far away it was. I licked my cracked and chapped lips. My teeth chattered. Anticipation. I picked up my pace. I could only imagine what I looked like from a distance. A small, feminine spec backdropped against the redness of the land and the brilliant sapphire of the sky. Not a white cloud in sight. No chance of reprieve. I continued focusing on the horizon and the approaching cloud. I let my gaze drift to the right, away from the dustiness of the road. On a small, distant rock, I saw a four legged beast overlooking his domain. A dingo.
A brief shadow flicked over the ground. A rumbling cry emanated from the winged horror now circling. Nothing else was more terrifying. A Wedge-Tailed Eagle. Known for abducting adult sheep and assaulting kangaroos. I was no match. All I could hope was I would not draw any attention to be a satisfactory meal. I looked back to the distant rock. The dingo was gone, replaced by a tantalising series of trees. Greenery in the redness. Had I found an oasis in the middle of the Outback?
The roadtrain sounding its horn blasted me back to reality. Cresting the horizon, I saw the prime mover. I smiled and dropped my water. I waved my arms as wide and high as I could, half running toward the burgeoning vehicle. The faint rumble of the downshifting engine carried across the vastness of the land. I was desperate to be seen.
I ran for many minutes, the scorching heat pounding me so bad my legs gave way more than once. I picked myself up each time and sallied forth. I took the skin off my knees and elbows. My palms were covered in dust and tears created fresh lines through the fine layer covering my face. Streaks of joy. The vehicle became larger and more prominent. The sounds of it rumbling across the terrain filled my ears with happiness.
By the time the truck was in reaching distance, I stumbled every step. Delirium was setting in hard and my heart was leading over my brain. I did not even consider the possibility of anything untoward happening. The truck came to a halt a few dozen metres away and my body gave way. I feel face first into the dirt, sobbing. I heard the cab of the truck open and a pair of heavy boots hit the ground.
“Cripes, sheila! Lucky I seen ya!” a distorted voice said.
I looked up only enough to see the scuffed brown boots moving toward me in slow motion. I passed into blackness and took in heaving breaths. I dreamed of a waterfall drenching my skin, sloughing off the deep sunburnt skin. I love a sunburnt county is the embodiment of all Australians. My dream continued with feeling the softness of a mattress beneath me. A smile lay on my face. A gentle wetness brushed against my cheek and I let out a soft giggle. A furry face brushed against mine and I reached out and ran my hand through the shaggy dog.
“Who’s a good dog?” I asked, groggy and in clear agony.
“Oh, you stupid mutt. Let her be! Apologies for Bernie, Miss,” the voice from before said.
I knew was no longer dreaming at this point, but my eyes were heavy and I was enjoying the sleep too much to care. The rumble of the cab on the road was helping to lull me back to sleep. The cool air of the cab brought hydration back to my skin. My throat, however, was still parched. I had to open my eyes, and I saw the land around me moving past the large windscreen.
“Is there-” I started
“Water? Yea, take as much as you need. No idea how you survived out here,” the voice said.
I took the proffered bottle full of water from the slender hand offering it. I slurped down many large mouthfuls. The liquid was ecstasy as it slid down my dry throat. Instant relief flooded my body and I seemed to cool down further. I poured some into my hand and ran it through my hair, or what was left of it.
“I was running,” I said.
“Yea, I know as much, sheila, but why were you running?”
“Would you believe me if I told you it was for a marathon?” I said.
“We’re the same, sheila. Come, sit up here with me. Aircon’s a bit stronger up here. I’ll tell you my story if you tell me yours.”
With hesitance, I crawled through the cab, over the shaggy dog who wagged his tail expectantly at me. I dropped into the seat and the dog placed his head on my lap. He looked up at me with big brown eyes and very slight whimpers escaped his maw. I petted him with absentmindedness. I turned my head to the driver side and was taken aback. A woman, no doubt in her fifties, sat behind the wheel. Her skin was wrinkled and tanned from years of exposure.
“Oh, I’m sorry for all this,” I started.
“Ain’t need no apology. Nearest hospital and cop shop are six hours away yet. Plenty of time to rehydrate and recover. I ain’t got much in the way of food. Take this, though. It’s better than starving,” she said.
She held out a half sandwich. I didn’t need any convincing. I took it and bit into the half-stale bread. Better than nothing. The taste of Vegemite flooded my tongue and I moaned in pleasure. No food had ever tasted so good in my entire life. And within thirty seconds, the meagre meal was gone.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have,” I said.
“Sheila, it’s okay. I know what it’s like. You look to be the age as I was back then,” she said.
“Back when? Sorry, I don’t even know your name. I’m Claire,” I said.
“Judith,” she said. “I know what it is like to run from an abusive partner, Claire.”
“No, I was training,” I protested.
“Broken arm, half alive, running through the Outback? You slept for six hours after I dragged you into my cab. No marathoner trains as hard as this, Claire. My ex-husband used to beat me up twice a day. He’d watch as he let his friends have their way with me. Twelve years I endured his bullshit, because I was scared. I took the first chance I could and I ran. We’re survivors, Claire. You’re safe here. Trust me. Me and Bernie’ll look after you,” Judith said.
I relaxed and melted into the seat. Bernie nuzzled further into my lap. A couple of clouds appeared in the sky and the sweltering sun was kissing the top of the horizon. Sunset was upon us. For the first time, I felt free. I had escaped and I started to cry. I was free. Free to live my life. I never felt so strong in all my life. All I could do was muster two words.
“Thank you,” I said.
Judith smiled, and we knew the sun was setting on our past. Judith did as she promised. She helped me to the hospital and to the police station. She didn’t leave me, and she told me she would let me travel with her as long as I wanted. Perhaps she might teach me to do what she does.
We were free.
Fenrir's Lair 