Brontide Page 5

  Sue: You okay?

  Jack: Rob … the bloke’s a flog.

  Just like his old man.

  The thing is, Sue … even if I was a bogan, so what? Being a bogan doesn’t mean you don’t have values or you’re not loving or you don’t keep the house clean.

  People’ve got that all wrong. Rob-the-knob’s got it all wrong. The only reason he calls us bogans is because we’re from the bush, we’re a bit different and we don’t have our own business like Dave.

  He’s never met Mum or Gran and he’s never been in our house, so why does he think we’re not good enough?

  And I don’t know why he’s always talking himself up?

  His life isn’t more valuable than mine … or yours or anyone’s.

  Sue: All lives matter?

  Jack: I didn’t mean it like that.

  But, yeah! I know what you’re sayin’.

  Sue: Tarpin’s not for you.

  It’s not for anyone.

  Jack: I’m not scared.

  Sue: I didn’t say you were.

  I’m saying it’s dangerous.

  Jack: Don’t worry, Sue … I won’t do anything stupid.

  Taralune Rag, Sunday

  One person dead, two seriously injured in car accident

  One male was killed and two males seriously injured when their Ford Falcon ute struck a tree near Taralune.

  “Given the state of the vehicle, the impact was significant,” said Sgt. Graham Cole. “Extraordinarily, the driver was coherent when help arrived. The deceased was found under the tarp. It’s obvious speed and stupidity was, and continues to be, a factor.”

  Retired local paramedic Vince Reid was first on the scene.

  The injured were airlifted to Brisbane. Names have been withheld until all family members are notified.

  Tributes flow on social media as Taralune residents try to come to terms with the devastation.

  The accident remains under investigation.

  Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

  Queensland road toll stands at 200 compared to 198 this time last year.

  Memorial Page for ‘Pen’ Kane Richard Kateb Bower

  Chrissie Lucas

  This is the biggest waste. Pen was the best person around. RIP Pen xxx Don’t know why you had to be like the rest of them.

  Birdie

  But he wasn’t like the rest of them, he had more brains and more heart and more funnies. I’m going to miss him heaps. Graffiti with the angels Pen xxxxxxxx.

  Trev

  RIP Pen graffiti like you’ve never graffitied before bro. You were the bestest friend anyone could have.

  Dodgy Roger

  RIP m8, gonna miss ya jokes and ya art Lol. Gonna miss ya.

  Georgia

  I can’t believe you’re gone Pen. RIP to the funniest, loveliest, kindest person in the whole school xxxx

  Jack

  You were always good to me Pen thanks. Mum & Gran & me will miss ya heaps.

  Mr Potato Head

  RIP kind sir.

  Maryanne Watson

  Words will never say what is needed here. You will be truly missed young man. May you graffiti with the angels. Condolences to your family.

  Johno Johnson

  RIP mate we’ll all miss you. A quick recovery to both in hospital.

  Tosser

  Chrissie Lucas, he wasn’t like the rest of them, that’s why he did it.

  The Butcher

  If you’re told all your life you can’t do this and you can’t do that, well eventually you want to prove them wrong. You never had to prove yourself Pen. Rest In Peace mate, in our eyes, you were always the bigger person.

  Mia Rose

  Poor Rob, thinking of you always xxxxooo. Rest in peace Pen. You were so awesome xx

  Chrissie Lucas

  Mia rose, get a grip you’re not even going out with Rob.

  Mia Rose

  Your just jelous Chrissie Lucas so blow it out ya bum.

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  Leslie Peters

  Grow up Mia Rose, this page is for Pen.

  Dreamgirl

  Thanks for being so kind. Pen you were always amazing. I’ll miss you. xx

  Grunge

  What about Legless? I heard he pushed Pen under the tarp before Rob got in the car.

  The Butcher

  You heard wrong mate. Get your facts straight.

  Grunge

  I did old man.

  Jack

  The kids name is Benny Boy not Legless. It was Pen’s fault he did it all himself. Benny Boy had a seezure 2 nights ago, the poor buggers been in the Noosa Hospital since L8 Fridy nite. he’s coming home 2day.

  Grunge

  Where’s ya loyalty Jack? You work for Dave so you should be thinkin of Pen.

  Jack

  I quit. And Pen was me m8 so pull ya scrawny head in Grunge.

  Grunge

  Jack; See You Next Tuesday.

  Leslie Peters

  This is really sad. Sorry to Pen’s family.

  Grommet

  Thanks for being around Pen RIP.

  Vince Reid

  You young people never bloody listen, driving cars at high speeds can kill. Wake up! I’m sick of hearing and seeing teenagers in accidents.

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  Mik

  Grow a brain ya old faggot. We don’t want to hear it. Think about the family.

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  Sarah

  Yeah think about the family you idiot.

  Andrew H

  He’s my cousin so shut up vince reid you old hairy arsed troll.

  Vince Reid

  The problem with you lot is you’re not there to clean up the pieces. And if you did, you wouldn’t be taking any more stupidity pills I promise that.

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  Johno Frazer

  Well said Vince.

  Kerrie McCabe

  I agree Vincie

  Leonie Talbott

  Thoughts to the family, but yes Vincie you’ve hit the nail on the head.

  Lionell singh

  My sympathy’s to the family. Vincie you said what we’re all thinking.

  Mia Rose

  OMG Pen, I can’t believe you’re gone. Rest in piece wherever you are x

  Carol Huchie

  I never liked that tree.

  Leslie Arthur

  Nothing wrong with Old Man. RIP Pen, you were one in a million.

  Johnnie

  The tree’s gotta go.

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  Will

  Rest in Peace Pen.

  Taralune Garden Club

  Love, hugs and support to Shaz and family. We’re here when you need us, Pen will be missed.

  Lillie

  Go fund me page is open guys, give if you can.

  Steffie R

  Why are we giving money? When my family members die nobody asks for donations … weird!

  Nickers

  Everybody’s doing it now. End up dead, ask for money. I agree Steffie, this is weird.

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  Rosie

  It’s for his family you idiots, it’s to help Shaz.

  Harry James

  True, Shaz won’t get much help from Dave. Rest in Peace Pen thinking of you little man.

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  Jacko McLean

  His family’s house’s bigger than mine.

  Carpet Snake

  They’ve got a boat, I haven’t got a boat.

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  Sally Anne

  RIP Pen, will always think of you and your jokes and your kindness xx

  Neville Rowe

  RIP old mate. How about a memorial at the tree?

  Grunge

  I ca
n get a cross made.

  Andrew H

  Yeah we need a cross and flowers at the tree.

  Jack

  Pen doesn’t like crosses.

  Grunge

  As if youd no.

  Bertha

  No memorial near Old Man, just leave him be.

  Lionel

  I agree Bertha, that’s what a cemetery’s for.

  Andrew H

  Your right. Just cut the tree down.

  Grunge

  Good one Andrew H

  Bertha

  Why would you want a memorial at the place your loved one was killed at? It’s a place of devastation and distruction and carnage. There’s nothing nice about such a place.

  Mr Bunnings

  Maybe it’s a reminder to go steady Bertha. Just my 2 cents worth.

  Chrissie Lucas

  Only one person was holding the steering wheel, can’t believe Rob did that to his own brother.

  Carol Huchie

  Chrissie Lucas it was an accident. Rob didn’t even know Pen was under the tarp.

  Sarah

  It wasn’t there fault. If anything it was the tree’s fault. They were going down to Brizzy. Rob and Joey were just clowning around like they always do.

  The Butcher

  They were trying to drift. That bend has a reverse camber, perfect for drifting if you get it right. Unfortunately the driver buggered up. It won’t be the first or the last time it happens because you young people continue to be dickheads and push boundaries.

  Carol Huchie

  Thinking of you Dave, you’re a great dad. One boy with the angels and one in hospital, hang in there love xx.

  The Butcher

  Great dad?

  Carol Huchie

  What does that mean?

  The Butcher

  It means he was a dealer. He may not have started it all but it didn’t take him long to take over. How do you reckon he’s paying for that big house out at The Retreat?

  Andrew H

  He’s a successful builder.

  Carol Huchie

  Your wrong butcher.

  The Butcher

  Is that right Carol Huchie, loyalty goes a long way when you’re a faithful customer.

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  Sally Ann

  That’s why there were heaps of cops searching Dave’s sheds.

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  Leslie

  The first time we saw the fireflies last night, it was bigger than I could ever imagine. We’re absolutely positive Pen was part of the magic. Rest in Peace mate xxxx

  By Pen Bower

  Year 10

  Taralune High School

  P.S. Hi Mrs Mac, there’s lots of spelling mistakes in the memorial page feed, but that’s how I wanted it. That’s how we talk and text and write. You said to be authentic so tada!

  Obviously this is fiction or I wouldn’t be here, ha ha. And anyway, if it turns out art imitates life and I’ve got a couple of things right, well, so be it I’m a genius! But, no, don’t worry, Mrs Mac, this is what I wanted to write.

  And thanks heaps for the introduction. Maya Angelou is now my new favourite poet.

  But still,

  like air,

  I’ll rise.

  Pen

  Name: Pen Kane Bower

  Age: 15

  Year: 10

  Mum: Shaz

  Dad: Dave

  Brothers: Rob

  Joey

  Revelation

  Friday, 2:30pm

  Taralune High School, Library Room L2

  Pen: Keep recording, Mrs Mac.

  Sue: But you’ve already written your story. I don’t need to transcribe your work.

  Pen: I just wanna talk things through. Gives me time to think.

  Sue: Okay.

  But I’m driving home this afternoon, so this’ll be a short session. I want to miss the storm.

  Pen: It’s been rumbling out there all week, nothin’ will happen until tomorra, Mrs Mac.

  Trust me.

  Sue: We’ll see.

  Pen: So, what ya think of me story?

  Sue: Loved it.

  Confronting though.

  Pen: Yeah. It was confronting for me too.

  It made me think about a lot of stuff.

  Sue: Like what?

  Pen: Like …

  Who really knows me?

  Sue: Did anyone come close?

  Pen: Jack did and the Butcher.

  He’s an old family friend, the coolest bloke.

  And Jack, you know Jack.

  Benny Boy knows me but he wasn’t in my story. He’s not on social media.

  Sue: Rob was driving the ute.

  Pen: So?

  Sue: That was powerful. Your brother was driving the car that killed you.

  Pen: I had to write the Rob I know. It’s something he’d do. Rob gets out of control. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have heart. He’s got heaps.

  People don’t see it, that’s all.

  Sue: He loves Nig.

  Pen: He loves all of us except Dave.

  We stick together, Joey, me, Shaz and Rob.

  Sue: It’s good to have support.

  Pen: I know he’s a pain in the arse and everything but …

  He looks after us when things get rough at home. If Dave’s on a bender, Rob steps in every time. Dave’s got no hope if Rob’s there.

  You’d think Joey would step in, being the oldest but he doesn’t. Dave’s got Joey rattled.

  Sue: Do you need to see someone? Talk things over?

  Pen: A counsellor? Head doctor? Nah, school’s already done that.

  We’re good at looking after ourselves.

  What ya thinking, Mrs Mac?

  Sue: Wasn’t it hard, writing about your own death?

  Pen: Dying’s part of living.

  Sue: True.

  Pen: I’m not scared of dying …

  Are you?

  Sue: Nah. But I’m scared of leaving loved ones behind.

  Pen: Yep, me too.

  I don’t reckon Rob’s scared of dyin’.

  Sue: You don’t think so?

  Pen: Nah.

  Why would he go tarpin’ all the time and be so out of control with stuff if he was scared?

  Sue: In your story, you got under the tarp?

  Pen: So?

  Sue: So, why?

  Pen: I’m not fearless like Rob.

  I wanted to know what it felt like to go all the way.

  Just wanted to do somethin’ random and go for it.

  Sue: And how did it feel?

  Pen: Mrs Mac, it’s a story. Just words on paper.

  I shouldn’t ‘ve done it. I shouldn’t ‘ve got under the tarp.

  Sue: Why?

  Pen: Because me dyin’ would’ve broke Shaz’s heart.

  Dyin’ and leaving Shaz, my brothers and Nig behind is dumb and pointless. I’m still young, got things to do.

  And I think I’m bigger than that.

  I know right from wrong.

  You know … I feel physically uncomfortable when I’m doing something I shouldn’t. It’s a warning. My body warns me.

  I get why others do it. Why they keep pushing and why they get themselves hurt or killed. They don’t listen.

  Sue: To adults?

  Pen: No.

  They don’t listen to themselves. Ya body feels stuff. Even when I was writing that story, my body was reacting to the trauma. I felt sick writing about it. Even though I wasn’t actually there, I could feel it.

  Sue: Deep!

  Pen: I know. I only just worked it out.

  Sue: Do you think we can stop others from tarpin’?

  Pen: Nah, I don’t think so.

  I know Rob, he won’t listen. They’ve gotta work it out themselves.

  Sue: You okay?

  Pen: Yep.

  Sue: So, what are you doing on the weekend?

  Pen: Hangin’ with Benny Boy and Jack. Rob and th
em’ll be tarpin’. They’re trying to make it to Brisbane. No one’s made it that far yet … not even Dave.

  Might paint a few pictures … beautify the town.

  Sue: Yeah, was meaning to ask about that. Why not paint something more attractive and meaningful?

  Pen: Mrs Mac, don’t ya like me pictures?

  Sue: They’re colourful.

  Pen: Which means you don’t like ‘em.

  Sue: Which means there’s lots of great things to paint and share with the world.

  Yeah, you’re right, I don’t like ‘em.

  So, why do it?

  Pen: Well, here’s the answer.

  I paint them because … I can …

  And because it gives adults the shits … And because it makes people laugh.

  Before Jack rolled into town I was getting’ a bit bored with it but now it’s the coolest thing ever.

  Jack’s mum and gran are the funniest graffiti artists I’ve ever come across. But, you know, they can’t do it all on their own. They still need me.

  Sue: Until you get caught.

  Pen: I guess we’re fearless in our own way.

  Sue: Is there a difference between being fearless and being reckless?

  Pen: Is there a difference between being fearless and proving a point?

  Sue: Apart from giving adults the shits and making people laugh, your graffiti doesn’t have a point.

  Which makes me think you’re only doing it for the likes.

  Pen: Everyone wants to be liked.

  The following Monday after returning home this email was in my inbox.

  To: Taralune High School

  From: Principal

  Subject: Letter to the School Community

  Dear Students, staff, friends and families of Taralune High,

  It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I write to inform you Jack Trainer, a Year Twelve student at the school, died on the weekend in a multiple vehicle accident, half an hour from Ballina.

  Jack touched many hearts. He was popular, studious, helpful and creative. Jack always stuck up for the underdog. He had a huge heart of gold and a smile to match.

  Jack’s funeral will be held next Tuesday 7th March at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Taralune, at 10am.

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Foundation.

  This will be a very sad time for all of us who knew Jack.

  Please keep his mum, Coral, and Nan, Lilly, in your thoughts.

  Police confirm Jack’s death was related to the irresponsible game of ‘tarping’.