In the heat of the day

In the heat of the day

It was the hottest day of the year, the temperature reached 42 degrees and there was little relief in sight. I had come to Kangaroo Island hoping to escape the heat on the mainland only to find it as intense here and without sufficient air-conditioning in this stone cottage by American River, it became stifling and almost unbearable. I wet the sheet and hoped the fan would give me relief. This was day five of temperatures over 40 degrees and it was taking its toll on me. I felt exhausted already early in the morning and decided to drive to Sapphire Beach for a swim and to cool down. The air was steaming from the bitumen and the air conditioner did nothing to cool me down. There was little shade in the car park, so I took the dirt track to the trees for cover. I walked the sandy path through the bushes towards the beach and I thought of snakes, but surely even they would feel the heat on a day as hot as this. It was quiet, the only sound was coming from the small waves washing up on the white, pristine sandy beach.

It was then I became aware of a smell, something pungent, rotting, so strong that I had to hold my nose. It came from behind the salt bushes, and I moved in the direction to have a look. A small wallaby was lying dead on its back, swollen by the heat, and covered in flies. Its eyes were open, and the head tilted back in an awkward position, its final death throw.

Kangaroo Island is known for its pristine coastline. Saphire Beach is one of my favorite places and I often spend summer days under the sun shelter on this long stretch of endless white sand where I am always alone, away from visiting tourists or locals. Pelicans and other seabirds frequent this beach where the water is turquoise blue and quite shallow.

The short walk from the car to the beach was enough to take my breath away. The sand burned through my thongs. The cool, freshness and salty taste invigorated me as I dived in, letting the water into each poor in my skin. It woke my senses again from the fatigue that had engulfed me through the long, hot night.

The house was like an oven, the shower was cold, but it did not help for long and I soon collapsed on the couch with the curtains drawn not to let in any of that hot bright light. Heat in darkness, it felt strange, but it was all I could do. I was tired and began to doze off under the ceiling fan. The radio warned of the northerly winds approaching with a possibility of thunder later in the evening.

I must have dozed for a while. There was a knock on the door which half woke me, and I jumped off the couch. Who would be out on a day like today? The door was unlocked as it had no functional lock on it. I had told the owner, but she said there was no need to lock it as everyone trusted each other here. I convinced her to put a padlock on the outside.

There it was loud knocks again. I hurried through the kitchen and the handle moved before I got to the door. It suddenly opened. A man appeared, tall, dark, dressed in shorts and a singlet with a packsack slung over his shoulder.

“I saw the car in the driveway. Are you about to leave, or have I arrived early?”

He entered my kitchen putting his backpack down on the chair and looked around.

“Damm hot, isn’t it? I booked the house for three o’clock. I’m not sure what the time is.”

“What?”

“Yes, I came on the ferry. Luckily, I got a lift straight here.”

He walked into the lounge.

“Wait a minute, stop, stop! You can’t come in here! Who are you? What do you want?”

“You don’t look like you are ready to leave. I can wait in the kitchen if you like, it’s too hot out there.”

“Wait, wait for what? I’m not going anywhere.”

The irritation grew in his eyes, but that was nothing compared to how I felt.

“I have rented this house for another week; I am not going anywhere.”

His dark eyes flickered for a minute, and I could see the sweat running down his forehead onto the dark beard.

“Look, its not the time or place for games okey. I rented this house from today for one week. I can show you the receipt if you don’t believe me.”

I did not believe him, and I was getting agitated and scared. I just wanted him out of here. He pulled out a worn leather wallet from his packsack and unfolded a piece of paper.

“See for yourself!”

And I did see for myself. There it was, as clear as black and white. Date of arrival today at 3 pm. Date of departure in one weeks’ time at 3 pm. Signed by the owner.

“This is a mistake! I have been here for five days and have booked until next week. I am not going anywhere!”

He sat down on the kitchen chair in front of the table.

“Its not my problem, I have paid for it.”

“So have I.”

“We must contact the owner. Have you got a phone?”

He shook his head.

“No, have you?”

“No, I don’t. But I know where she lives. Down by Pelican Bay if I’m not wrong, but I don’t know where exactly.”

He went to the kitchen sink and started drinking straight from the tap.

“I don’t drive so I can’t go there.”

I looked at him.

“Well, you are wrong if you think I am going to leave you here alone in my house. You must get out!”

“Are you crazy lady? Are you trying to kill me? I’m not going anywhere! Like I said, I have paid, and I stay.”

I looked at him in disbelief. This could not be for real. Who was this man coming to my house and demanding to stay? I had to do something, but what?

‘You know there is a phone booth down by the water. I have the owner’s number. We will both go down there and phone her. Okey?”

I could not think of anything else.

“Okey, but we will take your car. It’s too hot to walk.”

This was ridiculous, was he starting to dictate now how we would get to the phone?

This man really irritated me, and it showed.

“Okey, start walking and I will meet you by the car.”

I had become embarrassingly aware that I was wearing nothing but a sarong even though it appeared this man had not noticed. I found my shorts and t-shirt and carefully locked the padlock making sure I had the key in my pocket.

“Get in.”

It was stiflingly hot, and the car felt as if it was boiling inside. I put the air conditioner on high, it was not going to give relief in the short distance down to the water, but it was better than nothing. We rolled down the hill in silence. The water lay still in front of us and there was not even a single pelican about. It was as if all life had run for cover, taking refuge anywhere where there was shade, waiting for something to happen.

“Have you got a coin?’

He looked at me in disbelief.

“Are you kidding?’

‘Okey, it’s all right I have some coins here somewhere.”

The glove box was a shocking mess, DVDs, booklets, sunglasses, all thrown in together. I eventually found the coins in the matchbox.

“Okey, you phone her, I’ll wait in the car!”

I gave him the phone number, and he moved quickly to the phone box across the road. I watched him from a distance. His feet moving restlessly, stepping from one foot to another, talking and gesturing with his free hand. I could not hear him, but he had a frown on his face, and I gathered things were not working out. He turned and looked at me and I was beginning to dread what he had to say.

“Shit, its hot!”

He jumped in the car and sat down beside me.

“Well?”

He sighed before speaking.

“It’s not good news I’m afraid. She said there was a mistake, a double booking. But she can not do anything about it until tomorrow, it too late.”

This was not what I had expected, and I could not hide my disappointment.

“I don’t understand this. She will have to find you accommodation somewhere else. It can’t be that difficult.”

He sighed again.

“I’m sorry, but it really isn’t my fault, I don’t know what to do.”

He sounded genuine sad, and dejected and I began to feel sorry for him. The heat was getting to me, and I wanted to get out of here.

“Look, is there a pub anywhere near by where we could have a cool beer, or something? Just to sit down for a while in a cool place?”

I did not expect this either, there seemed to be no end of surprises with this man.

“Sure, there is a pub in Penneshaw. That’s the closest, about twenty minutes’ drive down the road.”

“How about we go there? What do you say? I’ll buy you a drink.”

It was a quick decision. It would be cooler in the car with the air con on and at the pub than in the house and he was not coming back there. Besides there would be accommodation in Penneshaw for him. It sounded like a promising idea.

“Okey, let’s go.”

We did not talk very much on the way. He looked out of the window, pointing out places of interest to him and the occasional roadkill by the side of the road.

“I’m Nick, by the way. Nick Adams.”

“Alicia.”

“I guess you are not so pleased to meet me, but we are stuck in this together so we might as well make the most of the situation.”

I realized there was no point in arguing now and thought it better just to get to the pub as soon as possible.

The nice cool air hit us as soon as we opened the door, and it was obvious we were not the only ones seeking refuge from the heat. It was noisy and people were crowding around the bar and by the wine barrels at the back. We found a small window table, and I sat down looking out at the blue bay outside. It was a beautiful scene and I thought for a moment that I could be anywhere in the world, but I was here right now on my beautiful Kangaroo Island.

“Would you like a beer or a wine?’

He stood in front of me, and I could see the sweat dripping down his face. It was the first time I took a good look at him and the anger and anxiety in his eyes were gone now. It was a friendly face that smiled back at me.

“A beer thanks.”

I watched him walk up to the bar, his back turned to me and the white singlet moist with sweat. I suddenly felt sorry for him. It was not his fault, but what was I to do. He came back without the beers.

“Sorry again, I forgot my wallet in the house. Can you pay for this, and I will give you the money later when we get back.”

I starred at him in disbelief. “Later,” I thought. There was not going to be any later. I was going to leave him here in Penneshaw and now I was stuck with him! He must have seen the disappointment in my face and took a step back.

“Sorry!”

“All right, okey, there is nothing we can do about it.”

I went to the bar and paid for the beers. He was already sitting down when I got back and put the glass in front of him.

“Thanks’ Alicia, I promise I will pay you back. Cheers!”

Sometimes a cold beer on a sweltering day is all you need to wake up. I was thirsty and it tasted good. I realized it was up to me to try to make the best of the situation and decided to be a bit more friendly.

“Tell me about yourself, where do you come from, and what do you do?”

That was the beginning of a lengthy conversation and suddenly none of us was in a hurry to get back into the inferno outside. I paid for another round, and we decided to look at the menu for something to eat. He wanted to buy me an early dinner and we ordered calamari and chips as I usually do here on the island. I started to see him as Nick, not as the man who had intruded on me in my house, and I realized he was quite friendly and easy to get along with. We enjoyed our meal, but it was time to head back to the cottage and Nick bought a bottle of white wine and a six pack of beer to take home, for which I also paid.

The drive home was easier now that we knew each other a bit more and I told him about my favorite beaches along the way. He was interested and said he wanted to explore the other side of the island which was new to him. The light was still bright and intense, and it felt comforting to get back inside of the dark cottage again. But it was hot in there and the fan did not help much. He handed me the money over the kitchen table.

“Thank you for a nice afternoon and for putting up with me. The wine is for you to have on the porch tonight and I will take a couple of beers with me.”

I looked at him and his honesty got to me.

“Where will you go? You don’t have a car, and its hot out there?’

“I’ll find a way, I always do.”

“Look, I know this sounds silly, but if you want to sleep on the couch tonight it is okey with me. I really don’t want to send you out in this heat. It can be dangerous. Besides, I think there will be thunder and lightning later.”

I could see the relief in his eyes, and he smiled back at me.

“If you are sure that’s okey then I am more than happy for that couch offer. I guess having a stranger roll up like this is…” he paused, “a bit of a freak out.”

So, the beers and wine went into the fridge, and I told him to take a cold shower. There were still a few hours left before sunset and little relief from the heat outside. We watched the news on tv talking about the devastation of the heat and fire restrictions. The weather forecast for the island was lightening and possible showers.

I poured the drinks put them on the tray together with fruit, cheese, and biscuits. The sun was about to set, and Nick was already sitting on the old porch looking out over American River. It was still and quiet. We watched in silence as the sun colored the sky watermelon pink before it set in a bright red ball of fire on the horizon. It was beautiful and so was that moment there on the porch.

We chatted and laughed, and I enjoyed Nic’s company as I got to know more about him. I felt safe in his presence and was glad I had offered for him to stay the night. The night was long, once again, and I could not sleep. There was the sound of the cycads and there was no wind. I must have dozed off because a loud bang woke me early in the morning. Then there was light cutting through the dark curtains, lighting up the bedroom. Lightning and thunder. It was a massive, loud explosion rolling across the sky slowly coming closer. Then the rain, hitting the metal roof, gushing down outside the window. I listened. It was as if nature had released a valve after the intense heat and was washing the dust away.

Nick had pulled the pillows from the couch to the floor where he was still asleep when I walked through to the kitchen. He looked comfortable, still in his shorts and singlet and I was quiet not to wake him.

The air was humid now, tropical, and moist as the rain fell outside. I stood there for a while taking in the scene. I could almost hear the cedar tree sigh with relief as the water drizzled down.

We had breakfast under the shelter of the porch and we both felt better than we had the day before. I asked if he wanted to come with me for a drive to Flinders Chase, via Seal Bay. It would take a good part of the day, but it would be pretty, especially in the rain. He was surprised and accepted happily.

“Besides, there is always plenty of places with accommodation on the way.” I said jokingly, knowing that he would stay for the week, just like me. I never liked being alone when thunder rattled the door and lightening lit up my tiny little house. Some guests were more welcome than others.

Sometime later, twenty-five years to be exact, Nick and I stood on Saphire Beach raising our glasses to the sky in a toast for another happy anniversary and the sweltering day that brought us together.