Seconds for Tragedy(Catherine Bacon) (Note that the author was 15 years old when she wrote this story.)


The sun glistened on the water as the yachts sailed into the harbour. Adrian Howe’s mansion was situated at the end of the cul-de-sac in the affluent neighbourhood of Casuarina. His beautiful property had magnificent 180 degree views of Sydney Harbour. Having studied marketing at University and graduating with honours, it seemed a natural progression that he should end up Managing Director of one of Australia’s leading export companies. Making his fortune in the late 90’s the “fruits of his labour” were displayed in his stock and property. Adrian however, was oblivious to this breathtaking view as he was desperately attempting to close the most crucial contract of his career.

Kurt sat at the kitchen table surrounded by an array of colouring pencils. At 4 years of age he was the mirror image of his father at that age. His blonde curly hair cascaded over the top of his head, his bright blue eyes focused on the masterpiece he was creating. Adrian was very poor at committing time to spend with his son. The little time spent together, Adrian’s mind was always elsewhere.

Making the final touches to his masterpiece, Kurt raced excitedly down the hall to see his father. “Daddy, Daddy, look what I’ve made for you.”
Adrian’s mind was focused only on the phone call from the potential buyer who was getting ‘cold feet’ on the deal.
“Not now Kurt” Adrian hissed through his teeth. Poor Kurt went back to add his name on the picture, as he knew that trying to write his name always impressed his father.

Kurt heard the front door slam shut. In desperate attempt to catch his father before he drove away, Kurt rushed over to the 4WD.

“Daddy, Daddy,” Kurt cried. Adrian too engrossed in his conversation neglected to hear his son’s cries. He reversed out of the drive. Although he felt a slight resistance from his vehicle, he ignored it, continuing to accelerate back.

At first he couldn’t make out what the crushed shape was on the driveway, but when he saw the blood trickling down the driveway. He froze. Kurt’s disfigured body lay in the middle of the drive. The horror and sheer magnitude of what had just occurred dawned on him. He had taken the life of his only son. Remembering the last words that he had uttered to Kurt earlier he began to sob uncontrollably. Kurt had been trying to seize just a few minutes of his time but Adrian was unable to even commit that. Now he would never get the opportunity to share precious moments again. He had helped bring Kurt into the world, deprived him of affection and cut horribly short his life.

Although Adrian was surrounded by valuable objects, his life lost all meaning with the death of his only son. Ironically the most simple of objects became his prized possession. The picture Kurt had so desperately tried to give him now holds pride of place in his office as a constant reminder.

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