True,

Achilles

3.

Penny walked back into the Achillion with a suitcase in one hand and her handbag slung over her shoulder, rolling her neck in weariness. A week ago she’d learned that Achilles had moved to Brisbane. A Region Transport truck driver, Walter’s friend and an Earlwood resident, delivered the news in Canberra one afternoon, and he did so in a tentative voice, probably suspecting what Penelope might do when she learned her father was in exile.

She told Walter they were not a suitable couple. To stay any longer in Canberra would be to stay in limbo.

She let go of her suitcase, which hit the cafe floor with a thud. The Achillion belonged to Penny again. She banged on the counter bell. Valia came out from the kitchen with plates and quickly conveyed them to the booths before rushing to embrace Penelope, to stamp kisses on both cheeks. They weren’t normally so touchy, the Achillion sisters.

‘You’re staying, I hope,’ Valia said. The cafe was full. Valia wiped her hands on her apron in a gesture of accomplishment—the Achillion was liberated, her sister home—then hoisted Penny’s suitcase containing books, shoes, a Canberra coat. Lucky said hello but didn’t try to hug the girl—he had a T-bone steak in each hand, blood down to his wrists. He laid the steaks on the hottest part of the stove.

‘Where’s Walter?’ Valia asked when they arrived at Penny’s room.

‘Walter and I are finished,’ said Penny.

‘What happened?’

‘I don’t want to talk about it. He’s a good man. It’s just—you wouldn’t understand.’

‘Why wouldn’t I understand?’

‘Your love story is simple. It’s complete. You met Lucky and that’s that. Things are different for me.’

‘All right. But we can talk about anything,’ said Valia. ‘About Walter or father or school or university. And if you want money, ask us.’

‘I will need money.’

Penny lay down on her bed. Altogether, she’d been away for two insensate months. The first month had fallen during school holidays, the second during term time. The school year must be reclaimed, said Valia. Some textbooks must be reread, said Penelope.

‘I’ll go back to school next week,’ said Penny. ‘Until then I want to sleep.’