James Kelman - Dirt Road

Murdo got in the front leaving the door open for Dad to speak. Vicenté and Roberto slapped him on the shoulder.

Dad was saying, If ye can’t phone the night then phone tomorrow. Just dont worry about it. Dont let anything put ye off, never ever. Know what I mean son never ever.

Santiago hadnt switched off the engine and now he released the handbrake.

Dad said, Dont lose contact whatever ye do. Aunt Maureen will never forgive ye. Neither will I. Then yer passport. I dont know what to say about yer passport. If ye get it or leave it with Uncle John, ye just keep it in yer front pocket at all times and never ever take it out or leave it any place. Never.

Santiago glanced at him and shrugged.

It’s the most important thing of all, said Dad, it is just so so crucial son ye keep it in yer trouser pocket at all times. Never ever take it out or leave it any place. Know what I mean son yer passport’s yer passport. Never take it out yer pocket.

Okay Dad.

And phone phone phone.

Right.

Santiago was gazing at Dad, his foot on the accelerator pedal, the truck inching along.

Dad nodded. Okay, he said and shut the door.

Gracias, said Santiago.

Murdo saw that Diego had got out of the 4x4 and Declan walked to meet him. Then Dad. They spoke together. Dad stood with his hands in his pockets.

Santiago said to Murdo, Your father hey!

Yeah.

Santiago made a sad face, then shrugged like there was nothing to be done. Soon Diego was in his car and they were moving ahead. Santiago reversed out and set off after them. Dad standing there with Declan. Murdo waved. Santiago lowered the side window for him, and Murdo waved out in a better way. Dad and Declan walked after them, then stopped by the carpark exit. Declan was waving. Maybe Dad was. Murdo couldnt see properly in the side mirror. That was that. Santiago switched on the music, a good accordeon; kind of jaunty, probably Conjunto.