Episode 45: a very private conversation
“Is this where I’m supposed to – what? – just talk?” I ask eventually.
“I wouldn’t say ‘just’ talk,” my interlocutor replies. “But yes, talking, freely, about whatever strikes you as interesting would be, well, interesting.”
Silence.“Perhaps you could start by exploring why you’re here.”
“I’ve just been to Perth. Well, a few hundred miles east of Perth. Twenty-four hours airborne to get there. Two days of meetings. Twenty-four hours airborne to get home. To spend the weekend jet-lagged, incapable of interaction with my family. Apart from the meetings, I’ve – until now – hardly spoken for, for almost a week. Just sat on planes. Hardly slept. Didn’t watch the movies. Didn’t read. Or drink. Just sat. Hour after hour…
This, our conversation, this is strictly confidential, right? I mean, I’m not asking my medical insurance to pay. I’m paying myself. And I’d be sunk if anyone knew.”
“Our conversation is confidential Mr. Cashman.”
“Sorry. I know you have your professional ethics but, well…”
“So, you were saying…”
“I’m under a lot of pressure. Work. Family… Life. Sometimes, I just don’t know why. Why? You know, a year ago I resolved to spend more time with my six-year old son. Just hasn’t happened. And then, what’s the worst thing you can do to a child? This person you adore beyond all measure? Bring another two children into the world. And love them. And expect him to love them. Must be a catastrophe for him. It’s like, it’s worse than being unfaithful to him… My father, he used to sing this Jim Reeves song to me. As a lullaby. ‘We just couldn’t be close though we tried. We both reached for heavens but ours weren’t the same.’
Now I know what he meant. Lullaby? Felt like a tragedy when he sang it” City Dad will continue next week. For previous episodes, see cityam.com