Dreams in White by Duncan Graham

Author:Duncan Graham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Currency Press

18. ONE WEEK BEFORE

AMY and MICHAEL.

AMY: So a Range Rover does about 20 miles per gallon.

MICHAEL: Does it?

AMY: And the Prius, about 50.

MICHAEL: What’s that in kilometres per litre?

AMY: They don’t measure it like that. Given the average kilometres driven a year, at an average fuel price of $1.30 per litre (and that’s cheap now) —that’s about a $2,500 saving every year. The hybrids last just as long. They’re easier to park. And they’re quiet.

MICHAEL: For the silent getaway.

AMY: Total stealth. If you need it.

MICHAEL: They’re not very fast.

AMY: They’ve got excellent acceleration actually. From zero to 60. Because it’s electric, it’s like flicking the switch on a blender, it responds straight away.

MICHAEL: What about 60 to 100?

AMY: Come on, Dad—let’s face it—when do you ever go off-roading?

MICHAEL: You never know when I might have to.

AMY: That’s bullshit, Dad. You drive it to the airport and back. That’s it.

MICHAEL: I’m not getting out if this / am I?

AMY: No.

MICHAEL: The Prius—it’s such an ugly car, Amy.

AMY: How many of your friends drive a Prius?

MICHAEL: None.

AMY: How many of your work colleagues drive a Prius?

MICHAEL: None.

AMY: How many drive a black Range Rover or Porsche or some other ugly, guzzling, global-warmer?

MICHAEL: I don’t know…

AMY: At a guess.

MICHAELY: A few.

AMY: Come on, how many do you see parked around the gym on Saturday?

MICHAEL: Not all of them are black.

Okay.

Look, Amy, I like the Range Rover. There’s a lot of things we have because we want them, not because we need them. I know what you want me to say. I can hear all your arguments. Even if you’re sceptical, why don’t you just act as if it’s a reality. There’s no harm in playing it safe. You think I’m scared of what others will think about me so I stick with the status quo.

AMY: You’re toying with my future, Dad.

MICHAEL: The Pious. That’s what we call them. For people who can afford to say they’re doing something about the environment… who want to tell everyone how committed they are… while trying to make everyone else feel guilty.

AMY: It does make a difference and if you can afford it—

MICHAEL: What do you want me to say then?

AMY: I don’t want you to say anything. I want you to do it.

Pause.

Can I tell you something?

MICHAEL: Yes.

AMY: You promise not to tell anyone.

MICHAEL: I promise.

Pause.

AMY: I’m a virgin.

Slight pause.

MICHAEL: You don’t know how happy that makes me.

AMY: Well, I’m not happy about it.

MICHAEL: A Prius among a whole lot of black Range Rovers.

AMY: Exactly.

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