Tears of the Moon - Di Morrissey [202]
Maya seemed much happier in her own room but her health continued to deteriorate. Olivia suggested they send Georgie a cable.
One evening Olivia went in to sit with Maya, who had been picking at her supper. Maya opened her eyes to see Olivia sitting by the bed doing her embroidery. ‘Olivia … ?’
Olivia put down her needle and took off her glasses. ‘Yes, pet?’
Maya’s thin arms lifted and she pulled the shell pendant necklace over her head. The effort tired her and Olivia leaned over and smoothed Maya’s face. ‘What is it, Maya dear?’
Maya spoke in a soft but firm voice. ‘I want you to have this. Keep it safe. Pass it on to Georgie.’ Maya pressed the shell pendant on the twine necklace into her hand.
‘Keep it safe, Olivia,’ Maya repeated.
Olivia was about to protest that Maya keep it on, but realised the gesture obviously meant a lot to her. ‘I’ll hang it on my pearl necklace.’ She fingered the carved shell. ‘ “Tears of the moon” Minnie called the pearls … sounds so sad, but so beautiful.’
Maya gave a little smile. ‘I always think of them as tears of joy. Pearls are so beautiful and so special. They symbolise much to our people … ’ her voice faded and she closed her eyes.
Later Olivia showed Tyndall the pendant. ‘She wants me to pass it on to Georgie … ’
‘That seems a very final sort of gesture. Have we heard from Georgie?’
‘No. She appears to have moved and hasn’t left a forwarding address.’
Soon Maya developed pneumonia. Tyndall sat beside her, holding her fine small hand, telling her stories of the old days, though she seemed unaware, drifting into a nether world where her rasping breath, gurgling lungs and cough dominated.
The decision of whether to move her or not was a difficult one. But in brief lucid moments Maya shook her head and pointed to the view of the bay, indicating she wished to stay.
‘We couldn’t do much more for her in the hospital,’ said Doctor Haynes. ‘If she wishes to stay here, then I think it best. Call me, however, if she experiences any severe difficulties. We’re doing all we can.’
It was a bright, sunny morning, with a breeze from the bay drifting damply, softly, into Maya’s room. Tyndall had taken his tea and toast to eat with Maya. Olivia stood on the verandah, lost in time and thought. Times when life was bright, cheerful and hopeful seemed lost in a fog. The war was closing in but still seemed far away and far removed from the small battle being waged by Maya.
Sighing she turned and walked into Maya’s room.
Tyndall sat on the bed tenderly smoothing his daughter’s hair, murmuring quietly as he cradled her in his arms. He looked at Olivia with stricken eyes. ‘She’s gone, Olivia. My girl … just slipped away.’
The fall of Singapore brought the war to Australia’s doorstep. There was much activity as the Navy requisitioned luggers and there was talk of the white families being evacuated.
Orders came to move the Japanese south to the internment camp.
They assembled at the wharf, a casual gathering, the Japanese milling about amongst their families and Broome residents. Olivia and Tyndall joined the Mettas for the departure, helping hand out packets of home-baked biscuits and small mementoes to the men who had been such a vital part of Broome’s life. When the ship sailed, the Japanese hanging over the railing waved energetically to the crowd who waved back, and tears were shed on both sides.
Tyndall called into the Customs House where the officer commanding the naval unit had set up base. Tyndall, smartly turned out in his pearling master’s uniform, stood before the young officer. ‘Just wanted to offer my services, coastal patrol work perhaps. I know these waters very well.’
The lieutenant took in the tall, suntanned older man before him. ‘We appreciate the offer, Captain Tyndall, but the navy has matters in hand, I believe. However should something come up where we can call on your expertise … ’ he was polite but dismissive.
But Tyndall was not so easily rejected. Late the following evening he returned from the Lugger Bar looking pleased with