Monologue About Cowboys

Lachlan and Shaun are sitting in the shed eating breakfast when I pull up. Walking into the make shift staff room, I narrow my eyes on the freshly boiled jug. Taking my time, I make a cup of coffee before joining them at the battered old table. None of us speak immediately, instead we all sit in silence, wrapped up in our own thoughts… well at least I know I am.
Spending the night with a chick is nothing new. God, it actually makes me cringe a bit to think about all the one night stands I’ve had in the past six years. On the road it’s just so easy. Hell, women literally throw themselves at you when they find out you’re a cowboy. It’s all a fantasy to them. To be the woman that tamed the man that rides the beasts… even if it’s only for a night.

Pushing my chair back, I take my mug to the old sink Pop’s had installed out here many years ago in the aim that us boys would stop tracking dirt through Nanna’s kitchen. “Come on, let’s go jump on the bikes and check out just how bad those fences in the back paddocks are.”

I shift in my seat in Doc’s outdated office. The woollen chair itches my arms. Nanna grabs my forearm and gives me a look as if to say ‘stop fidgeting’ and I feel like I’m three years old again.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Doc says entering the room. He takes a seat on the other side of his desk and takes a moment to clean his glasses. If I wanted to be pessimistic, I would swear he’s trying to stall.
“Your latest test results have come back. Grace, if you want chemotherapy we really need to start now. Otherwise I’m afraid there isn’t going to be much point.”
I look at Nanna, then to Doc, “She’s getting the chemo Doc, call the hospital now! I’ll take her straight down.”
Doc ignores me and looks at Nanna,
“Jacob, we need to have a talk,” Nanna sighs, she looks so tired today, “I’ve decided I don’t want the treatment. There’s no point. Why go through all that misery just to prolong the