Episode 36 - Michael
/ROSLYN: This episode of Love and Luck contains references to homophobic violence. Please, take care of yourself.
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ROSLYN: You've reached the Love and Luck Podcast.
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KANE: Hey, I'm kind of worried about you. I'd really like you to come back soon, okay? I know you want to end this, but I really don't think that chasing after violent bigots is going to end well, you know? [Sighs] Just... come back soon, okay?
Michael is... doing as well as can be expected, considering everything. He's pretty bruised up, but I don't think anything is broken. I've given him some painkillers, and I used a bit of magic to help the pain too, as well as trying to soothe him emotionally.
I've told him he can stay with us, and that we'll look after him. He's resting in the other spare room right now. Helen's making us all some tea. She's really scared about this happening too, which is understandable. We're all looking after each other though. She's helping out with the bar while I've been cleaning Michael up and seeing what I can do.
Anyway... [Sighs] Please come home soon.
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JASON: Hey babe, just calling to let you know I'm okay. We didn't find any of the fuckers who hurt Michael, or anyone who's been putting up those fucked up posters, so me and Victor are coming back to the bar now. See you soon.
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JASON: I'm so glad you're finally asleep... I wish you hadn't been kept up late worrying. But, well, it's too late to worry about that now I guess. At least you're sleeping now.
I tried to use luck magic to find the attackers tonight, but... I don't know. I feel like I got close, like I found a thread, but I couldn't seem to actually follow it. It's hard to explain. [Sighs] Another magic thing to practise, I guess.
I promise I'll check on Michael again before I head to bed myself. I love you.
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KANE: Hey. Things are pretty quiet downstairs today so far.
Michael's not up yet, but that's not really surprising, considering everything. Helen made me breakfast this morning, bless her. She said she wants to help out however she can, even if it's just making breakfast.
She's so scared about all this but she's been so strong, too. I don't think she knows how comforting it's been to have her here with us through this. We should do something nice for her when we have the chance.
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KANE: Fucking hell, news travels fast. Folks have already heard about Michael. It's a bit tense down here, everyone's a bit scared. Homophobic posters are one thing but... I think we've all been busy being happy in our community lately that we forgot that gay bashings are a thing that can happen for real, not just be a vague threat. Although... one leads to the other, I guess. It's not like violence happens without a foundation in bigotry first.
[Sighs] Anyway... people have been saying they feel better when they come here, so at least our wards and soothing are helping a bit. I'm going to make some more free cupcakes today, I think. We've got to remind people that there's nice stuff in the world too, no matter how frightened we are.
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JASON: Hey babe, hope you're sleeping well. Things are going okay tonight. People are still pretty tense, but it's calm in here at least. I'm really glad we already had Lisa Skye booked to do a show tonight, it's really helping people relax. Hard to feel frightened when laughing.
You could really notice the fear come back into people when they walk out the door for the night, though. They stiffen and their expressions go hard. Vigilant.
Fuck, I really hope this shit blows over quickly and those arseholes never come back. Might take my boys out again tonight to make sure no more posters have reappeared. I love you.
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KANE: Hey honey. Michael's doing better today physically, says the pain is almost gone now. But he's still really shaken up emotionally. He keeps sort of weeping and then apologising for it... I told him it was okay but I don't know if he believed me. I've been soothing him as best I can, and told him it's pretty normal and okay to be fucked up about it, and that he can stay with us as long as he needs and we'll look after him as well as we can. Again, I'm not sure he believes me... but I guess that's to be expected.
He cried on me for a while when I was telling him this stuff, which was a bit surprising, but it was good crying at least - relieved, grateful crying. We talked for a while. Helen's been supporting him too, as well as bringing him tea.
Did you know he's a painter? I think that's really cool. He asked if it would be okay if he bought some paints and canvases and stuff and did some painting in his room. He was really worried I'd say no, for some reason - I guess he's had tough landlords in the past or something? Anyway... I told him it was fine, and that it'd be really cool to see his work, and he perked up a bit at that. So that's something to look forward to, at least.
I love you. I'll see you when you get up.
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Love and Luck is written by Erin Kyan, and produced by Passer Vulpes Productions. Kane is voiced by Lee Davis-Thalbourne. Jason is voiced by Erin Kyan. Credits spoken by Roslyn Quin. Recorded by Kermie Breydon.
Lisa Skye is a real queer Melbourne comedian. You can learn more about her on Facebook, at facebook.com/thelisaskye. That's s-k-y-e.
For more information about Love and Luck, check out our website, loveandluckpodcast.com. You can also find us on facebook as Love and Luck Podcast, and follow us on twitter, at @LoveLuckPodcast.