Krystal

Back on the road again! Big thanks to the NRMA for footing the towing bill, AVIS for the cheap car hire, and V-Dub Spares and Repairs for putting a new fuel pump in the Kombi so quickly and at such short notice. And the biggest thanks go to Krystal and Ryan for putting us up, helping us out, feeding us, and entertaining us for three nights. Our little hiccup has only set us back roughly $800 and three days, which was well worth it to spend more quality time with family. We were so lucky to have Ern’s sister and brother-in-law, who made us feel so welcome and spoiled us with four-star accommodation and meals provided. We got more than our $800 worth.

Daph thinks the main reason we were sent back here was for Ern and Krystal to have more quality time together. It was so worth it to be witness to the carpool karaoke sessions and interaction between these two guys that lit them both up. Daph would pay $800 again for the same front-row seat to watch this show. Magic moments.

So off we set again. This time taking a different route towards the Nullarbor, just to mix it up a bit. We might as well see as much of WA as we can with this opportunity. Today we are headed to Wave Rock.

Currently, we are sitting in silence. It’s nice to be back on the road again, but there’s a sombre feeling right now. Ern is paying close attention to how the Kombi sounds, slightly mistrusting of the old girl. Daph usually counteracts this with her usual nonchalant nature, trusting in The Universe. But Daph is keeping quiet.

Now is not the time to be convincing Ern that all is well. Daph knows that the sombreness is because Ern is missing his sister. Daph will sit in silence with her thermos flask of hot tea, and let Ern sit in quiet reflection as he drives along, until he “decides to wake up.”[1]

[1] “Wake Up” is a song by Coheed and Cambria, a band that both Azz and his sister, Krystal, love. They were the soundtrack of the carpool karaoke session for which I had front row seats.