Читать книгу Brilliant - Greg Pius - Страница 9

Simon was now a regular "A" league franchisee star. Sydney had not seen previously such a young player become so dominant. Opposition coached developed ulcers trying to develop strategies to prevent Simon from scoring. School children chanted his nickname, "Brilliant". Commentators took up the chant and called Simon, Brilliant Simon.

Most of Simon's teammates were behind him. As their winner streaked continued, they looked forward eagerly to playing in the finals. Everyone was smiling, his manager, his coach, his trainer, his fellow players, his club's fans and even the commentators. Everyone was smiling, everyone except Simon.

After a few big named stars had breakdowns, the leagues governing body dictated that each club employ a counsellor. Simon's club engaged an highly skilled female counsellor, Dr Mary Simons, to watch over their players. The counsellor could tell from Simon's body language that he was a "red flag" player. Dr Mary called Simon in to her office to have a one on one chat. She said in a concerned tone,

"Simon, I am worried about you. Everyone around you seems to be in high spirits, but you seem so glum. Is anything bothering you?"

Simon shrugged and said in an unconvincing tone,

"I am fine Doc."

Dr Mary persisted,

"Simon, I am here to help you and everything you say to me is highly confidential. What is said in this room, stays in this room. You are obviously not fine. Please let me help."

Simon slumped in his seat. He began to shake, struggling to control his emotions. Dr Mary sat still, allowing Simon time to decide if he wanted to share what was troubling him. She knew it had to come from Simon. After what seemed like ages, Simon said in a hesitant tone,

"My ---my--fa--father is ---very sick. The doctors say--he may not recover. My mother --died a few years ago and my sister---moved to Melbourne for work. It is just--dad and--me. Dad has been my rock and wise counsel. I don't know what I will do if he---dies."

As Simon began to weep silently, Dr Mary moved closer to him and took his hand. She said in a gentle, compassionate manner,

"Lets face this together. I have met your father. He is a fine man and I can see a lot of him in you. Let the doctors do what they can. Take some leave and be there for your dad as he faces this difficult time. Know that I will be with both of you no matter what happens. Simon, you do not have to do this alone."

On Dr Mary's recommendation, Simon was granted compassionate leave. Although his coach didn't want to be without his key striker, he knew that Simon had to be with his father and fully supported his time off. Saltos, Simon's manager, did what he could to keep the news of Simon's father's illness out of the media, but, with Simon not playing, questions were asked. Eventually the Club announced that Simon's father was critically ill and that their young star, Brilliant Simon, was by his bedside. Simon's fans rallied to support their young player in his hour of need.

As he sat by his father's bedside in hospital. Simon was consumed by sadness. Tamum awoke, looked over lovingly at his son and said in a weak voice,

"Simon, my son, don't weep for me. I have had a good life. Your mother and I came to this country to give you and your sister a better life, away from trouble and strife. We watched you proudly as you flourished in this land of peace and matured into fine adults. My time is coming, soon I will be with your mother again. Watching you grow into such a talented football player, playing in the A League has been one of my finest times. If I don't get to watch you play another final, know that your mother and I will be with you every time you put on your boots. Keep playing. By doing so you honour me, your mother and our family."

Barely able to speak, Simon replied,

"Dad, you have made me the footballer I am. Of course I will play, but I will be playing for you and mum and our family."

Tamum grasped Simon's hand in a firm grip and with fire in his words said,

"Simon, you have the talent, you did the hard work, you sat on the bench waiting for your turn to shine and when you got it, you showed them all just how brilliant you are. They call you 'Brilliant Simon' and rightly so. You will have a brilliant care and, with Mr Saltos to guide you, will become one of the truly greats of the game. I am proud of you, not because you play football, but because you are my son. I love you Son."

As he spoke these last words Simon's father's grasp became weaker and he shrunk back into his bed. Simon watched as his father gave up his life and breathed his last. The monitors showed Simon's father's heart struggling to keep beating then the terrible sound of a heart flatlining filled the room. Nurses and doctors rushed into the room and attempted to revive Tamum, but all to no avail. He was gone.

Simon had lost his rock, his mentor, his greatest fan, his father. Simon wept bitterly grabbing his father's hands and trying to will him back to life. Dr Mary and Saltos who had been keeping a vigil outside Tamum's room came to Simon's side and comforted him as best they could. Even in this saddest of moments when all seemed lost, Simon realised that he was not alone. He knelt besides his father's bed to pray and Dr Mary and Saltos bowed their heads praying too.

Some of Simon's fans had been waiting outside the hospital willing life into Simon's father. When they heard he had died, some wept, some prayed and then slowly the team song broke the silence of the night. At first quietly and then as voice after voice took up the chant, their song washed over the hospital and Simon. Hearing the song grow to a powerful chant, Simon felt their love and support and was comforted.