KEVIN RUDD’S FATHER
A CONCERNED PARENT
Thanks for coming in.
That’s all right. Is it about Kevin?
It is about Kevin but it’s not all about Kevin.
Have you told Kevin that? I’m pretty sure he thinks it’s all about…
I wanted to have this conversation with you first.
Is he going all right?
Kevin’s going very well. We’re very pleased with him.
He’s very pleased with himself.
He should be. He’s going well.
Yes he tells us he’s going well.
When does he sleep, Kevin?
We don’t know. We thought he must be sleeping at school.
No he’s not sleeping here. He came back from this geography trip and…
Yes, we’re knee-deep in postcards.
And he ran a big conference.
Yes, he’s very keen. He loves all the activities.
Yes. Now, there’s a boy here, a new boy, who’s a bit lost.
That’s no good.
He’s maybe a bit out of his depth. Having trouble fitting in.
I’m sorry to hear that.
We wonder if Kevin could play a role here.
Yes, I’m sure he could. I’m sure he’d be good at it.
The boy’s name is Brendan.
Oh Brendan? With the haircut?
Yes, I wonder if Kevin could take him under his wing a bit.
We know Brendan.
How do you know Brendan?
He comes home with Kevin sometimes. He follows him home. Kevin took him to the conference didn’t he?
He did.
Yes. Kevin did his homework one night.
Did he? What homework?
Aboriginal history.
Yes, Brendan did quite well in that.
Yes he did.
He got second.
Yes. Kevin got first I think.
Yes he did. So you know Brendan?
Yes, we see him a bit. Kevin says Brendan’s friends aren’t very nice to him.
That’s right, that’s very perceptive of Kevin.
Although Brendan’s imaginary friend is nice to him.
Brendan has an imaginary friend?
Yes.
And his imaginary friend is nice to him.
Yes.
Well that’s nice, if his real friends aren’t being nice to him.
Yes, it’s good.
And who is Brendan’s imaginary friend?
Kevin.
Are you sure Kevin doesn’t sleep at home?
No. He’s always working on some project. He’s just finished one.
What was it?
Governor-General. Beautiful new Governor-General. Pink raffia work.