Green Kauri Comics · Story 002
One More Check
A story about responsibility, vulnerability and choosing to show up without guarantees.
Story 002
When responsibility becomes a hiding place.
After fixing a café light, Bruce keeps checking it as Mia’s concert approaches. Robyn sees what he is really avoiding.
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At closing time in Ted and Robyn’s neighbourhood café in New Brighton, Christchurch, Bruce notices a light flicker just as he is meant to leave for his daughter Mia’s school concert.
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Panel 1 — The light flickers
Bruce is ready to leave the café when a pendant light flickers. His phone shows a reminder for Mia’s school concert at 7:00 pm. Bruce says, “That light flickered.” Robyn reminds him, “Mia starts at seven.”
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Panel 2 — One more check
Bruce stands on a ladder and tests the now-steady light again. A completed checklist and tools cover the table. “One more check,” he says. Robyn replies, “It’s been fixed for twenty minutes.”
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Panel 3 — The real question
Back on the floor, Bruce holds his tester while his phone displays an unsent message to Mia: “Do you still want me there?” Robyn says, “The light is fixed. Stop hiding where you know you’re needed.” The fault is no longer electrical.
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Panel 4 — The saved seat
Bruce arrives at New Brighton Community School and steps through the hall entrance. His phone shows Mia’s reply: “Front row. I saved your seat, Dad.” Inside, one chair waits with a handwritten sign marked DAD.
Responsibility keeps us where we know we’re needed. Love asks us to step forward without guarantees.
- Characters
- Bruce, Robyn, Kauri and Kiwi
- Setting
- New Brighton, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Themes
- Responsibility, vulnerability, fatherhood and courage
- Published