Day 13 – Jack’s Choice

Transcript of Day 13 – Jack's Choice

Day 13 – Jack’s Choice

Life in the Outback can be tough, and for Euan Mitchell, it was exactly that, no walk in the park(1). Growing up in the middle of nowhere(2) in the remote town of Winton, Queensland, he was used to the relentless sun, the sparse landscape, and the sense of isolation that came with living a thousand kilometres from the big smoke(3).

Euan wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth(4). In fact, for most of his life, his family struggled to make ends meet(5). His father, an outback pilot, did a runner on the family(6) when his crop-dusting business went down the gurgler(7), leaving Euan and his mother to fend for themselves(8). They managed by working odd jobs(9) and relying on the tight-knit community of Winton.

One day, Euan got his break(10) when he was given a job at the local pub as a bartender by the owner Old Jack. Working at the pub made a huge difference for Euan and his family. The steady income from the pub job was a godsend(11). Euan’s mother no longer had to take on multiple odd jobs, and they could finally afford the little luxuries they had long gone without.

Behind the bar, Euan formed a strong bond with Jack. They worked side by side(12), shared stories, laughs, and supported each other during tough times. Jack became more than an employer; he was a mentor and a friend, and the pub became Euan's second home(13).

One scorching afternoon, Euan was in a bit of a pickle(14). He'd promised Old Jack that he’d take a spare shift that one of the other bartenders couldn’t work. It was a do-or-die moment(15) to earn some extra cash for a holiday he wanted to take with his family next month.

As Euan worked behind the bar, he overheard a conversation between Jack and a stranger. The stranger, a city slicker(16) with a flashy car, seemed to be trying to twist Jack’s arm(17) and pressure him into selling the pub. Jack was hesitant, but the man was persistent, like a dog with a bone(18).

"Why not take the deal? You’ll have to pack up shop(19) one day," the man said, sensing Jack's indecision. "You're not getting any younger. Don’t you want to retire and live it up(20) for a few years before you bite the dust(21), mate, or what?"

Jack sighed. "I've had this pub for 40 years. I built it with my blood, swear, and tears(22). It’s not so easy to just walk away from it." He said.

Jack paused in contemplation. “But… I’ll give it some thought(23). Let me get back to you in a week.”

And with that the stranger smiled and walked off.

Euan knew Jack was facing a tough decision. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place(24). He also knew that if Jack sold the pub, many in the community, including himself, would lose not only their jobs, but their much beloved local watering hole(25). He had to do something to change Jack’s mind, even if it meant rolling the dice(26) and potentially ending up in a sticky situation(27).

That night, Euan stayed up late, writing a heartfelt letter to Jack. He poured out his thoughts, explaining how much the pub meant to the community and how selling it to an outsider could change the town forever. He knew he couldn't beat around the bush(28); this was too important. So, every word had to come straight from the heart(29).

Euan wrote about the history of the pub, reminding Jack of the countless memories that had been made within these four walls(30). He described the laughter and camaraderie shared during Friday night gatherings, like the time old Bill got up to sing karaoke. Bill, known for his complete lack of rhythm and not being able to carry a tune in a bucket(31), decided to perform "I Will Survive." Halfway through, he tripped over the mic cord, took a nose dive(32), and ended up tangled in it, doing an unintentional interpretive dance that had everyone in stitches(33).

He recalled the heartfelt toasts given at weddings, including when young Emily toasted her new husband, Shane. Nervous and slightly tipsy, she mixed up his name with her dog's, calling him "Spot" multiple times in her speech. The crowning moment(34) was when she ended with, "And here's to many happy years with my loyal, furry friend, Spot!" The entire pub roared with laughter(35), and her husband took it in good humour, raising his glass and barking in response. “Woof!”

He highlighted how the pub served as a safe haven(36) for the locals, where everyone felt like one big happy family(37). The pub was the place where they celebrated their victories, mourned their losses, and created stories that Euan and Jack would never forget.

Furthermore, Euan appealed to Jack's sense of legacy. He reminded Jack of the hard work and dedication he'd put into building the pub up over the years.

"This place isn't just a building," Euan wrote. "It's the fruit of your labour(38) and a testament to your resilience and commitment to this town. Letting it go now would mean erasing a part of yourself and our town!"

Euan concluded the letter with a personal plea. "Jack, we need you. The pub needs you. Please don’t let it go and abandon ship(39). Stay with us, and let's continue to create more memories together. The town wouldn't be the same without you and this pub."

Exhausted but hopeful, Euan sealed the letter and decided to deliver it to Jack first thing in the morning(40). He knew it was a shot in the dark(41), but he hoped his words would resonate with Jack and get him to see reason(42).

The next morning, Euan handed the letter to Jack. "Just read it," he urged. "Have a long hard think(43) before you pull the trigger(44)."

Jack nodded, tucking the letter into his pocket. "Thanks, Euan. I’ll have a gander(45) at it later today." He said.

Days passed, and Euan's anxiety grew. He hadn’t heard back from Jack yet and had nothing to show(46) for his efforts. He wondered if his letter had missed the mark(47). Maybe he'd just get cold feet(48), take his family on the holiday earlier than expected, and just hope for the best(49).

The next day, Jack called all the locals into his pub for a big announcement. Euan was worried Jack was going to say he was selling the pub and buggering off(50) for good. As everyone gathered, Jack took centre stage(51) at the front of the room and gave a loud whistle to grab everyone’s attention(52).

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Jack began, his voice steady but his eyes revealing the burden he had been carrying(53). "I've been running this pub for 40 years. It's been a place of laughter, tears, and everything in between. But recently, I've found myself at a fork in the road(54) and faced with a tough decision."

The room fell silent. Euan was so nervous he wanted to puke his guts up(55). He realised Jack was about to announce the sale.

"Running this place hasn't always been smooth sailing(56), you know, especially in the last few years. There were boatloads of times when I thought about calling it quits(57) and trying to find an easier path. The offer I received recently made me seriously consider packing it in(58). It seemed like the smart move(59)."

Euan could feel a knot in his stomach(60) as he sensed the crowd’s anxiety. Jack continued, "But then, I started thinking about what this pub means. Not just to me, but to all of you. This pub isn't just a business; it's the beating heart of(61) our community. It's where we've celebrated weddings, mourned losses, and made memories that will stand the test of time(62). Isn’t that right, Spot?" Jack said as he pointed at Shane in the crowd cracking a cheeky smile.

Everyone laughed and the mood began to lighten. Jack paused, caught his breath(63), and looked around at the familiar faces.

"Euan here reminded me of that. He wrote me a letter, pouring his heart out(64) about how much this place means to all of us. It made me realise that selling the pub would be like selling a piece of ourselves."

Euan held his breath(65) and crossed his fingers(66).

"So, after much thought, I've made my decision. I know it hasn't been easy for any of us, and we still might have a rocky road ahead(67). But I can't walk away from this(68). Not now, not ever.”

A smile broke across Jack's face. "I’m keeping the pub!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, the relief and joy spread like wildfire(69) throughout the room.

“Drinks are on the house(70), everyone! Enjoy!” Jack said as he stepped down from the stage.

The pub filled with laughter, hugs, and a renewed sense of community. It was safe and sound(71), and so was their spirit.

Euan felt a wave of relief(72) and pride. His last-ditch effort(73) had paid off. The community rallied around Jack and the pub, organising events and fundraisers to support it. They were all in it together for the long haul(74).