Baggage Graphic Novel

Baggage

Written and Illustrated by Ausha Dao

2

Oh- Shoot-

Weren't expecting to get rained on?

3

The forecast never called for rain...

Here. This will help.

4

You looked super bummed about the rain.

So... I figured this might help us both stay dry?

...You're too kind.

5

So, where to, Monsieur Gloom n' Doom?

...Kingscote.

Over on Kangaroo Island.

Kingscote? Man that's far. Are you catching a train down at Warnambool Station? I guess I'm walking you there.

6

You're going quite out of the way to walk with me.

Don't you have somewhere to be yourself?

Not really.

I don't have a permanent residence so I just go where the wind takes me most of the time.

7

What about you?

Are you going heading out to meet up with family?

Kind of.

Sorry... That feels a bit too personal.

I don't even know your name.

8

Savannah Macarthur.

Who might you be Sir?

...My name is Nicholai. ...It's nice to meet you Miss Macarthur.

9

Mr. Nicholai...?

Ah- Please, just Nicholai.

10

Alright. No skin off my back...

...The rain let up. I suppose that means this is where we part ways.

11

Wow. You sound so depressed when you say it like that.

Cheer up won't you?

Aren't you going home?

12

...Yeah.

You're right.

13

I'm going home.

OhY-yeah...

14

Thank you Savannah-

NICHOLAI!

15

...Who's that...?

16

I- I'm sorryI need to go!

Huh-?

Wait--

DON'T THINK YOU CAN RUN FROM ME NICHOLAI!

17

Thunk!

18

OKAY-!

LET'S STEP BACK FOR A SECOND--

...And what do you think you're doing?

19

HEY-!

20

...?

H-HOLD ON A SECOND--!

Thunk!

...Uh Oh.

21

22

Thank you for riding with the Warrnambool via Geelong.

23

24

What the hell do I do with this?

25

Jeez...

Rummage

Rummage

Oh- Here we go!

Maybe somebody can come get this for him-

Huh-?

26

Selkie Rescue...?

There's a number under the sticky...

Hope there's a payphone nearby...

27

28

Oh-

Hello? Who is this?

Is Max there?

You're

speaking to them.

Oh-! My name is Savannah Macarthur. I'm calling because I ran into somebody you know...?

I know a lot of people Ma'am. You're going to need to be specific.

Oh- uh...

Blond man heading for Kingscote.

29

I think he was running away.

Can't really blame him...

Indeed. Is there a reason for this call, Miss Savannah?

Ah- Right Sorry. I was wondering if somebody could come back to Warnambool?

...?

30

Well... He left something important behind.

His... Selkie skin-?

Why?

HE LEFT HIS WHAT BEHIND?!?

31

...I am going to kill him.

Please don't-

So you've got his skin huh?

Don't think that you get to keep NicholaiI'm trying to return it to him.

32

You... Want to return it?

I would feel better if it was far from his Ex. I'd return it myself, but there's one issue:

I don't own a car.

...Give me a few days to drive over that way.

I can make it out to Warnambool after I get Nicholai settled here. ...Can you tell him something for me?

33

That depends on what it is.

I just- I want to wish him well in his life.

I know I'm a stranger to him, but I just...

The last time I saw him, he was terrified.

I'll never see him again, but I'd like to imagine he'll be happier, now that he's far away.

34

...I see. I'll pass the message along.

Although, I do have a question for you.

You mentioned his Ex-Wife.

What happened to her?

Oh- Uh-She- Well-...She was hauled off to jail.

For disrupting Peace and resisting arrest.

Oh wow- Wow IThat's hilarious.

35

Huh- Oh. I need to go, but we'll continue this conversation later, okay?

...Okay.

You're sure you want to do this?

... Yeah, I'm positive.

36

...Alright. If you're sure.

Let's get going.

37

Savannah...?

Oh-!

38

Right, I think this is yours, Nicholai.

39

Should I leave you two alone?

40

Maybe I'll hit up a pub.

While you two talk things out.

...Or make out?

Cause if you hug her any longer-

Huh? What are you-?

Max-Please don't-

Nope-! I won't third wheel on your guys' date! You two have fun!

MAX-!

End. 41

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