tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62777702164867249882024-03-04T22:51:26.624-08:00Chuck's ShortsShort Stories for your considerationChuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-49810010521401875582009-10-19T06:24:00.000-07:002009-10-19T06:35:29.440-07:00Pictures Don't Lie<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Everyone has their secrets. Some don't reveal themselves until tragedy strikes.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">My father always swore he wasn't there when it happened, but pictures don't lie.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> Unfortunately, he would never be able to explain himself. The robber had seen to that. The robber and Dad's pigheadedness. If he had just let the guy have his money...</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But that was the past. The present held only the mountain of debt he had left behind, debt that forced us to sell the store. This was the last business day, and I was cleaning out his office. I remembered playing here as kid while Dad did the books. I recalled working summers here in high school selling hammers and nails. So many memories, yet what kept running through my mind was, “Who’s going to get that giant ‘HARDWARE’ sign off the roof?” Each plywood letter was six feet tall. Dad was so proud of it - wouldn’t let anyone else maintain it. Once again, cleaning up after him was left to me. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">To change the direction of my brooding, I opened the safe. It was a family joke that he never kept anything inside. He claimed it was a decoy for burglars. Sure enough, inside lay a pile of worthless old cancelled checks. For no reason, I plowed my hands through them like a pile of old leaves, and that’s when I found the faded manila envelope sealed with duct tape. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Curious, I slit the envelope open, and poured out an old photogragh. Ice ran through my veins. Two smiling young men in the middle pointed to a giant V at the right edge. One man was my father. I looked at the other and began to shake. “You lying bastard.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Downstairs, the bell tinkled indicating a customer. Must have forgotten to lock the door. </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"We're closed," I called down. Nobody answered, but heavy footsteps made their way up the stairs.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"I said we're cl--"</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Good evening, Mr. Wilson," came the voice of the one man I did not want to see. Before Detective Mason reached the top, I crammed the photo and envelope into the safe and locked it. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Thought I'd find you here," said Mason sounding casual. After two months of dealing with him, I knew one thing about Detective Robert Mason. He was casual. Florida casual from his pastel polo shirt to his brown boat shoes. Too bad we were in Poughkeepsie. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Tonight, though, his</span></span></span><span style="font: 13.0px Lucida Grande; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">insouciance looked forced. Maybe it was the sweat staining his armpits, the pallor behind his tan, or the wideness in his eyes. Mason shoved the ancient rotary phone to the middle of the desk and claimed one corner for a seat. He shot a glance at the safe. "I've been thinking about our last conversation--"</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Hold it right there, Mason. You've been pestering me about my father’s past associations ever since he died." With more bravado than I felt, I leaned my fullback frame over the smaller man, casting him in shadow. "Like you think he was the criminal. What are you after?"</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">He turned to the wall. "Nice safe. Wonder what's inside."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Keep wondering."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Even when he stood, he had to look up to me. Shaking his head, he said, "Usually people cooperate when a loved one has been murdered."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Usually detectives try to catch the killer instead of digging into their past."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Did you ever think they might be related?" </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Wh-- What?"</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Mason gave a harsh laugh. “Are you that stupid? Do you think your father just said, ‘Hey robber, let’s fight so you can shoot me.’?” The detective glared, his face red like it had never been since he began investigating my father. How did he know there was more to Dad than I had known until today? All I wanted was for this jerk to go away so I could take in the bombshell that photo had dropped just minutes before.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Show me what’s in the safe,” he demanded.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Screw you,” I spat, shaking.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Open the damned safe!” he screamed, grabbing my collar. The little guy was stronger than he looked. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“If you don’t have a search warrant--”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Next instant, I felt the barrel of a Glock semiautomatic jammed under my chin. “This is my search warrant! Now open the safe.” I couldn’t tell who was shaking more, but at that moment I began to understand my father’s stubbornness. If this creep thought he was going intimidate me, he had another thing coming.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“You’re a cop!”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Not tonight I’m not.” That sentence, filled with resignation and anger, frightened me more than the pistol. But it also seemed to take the air out of his balloon. Mason lowered his gun and sank into the desk’s wooden chair. He stared into distance, brooding. “You’re just like your father.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“I’ll take that as a compliment.” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Don’t.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This evening had gone all over the place. I didn’t know if Mason was a cop or a kook, and with that Glock dangling from his right hand, I didn’t want to press my luck. On the other hand, the silence that had fallen was suffocating.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“What’s going on?” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">He looked up at me with sad eyes and gave a big shrug that led to a sigh. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Did you know my mom died last week? Shot herself. Know what she used? The gun that killed your father.” He paused to let the gravity of his words sink in. Then it hit me.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Your </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">mother</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">?” He nodded. “But--” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">In response, he handed me an envelope. Inside was an exact copy of the photograph I had discovered that evening. Not exact; it was the mirror image. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“There’s your father,” he said, pointing to Dad. “And there’s mine.” My knees grew weak, and I had to sit on the desk to keep from collapsing. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Your father was…”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Benny Harcliff, international jewel thief and mastermind of the infamous Ferris heist. See that bag?” He pointed the sack my father held. “Ferris diamonds.” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The room started to spin. “Dad always said he had met Harcliff in prison but never had anything to do with him afterwards and was nowhere near the Ferris job.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“He lied.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“So I see.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Mason joined me on the desk. “My father fled to Rio when things got hot. Mom never saw him again. But a few months ago she got a letter saying he was dying and wanted her cared for. He told her your father had the Ferris loot and would give her half if she showed him this photo.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Is that why you harrassed me so much?” He shook his head.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Everyone knew your father had a past. I just wanted to see if there was any connection. Little did I know it was my own mother.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"So, why'd she kill him?"</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Apparently, she showed him the picture, and he laughed. Said they already split the loot, and he’d spent his half. Mom didn’t believe him and pulled the gun, but he just kept laughing. Something snapped inside her, and she shot. Mom searched but found nothing. Last week she confessed everything to me -- just before putting the gun in her mouth."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"So, your mom killed my dad for diamonds that don’t exist."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Yup." He holstered the Glock and folded his arms.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Now what?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">He shrugged. “I just want to know more.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Like if the jewels are really gone?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Maybe.”<br /></span></span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Well, I didn’t even know Dad worked with Benny Harcliff.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“It’s only, if there was something left…”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“It’d be blood money. It killed my father.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“And my mother. But still.” Mason seemed so pathetic, so sad. I wanted to throw him a bone, something to cling to. But what? Then it hit me. I jumped from the desk nearly knocking Mason over. "Hey," he started but stopped when he saw me head for the safe. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">A few twists of the dial, and a satisfying click sounded. There was the photo. I reached out my hand to Mason.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Give it here," I commanded. He obeyed. Instinctively, I knew what to do, laying both photos on the desk side-by-side with the V at the left side of the frame of one meeting the V at the right side of the other. Together, they formed a giant W with two men on either side pointing to it. Why did it look familiar?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“HARDWARE,” breathed Mason. I smacked my head. Of course, the sign on the roof. But what did it mean? Surely they didn’t park the diamonds on the roof. And if they did, if there were still diamonds up there, what would we do? Take them? Stolen goods that killed our parents? Turn them in for a reward? Rewarded for their crimes?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“You could save the store,” Mason said, with no joy. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“And you?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">“Don’t know. I just want to know the truth.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The truth. What was that? After a lifetime of being lied to by my own father, I had no idea. Perhaps only those old photographs held my truth. After all, unlike people, pictures don’t lie.</span></span></span></p>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-22356220532605711772009-10-19T06:21:00.000-07:002009-10-19T06:24:22.820-07:00Work From Home<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#CC6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wouldn't it be nice if people who lose everything could have a second chance? Only the second chance might lead to something new. New life sounds almost like a miracle.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#CC6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The man, rumpled and disoriented, staggered off the bus and into a lamppost. Hugging the post, he saw a weathered flier dangling from it. Through gray morning mist he read the words, “Work from home.” A lone information tab with a phone number clung to the paper, a forsaken invitation to some better life too good to be true.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Home,” Paul spat and pushed away from the post. Talk about too good to be true. He stumbled backward into the street where the M50 bus had just pulled away. A horn blared, and he turned to see the M55 inches from his face, its angry driver gesticulating at him through the enormous windshield. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>A bear paw hand clapped down on his shoulder and hoisted Paul to the sidewalk.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Hiya, Buddy.” Markus beamed down at him.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“What’re you doing here?” Paul asked, straightening his soiled tie in a reflexive nod to his former dignity.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“You didn’t come back to the SA last night. I got worried. Thought you’d do something stupid.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Not yet,” muttered Paul.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Markus nodded toward the M55 as its door hissed shut and it rumbled away. “Thought you couldn’t handle a bus. It ain’t no limo after all.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Paul snorted. “Those days are over. Bastards threw me out like an old Kleenex.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Yeah,” agreed Markus. “Like me and the Bengals.” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Damn concussions, eh Markus?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Damn straight.” </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Together, they walked to the Salvation Army, Paul’s hands buried in his trench coat pockets. He felt a piece of paper in the left and fished it out. It was the information tab. “Work from home” it insisted. Funny, he didn’t remember pulling it off.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">***</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>They shared a fetid room at the SA where the stank of ancient urine clung to everything. Sitting opposite each other on their cots, knees nearly touching, the men gazed at the scrap of paper. Paul wadded it up, then unfolded it.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Maybe I’ll call just for fun,” he said. “Thirty-five cents isn’t too much to waste.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Work from home is good,” Markus said. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Have to have a home first.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Markus spread his massive arms wide. “This is it, Buddy.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Well,” Paul countered, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Probably. But if you got nothing, can’t nobody steal it from you.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Paul shrugged. Markus pressed a quarter and a dime into his hand. Paul shrugged again then headed down the dim corridor to the lone pay phone. The metal buttons felt large and clunky compared to his old Blackberry.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>One ring. Two. Three, then a voice at the other end, male, gentle, soothing. “You were wandering the streets all night, weren’t you?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“What?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Deciding whether to kill yourself or give it one last chance.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“How did you...?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Experience. Usually, it takes a desperate person to call me.”<br /></span></span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Who are you?”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Your last chance.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Markus appeared out of nowhere. He crowded next to Paul so he could listen in. “How’s it going, Buddy?” he asked in a failed whisper.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>A pause at the other end. Then, businesslike, “If you want a job, come to the Westend Warehouse. 3:00 pm.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Can I come?” begged Markus.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Bring your friend.” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Too good to be true,” Paul warned himself, unaware he had spoken out loud. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“That depends on you,” said the voice and hung up.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">***</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>They sat on the worn linoleum floor scooping tiny plastic beads into tall glass jars. After each scoop, Paul dropped in a trinket. A toy airplane, a star, a tiny telephone. Last of all, he placed a plastic tab bearing some message like “This is it,” or “Look within,” or “What do you seek?” Then he glued a lid onto the jar and attached a tag reading, “Magic Treasure Hunt. Find the treasures listed below, then read the message just for you.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Paul and Markus had found Westend Warehouse empty except for two boxes of empty jars and three boxes of beads and trinkets. A note promised a dollar per jar when they brought them back filled. Markus found an old shopping cart to bring them home.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>There was a rhythm to their work. Scoop, drop, scoop, drop. He liked the feel of the beads, like soft sand. It relaxed him. The messages spoke hope to him. He wondered if they did the same for the children who received these treaure jars. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>They took eight timeless hours for the first batch. When they wheeled the jars back to the warehouse, it was empty except for an envelope with two one-hundred dollar bills and more boxes of jars.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Every day for the next month, they repeated the pattern. Scoop, drop, scoop, drop. “This is it,” “Yes,” “Here it is.” Wheel to the warehouse. Bring jars home.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>With his earnings, Paul bought a suit and a razor. He began visiting the library and searching job listings online. Nothing. Still, he felt hopeful that the right thing would come along.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Then one day he picked up a plastic message tag that read, “Today is your day.” Paul sniffed. Fear and excitement raced down his spine. He turned the tag over in his hands and read a phone number. He stared at it a long time.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“What is it, Buddy?” asked Markus, concerned. Paul handed him the tag. A shadow passed over Markus’ eyes, as if something had died. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“You got to move on,” he said. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Paul furrowed his brow. “What about you?” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Markus gave a rueful smile and held up his own tag that read, “Soon. Not Yet.” </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Go on, call,” he insisted. Paul snatched up some change and marched down the dark hall. Markus did not follow. Paul dropped in the coins and dialed.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>“Ready to get going?” asked the voice. </span></span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Times; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> They spoke. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Paul straightened his tie as he left the Salvation Army, suitcase rolling behind him. Out on the street he passed the M55, then stopped at the lampost and waited. When his bus arrived, he climbed aboard unsure where he was going but certain it was good -- and true.</span></span></span></p>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-76220846612902411152008-12-18T05:28:00.000-08:002008-12-18T05:57:46.067-08:00Dominique<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">In 1994, we had a daughter who died at birth. We were told ten weeks before her birth that she would not survive. This story came to me one very early morning and became for me a way to survive. If you want to see more of the powerful and mystical ink illustrations -- by my sister Shirley -- go to www.charleskramerwrites.com</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikreiZqzXOyUcUXnHqm5CjUAq1nxCk2ZRJauVETFjII9jrh1QfMdUfSxCY2aiErP39t_XCgbQDDDBOHh3pyr6bbQPMyK1bVXmvq5M3igN4g_O3m2SZ8D3V9a4714ufs0LrDACSQH8HDmg/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikreiZqzXOyUcUXnHqm5CjUAq1nxCk2ZRJauVETFjII9jrh1QfMdUfSxCY2aiErP39t_XCgbQDDDBOHh3pyr6bbQPMyK1bVXmvq5M3igN4g_O3m2SZ8D3V9a4714ufs0LrDACSQH8HDmg/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281124726911421394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13px;"><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Among all the souls in heaven, there was Dominique. Like all the rest, she was beautiful and ever-changing. One minute she became a dark-haired lass leaping in joy, the next a golden young woman dancing through the heavenly fields. Sometimes she turned into a gray grandmother or appeared as all three at the same time. Ageless, race-less, classl</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ess, Dominique knew that in heaven, what defined a soul’s beauty was the glow of love. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dominique sat one day at the feet of a cluster of newly returned souls. Three of them had just come back – died as they call it on earth – and Dominique sat among the fascinated souls who wanted to hear their stories. “Oh, it’s hard,” said a man in mid transition to a freckle-faced boy. He had scars all along his left arm. His faced aged in a moment to an ancient and worn man. “There’s pain and worry. Many times I cried to Heaven for mercy, for relief, for some way to escape. It never came, but at last, here I am.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A male soul sitting next to Dominique stared wide-eyed at him. “Was it worth it?” All </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">three returnees laughed. “It was but a momentary inconvenience,” said a female soul whose </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">laughing eyes outshone the burn marks across her face. “Compared to what we learned about </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">loving others – ” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> “ – And being loved,” inserted the third, a woman in the process of growing younger. “Especially</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> in a place like earth where so many things make love hard. Yes, it is worth it now.” </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As they spoke, the heavenly air began to tingle. The souls all looked up, excited. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Warmth flowed through the gathering and angels sang. They all knew. The Creator was </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">coming. The Creator came. All souls stared in adoration and joy. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Dominique,” came the sonorous voice. All eyes turned to her. She felt her face burn </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">with embarrassment and ecstasy. “I need you.” She looked at the other souls, but they began to </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">fade away, all certain without having to be told that this was not their conversation to hear. The </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Creator made no move to stop them. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“My — my help? What can I do?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’ll explain.” She could only stare in wonder. “You know the souls who return, don’t </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">you?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Oh yes!” she said. “How I long to know the depths of love they know.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“That is good to hear. Yet there are others.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Others?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Others who made the trip, who are no longer on earth but haven’t been able to return </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">either.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Where are they?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Lost.” A shiver ran through her. How could souls not return? Weren’t they in the </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Creators’ care? </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Many cannot return so easily because they have not known love. The earth can be so </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hard. Some die unmourned before they are born, others are killed young through neglect or indifference. Some suffer long years without knowing what it is like to be loved or to love in return. And others still have the love ripped out of them.” Dominique looked at the Creator with wide-eyed horror. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Horrible, isn’t it?” asked the Creator. “Immeasurably sad, too. Their suffering is mine.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“They suffer still?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“How can they not? This place is love. They no longer have it within them so </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">cannot return. To exist without love is to suffer. All they know is mistrust and the fear that </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">they do not deserve to be loved.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“But </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">everyone</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> knows they’re worthy of your love.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Creator gave a short, sad chuckle. “By accepting the risk of becoming human, each soul gives up that knowledge. They must depend on others to help them regain it. That’s why </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">there’s such a depth to the love of the returnees.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dominique sat down, forgetting whose presence she was in. The Creator said nothing but </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">waited for her to speak. She rested her head in her hand, confused. “What would you like me to </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">do?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Help them.” The words rang through the divine mountains though no other soul seemed </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">to notice. “Help them move beyond their mistrust and fear so they can once again understand </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">my love.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“How?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Make the journey to earth just as they did. Offer little reason for anyone to love you – </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">yet find love and acceptance anyway.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Me?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“You.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dominique’s mind raced, a sensation she had never known. “But, how will my going to </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">earth and finding love help them?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Creator smiled. “The suffering souls will watch you. Yes, I know it’s unusual, but </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">they will watch your life, feel what you feel, both fear and joy. In short, they are going to </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">experience love through you.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The two stared at each other in silence. No one but the Creator could say how long, but </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">much happened in heaven before Dominique spoke again. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Suppose,” she began slowly, “suppose my parents choose not to love me? Suppose they </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">don’t want me? Do I join all those suffering souls?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“It is a risk you must take. I can’t make anyone love another. But I have chosen parents </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">who I think will love you no matter what.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">More silence. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“And then? What do I do after I am born?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I can’t tell you.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dominique closed her eyes. “This is a hard journey you asked me to make. Not what I </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">envisioned at all.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I do not require that you make it.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dominique knew. The Creator would never force anything. But what should she </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">do? She had long wanted to go, but now it sounded like a more dangerous journey than the other </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">returnees had known. But the Creator trusted her, was depending on her. How could she refuse? </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’ll do it,” she said after an age. The Creator beamed. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">* * * </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When Dominique entered her body, it was already formed, tiny fingers and toes wiggling about. At first she felt the weight of her duty to the other souls, of the importance of her task, but then she became aware of her surroundings.It was dark and warm with distant, echoey sounds coming from somewhere she could not define. She moved around freely but noticed that there was a limit to how far she could go. Already, everything here was so very different from heaven.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Time passed, she could not say how long, and Dominique noticed the space where she lived shrinking. After that came a series of sensations she had no words for. Pushing and rubbing eminating from the top of the dome which was her world. A series of pushes came that swept over her dome from end to end, and with each came a new sensation, some sort of energy she could not describe. Then came a voice she had heard in the past, a kind and loving voice, one she trusted though she could not quite place it. “They are taking pictures of you,” it said.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What is a picture?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> she wondered, but could only imagine she would know in time.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After the picture, Dominique continued to grow. Now she could push against the dome which had shrunk so much that it was always within reach. Yet she felt good, confident. happy.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then one day, the picture taking began again. Only this time whatever pushed against her world did so much harder than before and much more often. Over and over the sensation came. When it stopped, Dominique felt relief, but then it started again, and she became worried. Dominique did not like the sensations eminating from the pictures, but worse yet, she got the impression that it did not please her world, either. The word, “mother” drifted into her mind, and she remembered her mission involved a mother. At one point, the mother’s body began convulsing, and it frightened Dominique. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The word “father” emerged as an image in her mind, and though she did not know how, Dominique could tell when the father and the mother hugged. After this last session of picture taking, they hugged a very long time. The mother shook horribly, producing an eerie wailing sound that frightened Dominique. It rose to high pitches then dove into unbreathing silence in rhythm with the shaking. At times she could feel them hug and knew that both were making the wailing sounds she wished would stop.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was hard to tell what was going on outside -- the idea of there being an outside meant little to Dominique but she knew it was where the mother and father lived. And she knew that at first there was a flurry of activity which included sharp probes sticking through the dome and inching their way toward her. One probe touched her, and recoiled in pain. After that, there seemed to be very little motion from her mother and father -- “parents,” said that vaguely familiar voice -- for a long time.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thoughts raced through her head that became increasingly morose. Not only was it becoming increasingly tight in this world of hers, but things did not seem to be going well outside in the world of her parents. She felt an air of sadness about them that confused her. She felt fine, so what was the problem? </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Or, am </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> the problem? Do they not love me? Will they reject me? What have I done?</span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dominique had no word for birth defects. She could not know that she would never be healthy or that her survival was in question. She could not know that her parents faced each other day after day unsure what to do next.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All Dominique knew was that things no longer felt right. She knew that the mother was not happy but did not know if she was still a friend or now an enemy. Uncertain of where she stood, she waited.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then one day, for voice recognition had been added to her connection with the outside, she heard her mother sing. Dominique remembered singing from her heaven days, and although those days were but a distant memory, she felt certain that this was different. The love in the mother’s songs held a different kind of love than those in heaven. It sounded sad and filled with pain. But it was love, and that gave her hope. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Some time later, she heard the father’s voice. It spoke in long, uninterrupted streams in which the mother said nothing. Sometimes his voice came fast and excited but then slowed down to soft and slow murmurs. Occasionally, his voice became low and thundering. </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The vaguely familiar voice from heaven said, “He’s reading stories,” but did not explain what a story was. Dominique thought she remembered hearing of them before, but she gave up trying to figure out when. All she knew now was that she liked it.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Every day now, the parents read and sang th her. And always, always, one or the other touched the dome that was her world. Dominique could feel the gentle pressure and felt certain they were trying to touch her. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That’s nice</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, she thought. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They will be good parents after all.</span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And still there were times when the strange object passed over the ever-shrinking dome sending its unpleasant sensation through her. Each time one of these picture taking times happened, her parents became quiet; they neither sang nor read but only took up the horrible shaking and wailing again. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why do they do it?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> she wondered. Even so, it was not long before her mother and father began singing and reading, and Dominique decided as long as she had her parents, she could live with the pictures.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One day, Dominique felt the urge to move in a new way. She twisted and turned, shoving against the dome until she had done flip. Now, she felt her head move into a snug place which was not particularly comfortable but felt right.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Something happened.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A squeezing sensation pressed down on her, not hard but definite and worrying. After a moment, it passed and Dominique forgot about it. Then it happened again. Every now and then the squeezing forced her out of the sleep she was trying to enjoy. One contraction came hard and now she was wide awake. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Still her parents sang and read. Other voices seemed to calm the mother, or at least that is what it felt like to Dominique. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> How strange</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, she thought, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I can almost feel what the mother feels. It’s sad, but I think it is also love</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At so it was. Her parents had discovered that their baby was missing kidneys and that there was no hope. At its birth, it would die. They cried horribly and wanted to get rid of this thing which suddenly could not be their child. They were angry at the Creastor for giving them the joy of a child only to take it away. They were angry at the child for not being perfect.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But as the weeks passed, they realized that Dominique was their child, their little girl as the doctors had told them, to love as long as she -- and they -- lived. If they could not be with her after her birth, they would make the most of their time with her now. It didn’t stop them from feeling sad, nor did it take away the hope that the doctors might be wrong, but it did help them know how much they loved the little girl who was their daughter.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And there was a hint -- just a hint -- that her parents understood the importance of her work. They had no words for it, but they knew she was a special girl.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Only, as their understanding of her importance grew, Dominique’s shrank like the ever-tighter space that was her world. Her memory of heaven dwindled until she had no thoughts of the Creator, no thoughts of the other souls, no thoughts of those who depended on her to help them feel love for the first time. She felt her parents’ love, though she lost the words for it. She felt that, even though things were becoming less comfortable, all was right with the world.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One day, everything went wrong. the squeezing that had been sporadic and gentle before now came in frequent and sharp waves. Dominique retreated from the pressure by burrowing down deeper. With each mounting spasm, she worked her way down away from it like a frightened rabbit. After a long time, she could tell her mother didn’t like it, either.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hours went by until an unaccountable rush of energy swept over Dominique. Giant waves of pressure picked her up from behind and shoved her out of her tight home into a bright, cold, raw place where the noises were loud and harsh.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In that first instant, her overwhelming feeling was disorientation. As second later someone grabbed her and placed her in a blanket. Then she moved to a soft, warm surface she had never known before but which felt familiar. Voices came at her, louder than before but equally familiar. She recognized her mother and father.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It felt good. She gained a glimpse of her parents, but only for a moment. Next instant a change inside her ripped her attention away from her parents. The long, narrow tube that had always been part of her, that now dangled between her and her mother, seemed to stop working. Its familiar pulsing ceased, and Dominique felt other unfamiliar parts of her body stirring. She experienced uncomfortable sharp pressure, and the tube which she had assumed would always be part of her was suddenly gone.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Two things happened at the same time. Her insides ground to a halt. Things felt wrong, and she struggled to breathe. It frightened Dominique, and she threw her eyes open as wide as she could. It was not much.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the blury faces she gazed into looked back at her with unmistakable love so strong no spirit could make it for anything else. She found comfort looking tin their eyes and knew they were forever linked after only a few moments.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then sleep overwhelmed her. Dominique took one last look at her parents and closed her eyes.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A brilliant light greeted Dominique. She sensed the Creator’s great joy at her return.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Welcome home, dear one,” said the Creator. “You have done well.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She replied with a combination of anger and bewilderment so powerful that she wished the words back the second she spoke them. “I didn’t do </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">anything</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. I only had a moment in the world before you called me back. You didn’t tell me I wouldn’t have a life!”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Creator smiled. “You bear the marks of one who has made the journey. But you have much to learn from your experience. Tell me about your parents.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I think they were good people. They loved me.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“They cried over me,” she said, “and they sang to me. They read me stories and, for those few moments when I was with them, I looked into their eyes and they looked into mine, and I could see the mixture of love and agony that you just can’t imitate.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“So you knew your parents’ love?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Yes,” she said, “I knew my parents’ love.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Despite your inability even to live for a day? Despite your inability to return their love in any tangible way?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Despite all that, I knew their love.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Creator smiled. “Then, my child, you have experienced life to its fullest.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then she knew. In and instant, Dominique understood that in the depths of her heart she had experienced the truest essence of life, the fullest measure of life, the entire point of life. She knew how wonderful it was only when there was love.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I see it, I see it!” she cried. “My life </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">was</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> complete.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Like I said,” said the Creator, “you’ve done well. All that’s left is to meet the souls you’ve been helping. They’ve been watching you, trying to learn about love and acceptance from your experience. but that sort of vicarious living can only go so far. They need to see you, to hear you tell them how your life was complete. Com now, you loving sould, and share your heart so they can be free.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And there was rejoicing in heaven that day.</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:12px;"><br /></span></div></span>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-70218940861995268542008-12-09T03:16:00.000-08:002008-12-09T04:50:20.368-08:00A Pinch To Grow An Inch<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"></span></span></span></p><blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">School is a hard place with the fear of failure ever present, compounded by the fear of being unpopular. Worse still, is the fear of being invisible. Common student wisdom is, it's better to be noticed for being bad than to not be noticed at all. This story explores what it means to be noticed, and whether that's a good thing or not.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "></p></blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey Carter hated school. Not that he was a bad student, just invisible. He was average height, average weight, had average brownish hair, and got average grades. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Children at school never made fun of him, but they never invited him over to their houses either. When he stood in a group of kids, everyone else talked, while he stayed invisible. The one time he tried to speak up, the other children kept talking as if he wasn’t there.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Which is why he dreaded his birthday. At Expansion Elementary School, children gave their friends a pinch to grow an inch on their birthdays. It never hurt, and everyone laughed when the birthday boy or girl squealed in pretend pain. There was even a pinch party every spring for all the students who had birthdays in the summer. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey knew how many pinches he would get. Zero. Even when his mom brought in cupcakes the year before, kids sang a half-hearted happy birthday only when prodded by the teacher and gobbled the cupcakes with barely a thank you. The second his mom left, everyone went back to their work without a glance at Joey.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To make it worse, this year his birthday was a Monday. Joey spent the entire weekend devising ways to skip school. He prayed for snow, which was rare in April. He invented a new holiday called </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First Mow of the Year</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, but he gave it up. If his parents believed him, he’d probably spend his birthday pushing the lawn mower. Finally, he settled on the old standby.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">MONDAY: “Mom,” he called down the stairs early in the morning. He moaned and held his stomach when his mother entered his room.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“What’s the matter, Birthday Boy?” she said with a smile, but frowned when she saw him. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I feel sick.” Mom eyed him for a full ten seconds before breaking into a smile again. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Well, my sick boy, let me get the thermometer. But I warn you; if there’s no fever, you go to school. Birthdays are no excuse for skipping.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She doesn’t understand</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, Joey thought. His mom simply thought that he wanted his birthday off. She had no idea how humiliating it was to have people look right through you when they were supposed to be giving you pinches to grow an inch. If people really depended on those pinches, Joey would be about four inches tall.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mom stuck the thermometer in his mouth, but her smile told him everything he needed to know. “98.6,” she said and kissed him on the forehead. “Nice try.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Slowly, Joey rolled out of bed to get dressed. He put on his underwear and was just reaching for a pair of jeans when his bedroom door flew open. His eight-year-old sister filled the doorway, a broad smile spread across the horizon of her face. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey clutched the jeans to his body and crouched down. “Ginny!” he shouted. “I’m getting dressed!”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Happy Birthday, Joe!” she cried with a little hop that made her red curls bob up and down. Then, without warning, Ginny darted forward and pinched his thigh.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Ow!” he squealed, rubbing the blooming welt.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Pinch to grow an inch!” Ginny called and raced out of the room before he could catch her. Joey slammed the door but smiled. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Well,” he told himself, “There’s one at least.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When Joey got to school, he slunk in like every other day. Nobody wished him Happy Birthday. Nobody talked to him. Nobody looked at him. At Expansion Elementary, fifth graders did not take cupcakes on their birthday -- Mr. Baker did not like it. So, as far as anybody knew, Joey did not have a birthday today. As far as anybody, Joey did not exist.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When the lunch bell rang, all the children hurried to the cafeteria. Joey brought up the rear, carrying his brown paper bag. He sat down near a few other kids but not with them. He sat at the “regular” boys’ table, the one for boys who were neither popular nor unpopular. The popular girls led by Kelly Burns sat at the table behind him. The popular boys sat at a table next to theirs. The most unpopular kids sat at a table in the corner.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As the regular boys unpacked their lunch boxes or poked at their hot lunch trays, Joey pulled out a peanut butter sandwhich and, to his surprise, a cupcake with a little “11” written in icing on top. Frankie Butler looked over and said, “What you got a cupcake for?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey felt a twinge of excitement. Maybe someone would notice him. “Birthday,” he said, looking Frankie in the eye. Frankie took one last look at the cupcake, said, “Oh,” and went back to his conversation. Joey’s face burned. He looked around at all the other kids enjoying themselves while he sat alone, wishing himself what nobody else would: A Happy Birthday.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That was when something snapped inside Joey. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I don’t have to sit here and be ignored</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, he told himself. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After all, I’m eleven years old. I can make them notice.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Before he knew what he was doing, Joey leapt onto the bench of his table and called out, “Today is my elelventh birthday! Would somebody just give me one pinch?” As soon as he said it, he sank down, his face burning, and wished he could disappear. Why had he done such a stupid thing? The other students stared at him a moment, some whispered and others sniggered, but soon they all went back to their meals.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then something happened that stopped the entire cafeteria cold. Kelly Burns stood up, walked over to Joey, and gave him a pinch on the arm. Without a word, and with the entire school staring, she walked away. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Alec Mally, the most popular boy, stared after her, then a nasty grin formed on his lips. “If she can, why can’t I?” he said to his buddies. Only, when Alec pinched, it hurt. His friends lined up to pinch Joey, all competing to give him the hardest pinch until he wailed in pain and his arm looked like he had chicken pox. Then the popular girls jumped in, not as hard, but just as mean. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Where are the monitors?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Joey thought as even the third and fourth graders ganged up on him and gave him pinches.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey did not take the bus home that day. </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He walked by himself rather than face the humiliation of all those kids who pinched him.</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> All those kids whom he now hated. As he walked, Joey thought, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I wish each of those pinches really </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">would</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> make me grow an inch because then I’d be able to do anything I wanted to them.</span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That night, when his family sang Happy Birthday and his mother told him to make a wish, Joey closed his eyes and thought, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let each pinch make me grown an inch.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Then he blew out the candles.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">TUESDAY: The next morning, Joey woke up, his wish forgotten. But when he sat up and put his feet on the floor he noticed that his knees came up to his chin. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That’s strange</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, he thought and stood up. His head smacked the ceiling, and Joey cried, “Ow!” A second later, Ginny pounded on his door and called, “What’s the matter, big brother? Arms still hurt?” She pushed the door open, stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed at him, then let out a long, blood curdling scream before bolting down the stairs.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey could not stand up in his room even though it had a ten-foot ceiling. He sat down on the bed again and rubbed his head, wondering what was going on. A voice from downstairs broke his thoughts. “Joey!” called his father. “Please come down here.” Joey tried to stand again, slowly, but gave up and crawled down to the kitchen where he knew his father was making breakfast. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When he got there, he saw his father facing him, a spatula in one hand and a frying pan in the other. Ginny stood behind their dad, trembling. “Look at you,” his father said with a tut. “You must be thirteen feet tall if you’re an inch.” He did not seem frightened or even surprised. “What did you wish for last night?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey looked at his long thin arms and legs waving around like tenticles, his elongated body, and his pajamas which had somehow grown with him. He told his father about his bad day and his wish.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“You really do have to be careful what you wish for, my son,” said Dad. “Wishes are powerful things. Now you’ll have an uncomfortable day or two before finding out if your wish will stick -- but in the meantime you’ll have to go to school.” Just then his mother walked in and joined them. “Being a giant is no excuse for skipping,” she said with her sympathetic smile. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’m not going to school in pajamas,” Joey insisted, but in reply, his mother simply reached into a bag she was holding and pulled out a set of clothes that looked more like tents. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Where did you get those?” Joey asked, forgetting his problem for a moment.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She smiled. “Mothers are always prepared.” Dad put a hand to Joey’s ear and said, “They used to be mine. I - uh - had a giant problem of my own when I was your age.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Even Ginny knew that Joey could not ride the bus in his condition. She offered to walk with him, but he wanted to go by himself. He had never been a giant before, and he wanted to think about it. He walked slowly, and after a while the bus passed him. Joey looked up and saw all the students staring out the window at him. Joey’s heart sank. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yesterday was bad enough</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, he thought. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now I’m a freak.</span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When he arrived at school, he was met by two hundred children and all the teachers. The children looked frightened, but the teachers never let on what was going through their minds. After a minute, the bell rang, and Ms. Piston the principal jumped as if startled from a dream. “All right, children,” she called, clapping her hands. “To your classrooms!” She started toward the school but stopped and turned back. “You too, Joey. You don’t want to be late.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That day, Joey had to sit cross-legged on the floor because none of the desks could hold him. Even so, he towered over the other children who kept staring at him. He did not like the feeling of their eyes boring into the back of his head. When it was time for band, he shuffled to the auditorium and for the first time could stand upright inside. When he tried to play his trumpet, however, he found it was far too small. Mr. Adagio, the band director gave him a tuba, but even that was too little. Joey ended up tapping on the bass drum until he accidentally hit too hard and broke it.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When he went to gym class, they played dodgeball. Alec Mally was captain of the other team, and he told his players to aim at Joey because he was such a big target. Joey’s team lost miserably.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At lunch, Ginny sold tickets to her second-grade classmates who stood in line to touch the giant boy. Joey sighed. He handed the tiny lunch sack he had been trying to open to a second grade girl and left the cafeteria. He decided the tiny sandwhich his mother made probably would not have helped much anyway. He was way too hungry for that.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After school, he trudged home alone, tired of all the staring. The school bus drove past him, and the bus driver honked in greeting. Once again, all the kids gaped at him out the school bus windows. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh well,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> he sighed, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">at least people noticed me today.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That night at supper, Joey’s family ate outside so he could sit upright. His favorite part of the evening was when Ginny got in trouble for selling tickets, and his parents made her give him all of the money. But then, Ginny got her ball stuck in a tree, and his parents made him reach up and get it for her. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">By the end of the day, Joey was ready to be small again.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WEDNESDAY: When he woke up the next morning he was not small. He bumped his head on the ceiling again, squatted his way downstairs, and complained to his mother and father. “Why haven’t I shrunk?” His father looked up at him and waved the spatula in his face. “I told you this could take a day or two -- </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">if</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> you shrink, that is. You might be stuck as a giant.” Joey crawled away from breakfast thinking about how it would feel being a giant for the rest of his life.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When the schoolbus came, he watched Ginny climb on. On a sudden inspiration he yelled to the busdriver, “I’ll race you!” The busdriver did not speed, but buses still go pretty fast. Fortunately, Joey’s extra long legs made him even faster. He skidded to a halt in front of the school five seconds before the bus pulled up. The children piling out of the bus cheered and gave him high fives (which were low fives for him). </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As they marched toward school, Joey heard Ginny say, “You should have seen him get my ball from the tree.” For the first time in forever, Joey felt special. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Class was much the same as the day before, except Joey sat on the floor in the back. “I can always see you,” his teacher joked. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At recess, Alec Mally threw a ball onto the roof of the playground shed. “Hey, Joey,” ordered Alec, “get the ball.” Joey scowled down at him. “Say please,” he commanded. Children looked nervously from Alec to Joey. Nobody ever told Alec Mally what to do. After a few moments, however, Alec blushed and said, “Please.” Joey reach up and tossed the ball into the crowd of cheering boys.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Five minutes later, one of the teachers hustled over to him. “Uh, Joey,” she said, “the flag seems to have gotten wrapped around the flagpole. Could you please unravel it?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At gym class, they played dodgeball again, and once again Alec Mally was captain of the other team. Joey had thought about this, and he had a plan. Instead of trying to dodge the balls, which he could never do, he caught them with his giant hands. Joey discovered that he could catch two balls at once and use them to block shots while his teammates picked off the other team. That day, Alec Mally’s team lost, and Joey was a hero. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When Joey went to bed that night, he felt a warm glow he barely knew. But he also felt troubled. What if the kids liked him just because of all the things he could do now? Could they ever like him just for being Joey?</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THURSDAY: On his third as a giant, the kids hardly stared at Joey, even when he raised his hand to answer a question. Maybe because his hands were so big now, the teacher finally called on him, and Joey gave a good answer. He answered three questions in a row, and the teacher said, “Where have you been all year, Joey?” He answered, “Right here.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At lunch, he sat on the floor at the end of the table with the regular boys. Alec Mally still wanted nothing to do with him, but Joey didn’t care. He pulled a giant peanut butter sandwhich out of his bag (filled with two full jars of peanut butter and two full jars of jelly) then cracked a joke. He had told it before, but nobody had listened back then. This time, everybody laughed.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That night when he kissed his mom and dad goodnight, he lay down on the floor with three pillows and five blankets and said, “This has been a great day. People liked me, and not just because I was big. For the first time, I felt like a regular kid.” He fell asleep with a smile on his face. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">FRIDAY: Joey woke up still smiling. He rubbed his eyes, yawned a toothy yawn, and without thinking stood up. His head did not hit the ceiling. Wide awake now, Joey twirled around. He looked at his arms and legs. They were normal. “Ginny!” he called with excitement. “Come here!” His sister burst through the door and stopped short. Her mouth dropped open. She took a step backward, then ran down the stairs screaming, “Mom!”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A second later he heard heavy footsteps racing up the stairs. When they reached his door, Mom smiled, and Dad gave a little laugh. “Looks like your giant days are over, Son,” said Dad, waving the spatula around. “And I just made you five dozen pancakes, too.”</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“That’s no excuse for not going to school, though,” warned Mom.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Don’t worry,” said Joey, “I’m ready.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Alec Mally was most interested in Joey being small again. He said, “Not so special now, are you Joey?” Nobody listened to Alec. They wanted to know how Joey had gotten small again. He just shrugged. But in class he raised his hand and answered correctly. In gym, he caught several balls during dodgeball and even hit Alec Mally. And at lunch, he told a new joke he had heard on the radio that made the regular boys laugh so hard Mike Stellman snorted milk through his nose. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joey rode the bus home that day with all the other kids, and when he got off with Ginny, they all called, “Have a great weekend, Joey!”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The next morning Joey jumped out of bed and threw on his clothes. He raced downstairs but was surprised to find the kitchen was empty. He packed his backpack and called upstairs, “Come on, Ginny! Time for school!”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dad and Mom crept down the stairs still in their pajamas. They smiled. “I’m glad you like school now,” said Mom. “But it’s the weekend -- Being happy is no excuse for going to school. But don’t worry, Monday will come soon.”</span></span></p></span></div>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-82741600735195540602008-12-03T05:35:00.000-08:002008-12-03T05:46:47.568-08:00The Parlous Pastors Mud-Wrestling Match<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:x-small;"><blockquote>Being a minister in a small town has its rewards, but there are challenges, too. Everyone knows you and somehow sees the ministers as interchangeable. More than once, I've found myself providing pastoral care for parishioners of different denominations because I happened to be handy. Another challenge is the freedom with which people from all over town share their opinions of what you and your colleagues ought to do. Mud-wrestling is just one of those ideas shared over time.</blockquote></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the end, nobody would admit to dreaming up the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Parlous Pastors’ Mud-Wrestling Match</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, but everyone liked it at the time. Everyone except the pastors. <br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Or at least two of them. The Reverend Kevin Baker, rector of St. Claire’s Episcopal Church and the Reverend Dirk Wibrant, pastor at the Parlous Reformed Church hated the idea. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Come on, Father,” insisted Parlous town supervisor Fred Warner when he cornered the Episcopalian, “it’ll be fun. Besides, it’s for the poor.” As newest pastor in town, Kevin felt he could not refuse to at least entertain the supervisor’s pleas. Still, he frowned throughout the conversation. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin Baker stood barely five foot five, but he had wrestled in college and worked out daily. He knew that Dirk Wibrant’s idea of exercise was standing in the middle of a river and casting a fly rod, but the Reformed pastor was tall and beefy and outweighed Kevin by at least sixty pounds. Kevin would be squished. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When he expressed this concern to the town supervisor, Fred brushed it off. “Roll around a bit, get some mud on your face, make everyone laugh. When it’s over, we’ll go get a beer.” Kevin did not laugh. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk Wibrant also felt he had little choice. After all, as the supervisor reminded him over coffee at </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Catherine’s Cafe</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, “You need a good will gesture, Dirk. You’ve got the whole town riled up with that ‘Stop the War' banner you hung up on the steeple. And that sermon last month. I mean, ‘Perhaps God can forgive the evil our government has perpetuated, but I can't.’ What were you thinking?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Oh, I don’t know, Fred. Maybe, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thou shalt not kill</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, or, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They will beat their swords into plowshares</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, or possibly, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Turn the other cheek</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Take your pick.” Dirk smiled, but his breathing was shallow and rapid. Fred Warner patted him on the shoulder.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You preach what you need to, Dirk, but I’m telling you, do the mud-wrestling, and all of Parlous will forgive every word of it.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin and Dirk met at </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Catherine’s</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> the day after the supervisor’s assault. “Let’s just let them talk it out of their systems,” Kevin suggested. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I agree,” said Dirk. He turned to Catherine, who was offering coffee refills, and held out his cup for a warmer upper. “I mean, nobody at PRC or St. Claires’ would be stupid enough to let us mud-wrestle in front of the entire town. And that PAPA endorsement was a joke. After all, I didn’t see any other pastors volunteering to jump into the ring.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin laughed at the memory of the last Parlous Area Pastors Associaltion meeting when Fred Warner presented the idea. “Danny Ferguson almost made me wet my pants with his, ‘No, no, no, no. I’m too old to have fun.’”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk smiled but said, “Now don’t make fun of him. He’s been at Parlous Presbyterian for twenty-five years. Same with Pat ‘if-I-were-just-a-wee-bit-younger’ Kearny over at Our Lady of Fatigue. They’ve paid their dues.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They stared at their paper coffee cups until Kevin chuckled. “I don’t think I'll ever forget the daggers Kate Dempsy's eyes shot at Fred when he turned to her. I didn’t know Methodists could be so fierce.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk laughed. “What was Fred thinking? ‘Your participation will be good for women’s rights.’”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin took a thoughtful sip of his coffee, then broke off a piece of his chocolate chip cookie and popped it into his mouth. “I guess we were the obvious choices for human sacrifice. We’re the only ones still in our thirties. Still, since this thing will never happen, I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Here, here,” said Dirk. They clicked paper cups in a toast to a mud-free future.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Why worry about an event that church leadership would never go along with?</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They went along with it. St. Claire’s Senior Warden Amy Jones spent much of the next Vestry meeting taking bets on the winner. “I gave very good odds to Mary Sweet at the Reformed Church,” she told the rector at the end of the meeting.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Gambling is a sin,” Kevin started, but Amy waved off the objection with a loud snort.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You’re funny, Kevin, you know?” She took his hand, her wrinkled claw giving a squeeze.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Well, anyway, there won’t be a winner,” said Kevin, “because it’s not going to happen. This whole stupid idea will just go away if we keep our mouths shut.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Are you scared?” teased the Senior Warden. She sat down and motioned for Kevin to do the same while the rest of the room cleared out, Vestry members wishing him good luck as they went. “Listen,” said Amy, fixing him with a steely gaze. “I’ve attended St. Claire’s for fifty-five years. Most of the time, it’s been adequate but that’s all. Most of our rectors have been dignified, kind, and old. Just like this town. Now we have some new blood, and someone suggests something a little different, and I say why not? Make an old lady happy and play in the mud.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin looked at his hands resting on the table. He heaved a sigh and said, “I’ll think about it. But why take bets? Even if it happens -- and I’m not saying it will -- it’s not real. It’s just a show. Just for fun.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Yeah, right,” snorted Amy. “And if Pastor Dirk flattens you, what do you think the Reformed Church is going to be doing? Singing hymns? They’re going to rub that mud in all our faces. Good thing you’re in good shape and know how to throw bodies around, because we’re all counting on you.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin stepped out the door into the night’s enveloping darkness, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Paul Ringer, a former tight end for the Buffalo Bills, smiled down at the priest. “I’ve got your back, Father,” he said. “We’ll get a training program going that will send those Reformers back to Calvin.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That night Kevin Baker tossed and turned. Visions of mud mixed with jeering Reformed Christians and scoffing Catholics, Methodists and Presbyterians. “Our pastors would never get involved in anything so ridiculous,” they called.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He awoke with a start and found himself staring at the red numbers of an alarm clock. 3:15 a.m. “It’s not my idea,” he said. “Hmmm?” Marilyn asked through closed eyes. He grunted and rolled over.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Two miles away, Dirk Wibrant fidgeted in his sleep until his wife poked him in the ribs. “What are you doing?” she asked.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“What? Oh, it’s this damned mud-wrestling thing,” he said. “It’s like, everyone wants us to do it but us.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“So just say no.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk gave her a pitying look. “It’s not that easy, Dot. I’m on shaky ground as it is, and with the kids getting older, we need the job.” Dot’s silence admitted the truth of his words. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“It’s worse than that,” he added. “You know Mary on the Consistory? She’s suggested that my annual review might be affected by the outcome. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, she said the Consistory has hired me a trainer because Kevin already has one. Can you believe this?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dot turned on the light. “Kevin has a trainer? That doesn’t sound like him.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“He’s new. How do we know what sounds like him? Besides, he’s in good shape -- wrestled in college. He works out every day. Maybe he’ll just revert to default mode and go for the kill.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I thought there wasn’t going to be a winner or a loser.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Yeah, but how will it look if that little shrimp beats up a big guy like me?” Dot rolled over, turned out the l</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">night and said, “Good night, Dear.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The next morning, Kevin’s doorbell rang at 6:00 a.m. Marilyn pushed Kevin out of bed with a disgruntled, “If it’s this early, it’s for you.” He found Paul Ringer in shorts, tee-shirt and running shoes. “Wakey wakey. Time to get in shapey.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin groaned. “Paul, it’s not even certain we’re going to have this thing.” Paul’s eyes grew wide. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "></span><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Not certain? Father, it’s in the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Village View</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.” He unfolded the weekly paper and pointed to a small article on the front page of the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Life</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> section. Paul read out loud.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Churches Try Mud-wrestling for Charity. Parlous Reformed and St. Claire’s Episcopal Churches have agreed to get down and dirty for charity. In a joint effort with the town board, Fr. Kevin Baker and Rev. Dirk Wibrant will wrestle in a mud pit on the town hall lawn to raise money for the food pantry.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“The pastors were unavailable for comment, but Town Supervisor Fred Warner said, ‘It was an inspired idea, that’s for sure, and our food pantry certainly needs the donations. This will help bring the plight of the poor in our community to the public’s attention.’</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Parish leaders worked with the town council to find a suitable date --”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Date?” interrupted Kevin. “What date?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You didn’t know? June 9.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin slapped his forehead. “That’s a month-and-a-half!”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Then we don’t have time to waste, Father. Let’s get out there.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk Wibrant met his trainer that same morning. Archie Ortega, a small stocky man with shaved head and gorilla shoulders gave him a crushing handshake at the door of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Global Gym.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Walking to a private workout room in the back, he turned to Dirk and said, “Let’s rev up with some pushups, okay? Get it, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rev</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> up?” He laughed at his own joke, wiped his shining head, and showed Dirk the small room. “How many can you give me, Rev.? Forty? Twenty?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk glared at him. Archie coughed and shuffled his feet. “Maybe we’ll start with five.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The sun peeked through the bedroom window on Sunday morning, and Kevin sprang out of bed. “Damn!” he shouted. Marilyn looked up at him through squinting eyes. “What’s up?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Look at the time!” he shrieked. “I’ve got a service in fifteen minutes, and I was so tired last night that I forgot to finish my sermon.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marilyn rolled over. “Tell them they get the day off. They’ll be pleased.” Kevin bolted out the door and down the stairs of the rectory still buckling his pants. He neglected to shave and realized halfway through his impromptu sermon that he had not even brushed his teeth.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I was going to talk about wrestling with demons,” he started, pacing the aisle in his usual preaching style. “But I think I’d just better talk about mud-wrestling.” The early service crowd was made up of older parishioners who disliked the noise and disorder of children. Kevin felt sure they would appreciate his hesitation in going forward with the match, but when he mentioned mud-wrestling, eighty-year-old Jim Burris stood up and cheered. The rest of the congregation, all thirty of them, raised their arms in a premature victory celebration. Even the oldest member of St. Claire’s, ninety-nine-year-old Beatrice Carter brandished her cane.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“That’s not exactly what I was hoping for,” he said, slumping against one of the pews. He glanced down in Beatrice’s direction and let out of a cry of exasperation. In her lap she held a notebook with neat columns marking the bets she was taking and the odds she was giving.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ten o’clock service was no better. Twelve-year-old Matt DeVry announced that he had gotten into a fight at school with Dennis Peltz from the Reformed Church. “I wasn’t gonna let him can’t talk trash about you like that, Father Kevin,” he insisted. “You kick that pastor’s--”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Thanks but let’s just drop it,” interrupted Kevin, looking to surrounding adults for help. Rather than reprimand Matt, they nodded encouragement. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">At the PAPA meeting the next morning, Kevin and Dirk sat opposite each other and said little. In fact, the entire group stuck to business and avoided their usual small talk or gripes about their parishioners. Finally, after less than a half hour, a haggard looking Dirk Wibrand stood up with a groan, held his back and said, “This is ridiculous. We’re all dancing around this stupid mud-wrestling thing, and I’m sick of it. If you guys would just tell our people this is a bad idea, we could finally get back to what we’re supposed to do.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You don’t want to wrestle?” asked Danny Ferguson. “Quit whining and just say no.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You know it’s not that simple,” said Dirk. “We aren’t in a position to refuse. But if you all stood up for us--”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Don't be wimps,” sniffed Pat Kearny. “If I was a wee bit younger, I’d jump at the opportunity myself.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Yes, we know, Pat,” Kevin replied. “But we’re the ones who got stuck with it, and it’s starting to wear on me.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Well, you can’t really expect us to do anything about it,” said a thin-lipped Kate Dempsy. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Why not?” asked Dirk. “Wasn’t it PAPA that let Fred think this was a good idea?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Are you suggesting this is our fault?” demanded Pat.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You didn’t exactly come to our rescue.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin stood up, too. “Look, I don’t want to do this anymore than you--”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Don't you?” asked Dirk, in a high-pitched voice nearling hysteria. He stopped himself and looked around at the startled pastors, then took a deep breath. “You Episcopalians have life tenure. We don’t. I can get dumped without any notice, and they’re already after me for my anti-war stance.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Well, what do you expect with such unpatriotic talk,” jumped in Danny, but one look from Dirk stopped him cold. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You all can just shrug this off. I need this job. I have a wife and kids.” He quit speaking and looked from one pastor to another before throwing his hands up in disgust. “You just don’t get it.” He gathered up his bible and notepad and left.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * * </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They sat across the table from each other </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Catherine’s Cafe</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, Kevin swirling a plastic stirrer in his black, unsweetened coffee. Dirk poured two packets of sugar into his paper cup and drank without stirring. He pulled a face, and both men laughed.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Matt DeVry actually hit Dennis Peltz," Kevin said.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Yeah, I know," said Dirk. "His mom was ready to press charges until she found out what Dennis had said about you. The she washed out his mouth with soap."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Middle school," replied Kevin. They gave a weak laugh again but soon stopped to stare at their coffee cups. "So, how're the kids?"</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Molly thinks it's a hoot, and so far none of the kids at Parlous Elementary are giving her a hard time. One of her friends asked if I was going to be on TV with WWE." Kevin chuckled. "Fred's too young to know what's going on."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"That's something, I suppose," said Kevin. "He won't have to worry about his dad being made a spectacle."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk bristled. "What do you mean, 'a spectacle'?" Kevin looked at him in surprise and alarm.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"I - I just meant that this whole thing is bizarre, isn't it? We're both going to look ridiculous, rolling around in the mud."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Then why did you hire a trainer?" Dirk's voice was no longer conversational but held an edge danger.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin stood up and began gathering his things. "Why are you so huffy all the sudden? And I didn't hire a trainer."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Come on, Kev," said Dirk with a cruel laugh. "Everyone knows you hired Paul Ringer. Trying to get a little jump on the competition, eh? I don't mind, but at least you could have let me know. Now the consistory has gone out and hired me a trainer."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"They what?"</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Little more even now, isn't it?"</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"This is ludicrous," snapped Kevin. "Listen, if you want to get a trainer, go ahead. If you want to fight in the mud, fine. I don't have time for this." Kevin made for the door and slammed it behind him. Dirk stared after him then picked up his bible and shuffled out.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Catherine called to the empty entrance, "Hey, you forgot to pay."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">At 11:00 a.m. on May 28, Marilyn Baker stood in the back yard, cell phone pressed resolutely to her ear. "Hi, Dot?" she said, "Can you hear me? Good. Listen, I was hoping we could get together for a few minutes? You were, too? Great. No, not at </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Catherine's</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, somebody'll see us. The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grease Bucket</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">? Well, nobody we know will be </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">there</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, that's for sure. Half an hour? See you then."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grease Bucket </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">stood next to the freight tracks in the village of Starfield just north of Parlous. With pealing paint, dirty windows, and a faded sign dangling outside, a casual observer would think it was closed down. Inside, it sported an array of mismatched stuffed chairs, rickety stools and restaurant seats, rough wood floors, and a deli case that predated the Second World War. Though it was a favorite with the locals, Parlous folk usually steered clear.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marilyn sat down on an uneven steel tube chair with torn naugahyde cushion. The linoleum topped table wobbled when she leaned on it. The bell dinged, and Marilyn looked up to see Dot Wibrand scurry in. Dot settled into an old Shaker rocking chair across from Marilyn and brushed her long golden hair out of her eyes. "The wind out there is terrible. But I swear Dirk is worse. For the last month, he has been downright nasty. I can't get him to shut up about this match."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Kevin, too. He paces the floor late at night and can't concentrate on anything. His sermons have really stunk lately."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dot looked around the empty store then over at the counter. The clerk glared at them. "I suppose we should buy a drink or something. They went to the soda case and picked out Diet Cokes, the only sodas left. Marilyn took a tissue out of her pocketbook and wiped off the cap before unscrewing it.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"I am so sick of mud-wrestling," said Dot. "They have Dirk practicing over at the church now -- in mud!"</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The large woman behind the counter stood up from the stool she'd been sitting on. "You say mud wrestling? You don't know them pastors, do you? Boy, I can't wait for that fight -- whole village is going to be there to watch. Pastors mud-wrestling, what a hoot."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dot and Marilyn smiled at the woman and assured her they knew nothing. When they spoke next, it was in hushed voices. "I tell you." Marilyn leaned across the table to Dot. "We have to do something."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"I know," said Dot, leaning too far forward and nearly falling out of the rocker. "It's going to make them enemies or even destroy the relationship between our churches."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"You heard about that fight between Matt and Dennis? And now our parish leaders are sniping at each other."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"It's got to be us," said Dot. "Neither Kevin nor Dirk can get out of this. They'll get into too much trouble. Any ideas?"</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marilyn glanced over at the clerk who appeared to have lost interest in them and was washing dishes. Marilyn made a mental note never to eat here. "I have a thought," she whispered. "It won't stop the spectacle from happening, and it's kind of crazy, but if it works, we'll take the focus off of our husbands and place it where it belongs -- on everyone else. But we're going to have to involve those boys."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dot allowed a slow smile to spread across her face. "Let's hear it."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The sun burst over the horizon with a ferocious light as if to say, "This will be a day to remember." Kevin Baker lay on his back in bed, staring at the ceiling, eyes red from lack of sleep. Marilyn rolled over and wrapped her arm around him. "If nothing else, all those workouts have turned you into one buff guy." He rolled off the bed and shuffled out of the room without a word.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Well, no matter what happens, it'll all be over with today," she called after him. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin reappeared in the doorway. "You mean </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I'll</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> be over with in this town." Marylin smiled.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"It'll be all right."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When they emerged from the house, a small band of parishioners waited for them. One held a hand-painted sign that said, "Go Fr. Kevin." Another hoisted a placard that read, "Kev the Rev!" Kevin gave a faint wave and climbed into the car. Despite the sense of impending doom, he had to admit feeling glad to see so many supporters. The procession of cars that followed him slowed down only long enough to let a similar procession pass, this one led by the Wibrand car. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">At precisely eleven o'clock, both pastors climbed into the mud pit set up for the occasion. Ropes marked off the pit, but anyone who wanted to could have jumped in. That was what Marilyn and Dot were counting on. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Everyone present was asked to pay $10. Some people groused about it being public space, but when the chief of police walked through the crowd shaking a basket for the "donations," most coughed up. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kevin wore his old gray wrestling singlet from college days. He still fit pretty well, and risking a glance at his stomach he had to smile. The little paunch that had started to form in recent years was gone. He really was buff.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When he looked over at Dirk, however, Kevin's smile evaporated. The trainer had done his work well. Dirk wore a tight t-shirt and, already more than half a foot taller than Kevin, bulged with muscles that had not been there two months earlier. True, he still had a noticable belly, but Kevin knew that in a fight, that wouldn't matter. He would have to depend on his experience and instincts to stay alive.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fred Warner acted as referee, but all he wore was a pair of blue Docker shorts and a tattered white polo shirt. A whistle dangled from his neck. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Okay, gentlemen," said the superviser so that only Dirk and Kevin could hear. "The newspapers are here, and oh, look, there's a television news truck. So, I want you to smile and at least pretend to be good sports about this."</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dirk and Kevin shook hands. "Ready to be a good sport?" Dirk said, looking down at Kevin. Kevin laughed. "I was about to throw up this morning, but look at this." He motioned to the crowd which cheered. "This thing is so ridiculous it's funny." He started giggling. Dirk gave him a questioning look but Kevin waved it off. "It's -- just -- so…"</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The corners of Dirk's mouth twitched. He snorted, then let a giggle escape. Another giggle followed, and then another. Before long, both ministers were doubled up with laughter, leaning on each other for support. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Fight already!" shouted someone in the crowd. It was the lady from the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grease Bucket</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Fight! Fight! Fight!" chanted the spectators. Fred Warner looked nervous. "Come on, guys," he urged. "Let's get going." He never got another word out. At that moment, a wad of mud soared through the air and hit him in the back of the head. Kevin and Dirk stared at him in shock. Kevin noticed Matt DeVry slip into the crowd. Dirk pointed at the supervisor's head and errupted into laughter again, bringing Kevin along with him. Another mudball sailed over their heads from the opposite direction, and Kevin saw Dennis Peltz wipe his hands. He heard someone scream and turned to see Mary Sweet wipe mud off her face.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Uh-oh, thought Kevin. Mary Sweet is not someone to mess around with. Sure enough, Mary reached inside the ring and hurled a bunch of mud in Dennis' direction. It hit Amy Jones in the shoulder, nearly knocking her down. Several nearby members of St. Claire's Vestry leaped into the ring and grabbed handfulls of mud. "What's the idea of hitting a little old lady?" they shouted and let loose.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Another volley came from the right of the Vestry members, aimed at nobody in particular. One hit Fr. Kearny a glancing blow across the nose. He pulled out a handkercheif, wiped his face, then reached down and threw a fastball that caught Rev. Ferguson square in the chest. Presbyterians sprang into the ring and started firing mud at the Catholics. In moments, mud filled the sky while Kevin Baker and Dirk Wibrand stood untouched, mouths agape. A newscaster from WHAT-TV smirked before the camera until a mud grenade filled his mouth. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the distance, leaning against the Town Hall, Dot Wibrand and Marilyn Baker high-fived each other.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Parlous Pastors' Mud-Wrestling Match made TV evening news to the amusement of nearly everyone not from Parlous. In the end, Dirk Wibrand kept his position as PRC's pastor, and Kevin Baker stayed at St. Claire's. Fred Warner lost his bid for re-election as supervisor that Fall and retired from politics. The Town of Parlous gave up on crazy on fundraisers like mud-wrestling... until the formation of the Parlous Pastors Hockey Club.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">THE END</span></span></p></span>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-31915264063611776762008-11-28T04:09:00.000-08:002008-11-28T04:29:14.203-08:00A Good Death<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></p><blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Waiting with a dying person in the hospital is often an exercise it watching machines. Families stare at heart and oxygen monitors as if they held secret messages. In truth, they give the watchers something to focus on that is not the dying person -- or their issues that have been suppressed and now come to the surface. This story is about those issues.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "></p></blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Shallow hills and valleys crawled across the heart monitor’s screen, each one smaller than the last. Oxygen hissed softly, a fine mist drifting from the clear plastic mask covering Melvin Randal’s grizzled face. Melvin breathed in, breathed out, barely.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sarah Randal held his hand and gazed into her father’s dimming eyes. “Joe’s here,” she whispered through a teary smile.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A man stepped forward, leaned over Melvin, lips forming a fine line. “Hello, Dad,” he said. Behind him stood a petit woman wearing jeans, a loose blouse, and a blue hijab.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Melvin’s eyes grew wide, but he said nothing. “This is Salma,” Joe said. “I’m sorry you only get to meet her now at the end. Your loss.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Melvin cleared his throat. It sounded like the oxygen’s hiss. “No… kids… huh?”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“It was Salma’s idea. Didn’t want kids if their grandpa couldn’t love them.” Melvin shuddered and raised his hand, palm up, nearly pulling out the IV.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I’m… an… asshole.” Joe, Sarah and Salma laughed despite themselves. “Might’ve… loved ’em. Never… know.” His breath turned into little hiccups but evened out.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Joe turned serious. “Why’d you ask Sarah to bring me, Dad? It’s been five years.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Didn’t… want to… die… without you.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Joe turned away then turned back, grim. “It’s not that simple. You shunned me and my wife. I’m dead to you, remember? How do I forget that?” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Silence.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tears etched tracks down Sarah’s face. Joe shook his head.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Why do you hate her, Dad?”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“No,” wheezed Melvin. “Not her. It’s… just…” He seemed to be considering his next words carefully. “Our people.” He stopped, considered a while longer. “Her people.” A look of suppressed anger overshadowed his face. It was clear he was fighting with himself over a response to the outrage his son had committed and the ridiculousness of his own situation. He took as deep a breath as he could, which was not much, then released it. “Always… enemies. Forever… enemies.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“There you go again,” said Joe, furious. “I shouldn’t have even come. What’d you do, save up all your venom so you could spit it at me and then die? That way you don’t have to listen to me, right, Dad?”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Melvin let his hand drop and closed his eyes with a slow release of air. They stared at him, wondering if it was over. The little hills and valleys became shallower but did not even out just yet. Then the eyes flew open, and Melvin grabbed Joe's hand with surprising strength.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“It’s… a… lucky man… who can… say… he’s… sorry… before… he dies. I… was… wrong. I’m sorry.” The effort exhausted Melvin. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Joe, too. He breathed out hard and tried to pull away, but Melvin’s grip was iron. He gave his wife a look that said, “Can you believe this guy?” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But Salma stepped forward and took Melvin and Joe’s hands in hers. “It is a wise man who can confess his faults,” she said, her voice gentle as a lullaby. “And a wiser man who can forgive.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Joe gaped at her, all words fleeing from his lips to his eyes where they struggled to escape. When they came, it was in convulsive sobs. He hugged Salma. He bent down and embraced his father. All four hugged even as the monitor’s little hills were made flat and the valleys filled in. Melvin pushed back weakly, signaling his wish to speak.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Have… kids,” he mouthed. “Tell them… Grandpa… loves… them.” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“What religion should we raise them?” asked Joe, now with honest desire to know. Melvin attempted a shrug but gave up, pointed to the ceiling. They thought he might have said “God knows.” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The obituary reported that Melvin Randal died peacefully surrounded by his family. It said he had a good life and a good death, and that he would be sorely missed by his loving daughter, son, and daughter-in-law.</span></span></span></p></span>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-5364570972291413802008-11-27T04:01:00.000-08:002008-11-27T04:08:31.867-08:00The Cross Man<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: x-small; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><blockquote>One evening I drove down the highway as a fine mist began playing on the windshield. My thoughts were caught up in the trivia of the day when, in the blink of an eye, the image of a man dragging a cross along the side of the road grabbed me. I did a double take and, sure enough, there he was, a large man with an even larger cross on some unknown pilgrimage. My eyes followed him through the rearview mirror until he faded from sight, but the question remained. What would push a man to such an act of devotion. What did he hope to accomplish, if anything? Had someone encouraged him or told him he was crazy? Jerry is not that man, but they are kin.</blockquote></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 10px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">A cool drizzle darkened the asphalt of Route 9. Loose gravel littered the shoulder while tall grass lined the road on both sides. <i>He looked ahead and saw nothing but a long black strip and a weary yellow line. </i>Only a burned out barn to the right broke the monotony. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">A car whistled by, then nothing.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">Nothing except the scrape, scrape, scrape of the cross.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">Jerry stopped and scanned the road ahead. Five more miles till town and longed-for rest. He stood the cross up and wiped his brow with a large callussed hand covered in freckles. Long red hair fell over his eyes and he blew it out of the way with practiced ease. Five more miles. For today.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i>He walked to show his love of the Lord. He walked because Pastor said it would help him overcome his past. He walked, Pastor said, to show the world that anyone, even Jerry, could redeem their life. Fresh out of jail without a friend or penny to his name, Jerry had wandered into Pastor's mission and found salvation. He owed everything to Pastor and didn't care how tired or uneasy he felt about this pilgrimage. Jerry would keep walking until Pastor said it was enough.</i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">Shouldering the cross, he sucked in air and started walking again. Always walking, always shaking pebbles out of his sandles, always tired, always cold or hot or wet depending on the whim of Mother Nature. No, depending on the whim of the Lord.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">A car approached, then slowed to a crawl. The occupants stared but kept their windows up. Finally, they gave a noncommital honk that shot the vehicle forward out of sight. Jerry waved with this left hand, certain they had not seen. He wondered what they thought of him.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">Sometimes he didn't have to wonder. <i>Earlier that day a car full of teenagers had slowed down too, only they rolled down their windows and showed him their middle fingers and shouted, "Freak!" He kept walking</i>. Four miles to go.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">I am one of those crazy folks I once mocked, he thought as the end of the cross scraped after him. Making a public spectacle of themselves to witness for something nobody wants to hear about. <i> But no. I'm not crazy. Pastor says.</i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">The drizzle grew into real rain, and Jerry stopped long enough to pull a rain poncho from his backpack. He had to switch the cross from one shoulder to the other to get the pack off but would not lay it down. In three months, he had never laid the cross on the ground. It was too sacred, too precious.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">With only two miles to go, lightning became a problem. Electric fingers reached across the sky, longing to touch him, and only the Lord kept them at bay. One hit a tree up ahead, and the explosion nearly made Jerry drop his cross. He was shaking now. "The Lord is my Shepherd," he recited. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…"</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">As quickly as the storm started, it stopped, but the dark sky still threatened. Headlights up ahead neared him then zoomed by. The car's spray hit him broadside. "Dirty son of a --" he stopped short. The days of that kind of language were behind him. <i>Pastor had shown him a new way. No more drugs or violence, just the love of the Lord. Definitely not crazy, thought Jerry. I just owe Pastor so much.</i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">One more mile. No need to preach in the park tonight, he told himself. <i>I'm sure Pastor won't mind. </i>Nobody will be out anyway. Tomorrow.<i> Tonight he would rest.</i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">He planned his stops around the parks. They had to be big enough to invite traffic but small enough to keep them moving. <i>Pastor said he wanted</i> people to keep moving, hear the message then move on <i>to make room for others</i>. Jerry preferred preaching in the evening because that's when couples and young families tended to stroll through the parks. <i>He felt too weak, too tired to deal with the punks who would come out later. He knew them too well.</i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">A sign emerged before him. "Welcome to Gilgamesh" it read, "Home of the Giants." Jerry approached and touched it. He leaned the cross against the sign and knelt before the sign, resting his head against one of its posts. "Thank you, Lord," he whispered, "for bringing me to <i>yet another town. But how many more? When will Pastor let me stop?</i> I'm tired. I'm cold and wet. I'm not crazy but <i>I don't know anymore</i>."</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">Flashing lights played across the sign's face. Jerry turned around to see the police cruiser. He sighed as the officer stepped out of the vehicle. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">"Everything all right, sir?" asked the cop.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">"Fine, officer, fine," said Jerry with forced cheerfulness. "Just stopped for a quick prayer. I'll be on my way now." The officer's eyes danced from Jerry to the cross and back again. Jerry had seen it before.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">"I'm on a pilgrimage," he said. "My pastor commended it to me. I'll spend the night at <i>Motel 6</i> and be on my way in the morning." The officer considered him, then returned to the car with a friendly admonition to be careful.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">"Don't you worry, officer, I will be. I'm not crazy." Jerry waved. As the cruiser pulled away, <i>leaving him in the dark</i>, Jerry heaved the cross upon his shoulder and began walking. Always walking, always tired, always uncertain. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">But there was the motel ahead, its asphalt parking lot empty but welcoming. Tonight, he would rest. Tomorrow, he would witness. Tomorrow, he would save souls. Tomorrow, he would walk again.</span></p></span></div>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-85037811449798983052008-11-23T17:19:00.000-08:002008-11-27T04:10:21.604-08:00In Silence Waiting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:x-small;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></p></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is a short short story -- almost a prose poem -- that came to me after participating in a guided meditation. It may not be for everyone, but it paints a picture of the experience for me. Hope you like it.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "></p></blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "></p></blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:10px;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:16px;">A man sits in the meditation group, cross-legged. Soft thrumming – he thinks it's drums – paints a background of pulsing colors for his closed eyes. Others surround him, all sitting, hands in laps, waiting in silence for something to happen.</span><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He forgets them after a few minutes. Images of his wife, children, friends, screaming boss -- pass by. No profound revelations, just people.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After forever, a gong sounds, and he rises to leave, disappointed.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the car on the way home, wipers clapping against a misty rain, he pulls over in the park. He turns off the car, waits for something to happen, then tells himself, “You’re an idiot.” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He quits trying and simply listens, enjoys the pat-patting raindrops on his hood. </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To his surprise, the rain speaks. It says, "Come." He peers through the blurred glass, and another world opens before him, beckoning. Again it says, "Come."</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He hesitates, afraid, excited. Then enters.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It lasts maybe a quarter hour. Rain still pat-pats when he returns. Nothing has changed. But at home when his wife asks, “How was it?” he embraces her and says, “Perfect.”</span></span></span></p></span>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-87805522329074394262008-11-22T14:21:00.000-08:002008-11-22T14:25:16.176-08:00Test Flight<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Carl rubbed his sweating palms on his pants as he approached the office door. It was ajar. Great. What was it that David had said? Just ask her if she wants to go get some coffee. If she says yes, you can see how it goes before asking her out. And if she says no, it's no big deal. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Like flying a plane, said David, a recreational pilot. Takes some doing to get off the ground, but once you’re in the air, it pretty much takes care of itself. Think of it as a test flight. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Carl hated flying.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With trembling hand, he tapped Lucy’s door. A voice that was not hers sang “Come in.” He pushed the door open and saw to his horror, not Lucy but Mary sitting in the guest chair. She smiled broadly at him. He tried to lean against the doorjamb casually but slipped. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Where’s --?”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mary giggled again and glanced to the desk, which was partially hidden from view. Lucy sat behind it reading some papers. She smiled up at him but said nothing. Carl began to feel he would never even get into David’s plane.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Hi,” he said. His voice sounded far away and Carl noticed his palms sweating again. Lucy said something that rushed by him before he could register it, but he saw her looking at him expectantly. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, his words stuck on the runway.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Carl,” came a voice behind him accompanied by a heavy hand on his shoulder. “How come you’re here on your day off again?” It was Robert. Why couldn’t that man be like other bosses and just assume he was showing some initiative? “I don’t want you burning out so don’t make this a habit, okay?” He vanished out the door before Carl could tell him this had nothing to do with work.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Yeah, Carl, what are you doing here on your day off?” asked Mary with a smirk. His wiped his brow.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Just catching up.” He leaned back against the door more carefully this time and stared mutely into the office. Mary made a show of checking her watch.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Look at the time! And I’m supposed to have lunch with Ray.” As she brushed by, she gave a wink which Carl took to mean he was cleared for takeoff. It was now or never.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“So,” he tried again.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“So?” Lucy looked at a folder on her desk then back up. She wasn’t smiling.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Yeah,” he said. “Listen, I was just wondering if you wanted to go to Jasmines and get a cup of coffee.” For better or worse, he was airborne.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I don’t drink coffee.” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The words hit him like wicked turbulence. His engine sputtered. “Oh.” He tried to read her face but could barely see. “I’ll just --”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“What else do they have?” she asked. Why she asked that, Carl didn’t know. He only knew he was still flying.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“They’ve got all sorts of tea.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I don’t drink tea.” That was it, the engine died. But there was nobody to hear his distress call. “What else do they have?” Okay, so now he was gliding.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“A hundred kinds of soda. It’s amazing.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I don’t drink soda.” He’d lost his lift. The stall buzzer screamed and he felt himself shaking all over. His head was screaming Mayday! “What else do they have?”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Why did she keep asking that? Couldn’t she see him crashing and burning? She should dive out of the way before he burst into flames in the middle of her office. Carl wiped the sweat from his brow again.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“They, uh --” he had no idea. He saw the ground rushing up to meet him.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Oh what the heck, I’ll just come anyway.” His engine roared back to life and he pulled out of the nosedive just in time to skim the treetops and shoot into the sky. “Ready to go?”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It almost didn’t matter what she would say over coffee when he asked her out. For now, she was walking out the door with him. And Carl was soaring.</span></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div></span>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277770216486724988.post-33745027853440851192008-11-22T05:40:00.000-08:002008-11-27T04:10:51.317-08:00Johnny Wanders <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; min-height: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"></span></span></span></span></span></p><blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; min-height: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">This story of 4500 words won second prize in 2007 Scribes Valley Short Story contest. It was published in the 2007 Anthology (Destination Elsewhere). Rights have now reverted to me. </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"> Hope you enjoy it.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; min-height: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "></p></blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; min-height: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">A word drifted lazily through the rank nursing home air. “Rose.” Johnny heard it in his room, sitting on the edge of his hospital bed, the metal rails glistening in the warm May sun that poured through the window. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny looked out his window to the woods. Three, maybe four hemlocks deep, it ran the length the home’s grounds to separate it from the failing strip mall. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He turned back to the tattered photo album he had been perusing for the ten-thousandth time. Gray young men and women smiled back at him, or gave gangster stares, or laughed. He paused at one that showed a young man in his long wool coat leaning against a Model T, one spat-clad foot resting on the running board. Johnny smiled. “You handsome devil.” A young woman draped her arm around the man’s shoulder. She sported a flapper dress, a cloche hat, and a devil-may-care grin. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Rose,” said Johnny, touching the girl. “God, how I missed you. And now you’re back.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Model T took them to Atlantic City -- what a day. About midday, Johnny produced a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">new Kodak Brownie and paid the balloon man to take a picture of them. “I love the way you’re <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">full of surprises, Johnny,” Rose said, draping her arm around him. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></i></span></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny glanced at the door, its path barred by a wide orange mesh strip with a bright red stop sign in the middle to deter “wanderers.” Johnny had too much experience with them to take the strip down. Yet it was a new Alzheimer’s patient who told him about Rose. Mrs. Curtis was </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">in the early stages of the disease, so Johnny felt sure her testimony was still trustworthy. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Rose Simmons?” she had said that first day when he welcomed her to St. James’ Nursing Home. “Yes, she came to Ivory Arms a month or so ago. Sweet girl, she helped me so much. Sweet girl.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rose Simmons, the girl whose heart he broke when he went away. Or did she break his </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">when she went down to the city to cook for that white family? “I’d have married you, Rose,” said Johnny as he caressed the silver gray face gazing up at him with adoration. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> “Help me!” came a voice outside the room. “Will somebody help me please! Oh help me!” He knew it was Agnes without looking. Soon, an aide would be at her side, shouting into her deaf ears as they always did. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“What do you need, Miss Agnes?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Help me. Won’t you help me?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’m trying, dear. What do you need?” A thick splashing sound interrupted them. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Another woman’s voice - Johnny couldn’t recognize it - cried, “Oh God, I messed myself.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Running footsteps neared, then two young women in their pink housekeeping uniforms and an aide in her blue flashed past his door. Before long, the stench seeped into his room. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Geez, Dolores, you didn’t mess yourself, you messed the whole floor! What happened to your diaper?” Dolores did not say, but her silent answer sent them into a fit of giggles. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Oh, honey, it’s not a shoe.” Other noises crowded out Dolores’s response. Squeaking wheelchairs, Cora screaming “Don’t touch me!”, the incessant public address system. A wheelchair alarm started wailing which sent more feet scurrying. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny sighed. If Rose knew how he lived, she would come for him. It would be like old times. He just knew it. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’d do anything for you, Johnny,” she said as they walked hand-in-hand down the boardwalk. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Anything?” he asked with a glint in his eye.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A large muscular woman in a blue uniform appeared in his doorway, her broad confident smile lighting the room. “Hi, Mr. Walker,” she said. “Coming down to lunch?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny returned the gesture. “In a minute, Eleanor.” She waved and moved to another room. Maybe Rose would take him out to lunch someday. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny closed the photo album and placed it on the dresser an arm’s length from his bed. He pushed himself up, grabbed his cane, the gray metal kind with a gray plastic handle, and shuffled to the mirror. He buttoned the top button on his blue and green plaid dress shirt and </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">tucked it into his black sweat pants. “You still got it, boy,” he said with satisfaction. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He joined his three best friends at a square table. To his left sat 103-year-old Mabel who still wore her long silver hair in a braided pony tale and had outlived her children. At eighty-two, overweight and dour Agatha to his right seemed older</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> A tall, lean, and elegant man everyone called the Deacon sat across the table. He spoke little but had an air of serenity that made even Agatha relax. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yet the Deacon was not serene today. Every few seconds he put on his thick plastic rimmed glasses, pulled a piece of paper from his lap and held it up so that it nearly touched his nose. Then he gave a humph of disgust, shoved the paper back in his lap and tapped his empt plate. “Damned brother died,” he snapped. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny wondered at this anger but said nothing. Agatha had no such scruples. “Shame on you, Deacon. You should never speak ill of the dead.” The Deacon waved off her comment. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“He was an evil-tempered drunk. But he was also older than me, and as long as he lived on his own, there was a chance the family might get me out. Now they’ll just say, ‘See? That’s why you have to stay.’” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny thought he ought to say something. “It’s not that bad, old boy, is it?” The Deacon turned on him. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Easy for you to say, Johnny. You got no family, no nobody, and you’re ninety-two years <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">old. Where else </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">would</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> you go? But me? I’m young--” a pause -- “sort of. Anyway, I got family, I can move around, and --” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny never heard the rest. “Where else would you go?” rang in his ears. “Where else would you go?” And then he knew. He would go to Rose, the one person he still had. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Beautiful Rose, walking hand in hand with Johnny amidst the summer crowd, laughing at the ocean’s spray. That night as they lay side-by-side in the sand, she said, “I love you, Johnny. I always will.” </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">* * *</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Actually, the escape itself was easy. As one of the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">trustees</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> -- his word, not the home’s -- Johnny could freely walk the grounds. The next morning he dressed in his usual button-down shirt but wore dress pants as well and his black leather shoes instead of sneakers. After breakfast </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">he went out to sit on the smokers porch. “But Johnny,” said the woman at the front desk, “you don’t smoke -- and it’s bad for you.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny flashed his charmer’s smile. “Honey, by the time I get cancer, I’ll be twenty years dead.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Outside, he was assaulted by the gagging stench of cigarette smoke. How could they put up with this stuff, Johnny wondered. Yet this porch, essential to his plan, abutted the small woods and was relatively unguarded. As long as no staff came out to suck some carcinogens, he could slip away unnoticed. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There were only two residents, both bundled up in heavy winter coats. Johnny in his trench coat wondered how seventy-five degrees could feel so cold. From the front porch around the corner, he could hear the amplified voice of a volunteer nun leading Rosary Hour. “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...” He looked down at the two smokers. As expected, both had fallen asleep, their cigarettes dangling in their fingers which hung over the arms of their chairs. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now was his chance. Fifty paces and he was at the first tree. Up to this point, he had broken no rules. One more step, however, meant crossing the Rubicon. One deep breath, one quick glance to make sure he was unobserved, then he slipped into the little wood, his black coat </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">blending in with the trees. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just like that night he helped Rose escape from her overbearing brother, running through the woods till they reached his Model T. Then a hundred-seventy odd miles to Atlantic City, laughing and holding hands the whole way. “I love you, Johnny,” she said from the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">passenger seat. He remembered so well.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fifty more paces and he was on the other side, walking as a free man in the parking lot of Cross Hart Plaza. He scanned the barren landscape and felt lost. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">* * * </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The asphalt of Cross Hart Plaza was old and cracked. Gaping fissures made walking awkward at best and implausible in the most derelict corners. The paper lined windows formed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">an endless row of brown teeth, with one gap in the middle. That was </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Barber Joe’s,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> a black void </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">marked by a single bulb burning in the back like a uvula. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ice Cream Barn</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, Cross Hart’s only thriving business, rose above it all. White with a fake red barn roof stuck on top, its doors opened wide in a promise of safe haven. Two cows standing guard in front seemed to say, “Forget everything you see around you. It isn’t real. Only come inside and be at home.” Johnny turned his face toward the barn. All he could see was its white and red. Which is why he failed to see the chasm before him. The toe of his tight leather shoe caught the tip of the upraised asphalt just enough to send him flying forward. Instinctively, he threw out his hands to save his face. Johnny’s hands and knees took the brunt of the fall, and when he sat down to inspect himself, he swore. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Damn it!” he said louder than he had said in many years. Since entering St. James’, Johnny had been careful with his language. The wanderers used foul language. The nasty old men and mean old ladies nobody liked swore a blue streak. Johnny was nothing like them. But as he picked tiny rocks out of the palms of his hands, he had to admit, swearing felt good. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Shit!” he said for the fun of it. He laughed. Many St. James’ residents fell, but few could sit up afterwards, let alone swear and laugh about it. “Oh, Johnny,” he told himself even as he sucked his breath at the pain. “You’re a cut above the rest.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That’s what Rose had said back in the day. “Johnny, you’re a cut above the rest.” That was when she laid her head on his shoulder as she sat next to him in that blessed Model T. They rode in the dark along the dusty roads back up from Atlantic City, one of the headlights </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">blown and the other complaining. Johnny whistled a jaunty tune while he drove. Rose asked if he was worried about getting lost in the dark, and in response, Johnny turned off the functioning headlight. Rose laughed and snuggled up closer. “Oh Johnny,” she said, “You’re a cut above the rest.”</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To his amazement, nobody came to his aid. But why would they? There was hardly a car in the parking lot. It was still early for sweets, so even the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ice Cream Barn</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> stood in silent expectation. Johnny spotted the sidewalk that connected the vacant stores and shuffled over to it. Feeling more secure on the stable surface, he tap tap tapped his cane against the concrete, inching forward in baby steps. Compared to St. James’ short halls, the path to the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Barn</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> seemed to go on forever. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With two stores to go, it hit him. Johnny had no money. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He had no need of it at the home. They received small allowances to buy trinkets here and there, but what did he have to buy? For whom? Money was meaningless these days, as foreign a concept as all those suicide bombers he kept hearing about on the television. Yet back </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">in the day, when Rose hung on his arm, and he knocked down milk cans with a baseball to win her a stuffed bear, he loved to flaunt his cash. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">During the wild days of prohibition, Johnny had played his beloved fiddle at speakeasies four nights a week. His favorite had always been the roof garden joint on the building across from the Catholic Church. Johnny thought it odd that the priest never complained until he saw Fr. O’Hanlen at a table on the roof garden. What he loved most about that speakeasy was that he met Rose there</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She danced in the show. When it ended, she hung a little tray full of cigarettes around her neck and went from table to table. “How much for the whole bunch of ‘em?” he asked her with a devilish smile. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“What?” she asked. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“All of them,” he said, pulling out a wad. She beamed. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Wow, then I’ll have the rest of the night off!” </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Want to go to Atlantic City?” he’d asked just like that. She laughed.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In those illicit days, money meant something. Now it meant something new -- disaster. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Without it he could eat nothing, call no one and worse still, go nowhere. How would he <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">catch a cab to Rose? Johnny found a battered metal bench against the faded sign of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mary’s <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Beauty School</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> which must have closed ten years ago. He rested his cane on his knees and </span></span></span></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">lay his head in both hands. “I’m turning into a wanderer,” he said out loud. The words stung worse than the gravel in his palm. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He looked up in the direction of the home and shivered. “A wanderer,” he said. “I just wandered away from the home. Now they’ll take away my freedom. They’ll lock me in a chair and hook me up to one of those alarms. They’ll ask me where I’m going every time I get near the elevator.” He had to come up with a plan. Johnny needed to either figure out how to get to Rose or how to break back into St. James’ unnoticed. Or at least make up a really good excuse for running away. What he needed now was time to think. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny stared down at the pavement for several moments, thinking. Then he saw it. A greenback stuck between the bench’s foot and the sidewalk. Money. It sparked new life, new hope in him. He knew a dollar wouldn’t even get him inside a cab, but it ought to be enough for a cone at the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Barn</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, and that was something. Clutching his cane securely to keep his balance, Johnny worked the bill out from under the bench then pocketed it and resumed his stroll.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">An electronic </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">beep bop</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> sounded when Johnny crossed the threshold. The place was freezing. Johnny pulled his trench coat up around his neck and shivered. How long had it been since he’d stepped inside a place like this? Last outing he’d made with the home had been a stop at an ice cream parlor, but everyone had eaten outside in ninety degree weather. It must be sixty here. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A man sat at a plastic table against the left wall eating a mountain of soft serve topped with tan goo and colorful candy bits. On the right side, a young woman wrestled with a fat preschool boy. “Just eat your ice cream, Joey,” she said. “I don’t want to hear no more about the playground.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny shook his head but then shrugged. What did he care? He had his dollar and right there on the wall it said, “Small Cone - $1.” He bellied up to the bar and placed his order. His smile wilted when the old white woman behind the counter said, “That’ll be a dollar eight.” The </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“eight” hit him with a shock down the spine like that time with Rose when he accidentally grabbed the wrong part of a barbed wire fence. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She was laughing at their escape from Marcus, her brother. He made her come home every night after work, and he wouldn’t let her out again until morning. Johnny sneaked through the woods and hauled her out a window with a ladder. Then they ran for it, but as he <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">lifted one wire of a barbed wire fence, he managed to grab a barb. He yelped, Rose giggled, and somehow it was all right.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny was quick to recover. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“It says a dollar.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Plus tax.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Tax?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Tax. You’ve heard of it?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Don’t you have a senior discount?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“For ice cream?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Listen, honey,” he started, “I’m ninety-two years old--” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny knew he had her. He saw it in her eyes. Probably retired from the phone company but with insufficient pension to make it and insufficient imagination to find a more interesting job. He was just gearing up for the one-sided battle of wits, when a dime chinked onto the counter. “Get the man his ice cream, okay?” Johnny turned wide-eyed to see the man of the mountainous sundae standing next to him. “I think I can afford eight cents,” the stranger said with a tired smile. After giving Johnny a quick once-over, he added, “I’m Paul. Care to join me?” He motioned to the table, now covered with paper napkins. The ice cream looked more like Mount St. Helen’s with it’s top blown off. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny shrugged and shuffled to the table. Paul sat facing the door. Johnny was glad to have his back to the door. That way none of the nursing home staff would see him if they walked by on their way to the bus stop. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“So, what’s a nice guy like you doing with only one dollar?” asked Paul in a conversational tone. Johnny smelled an smelled an interrogation coming on. He knew about interrogations and wanted no part of it. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Thanks for the dime, my friend,” he said with him most charming smile. “I won’t forget my wallet next time.” He rose to leave. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul stood as well. “Sorry,” he said. “Stupid question. Just trying to make conversation. Haven’t seen you here before -- and I’m here a lot,” he added, patting his belly. Paul had to be middle-aged, with thinning dark hair and a pair of wire-rimmed glasses. His suit was clean but </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">had seen plenty of action. Johnny pegged him for a detective right away which presented both a problem and an opportunity. He sat back down, his smile more relaxed though he was thinking fast. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Apology accepted, Officer,” he finally said. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“How did you --?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Your gun,” Johnny pointed to the shoulder holster. “Either you’re a detective or a gangster, and gangsters don’t kick in tax for little old men.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I can see you’re a sharp guy,” said Paul, unconsciously checking his holster. “Are you really ninety-two?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Every day of it,” said Johnny. “The secret to long life is to never smoke or get married.” Paul raised his eyebrows. “On the other hand,” Johnny added, noting Paul’s wedding ring, “long life isn’t everything, is it? Take me for example. Ninety-two and never married. Lost a girl once. Worst mistake of my life.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“What happened to her?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny had baited the hook. Now to reel Paul in. “Funny thing. She moved away, long time ago. But now she’s back. We were going to meet here.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Why here?” asked Paul. Johnny shrugged. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“It’s where she wanted. Who am I to argue?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“How’d you get here, anyway?” asked Paul. Johnny was ready. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“A friend dropped me off on his way out of town. I was supposed to get a ride home with Rose.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Rose?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“The woman. My old, uh, girlfriend.” Johnny’s eyes became moist but he forged ahead. “Only now I’m beginning to wonder if she’s coming.” Johnny looked at his pocket watch. “I was late, so maybe she didn’t wait for me.” They stared at each other for a minute. Paul took one last bite of his remaining ice cream hill, then stuffed the napkins into the plastic bowl. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Do you think you should call her?” he asked. Johnny shook his head. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Don’t have the number with me and I can’t remember it. Keep it written down in my wallet of course, but it’s at home.” He looked at Paul with a sheepish grin. “You, uh, don’t think you could do me a favor, do you?” Paul gave the smile of a man who knew. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Sure. Where do you live?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">* * * </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ivory Arms dominated Market Street between North Division and Assumption. Ten stories of white brick and glass. A canopy welcomed guests and residents. Across the street spread a playground filled with young men. Johnny recognized the type, and he knew they were up to no good. After all these years, punks were still the same. “You cops ought to do something about these guys.” Paul snorted, but as they pulled up to Ivory Arms, he kept a wary eye on the park. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; min-height: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny clambered out of the car. With a groan and a stretch he looked up at the imposing building and shivered. What to do? What if Rose didn’t remember him? What if she hated him for never coming after her? Hadn’t he promised? Back then. He turned to Paul and waved his thanks. Paul nodded but did not move. “I’ll just wait till you get inside,” he called through the open window. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny started for the Ivory Arms, still trembling, a frightened little boy. The door felt cold and hard in his hand. No automatic door openers here. He entered a foyer with a bewildering array of buttons, each with a name attached. Arndt, Attwater, Beyer. He skipped </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">down the line. Rayburn, Rothenburg, Rugen, Satterly, Sandberg, Scott, Sharp, Simon, Skidmore, Slaughter, Slick... He ran his hands up and down the list again. Scott, Sharp, Simon, Skidmore. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Where was Simmons? Where was Rose? A buzzing noise startled him. The door that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">divided the foyer from the hallway was buzzing. He pulled the handle. Again, hard and cold, and heavy. A woman who could have been the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ice Cream Barn</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> lady’s twin sat at a tall reception desk and gave him a warm smile. “May I help you? You looked a little confused out there.” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Confused? Like a wanderer? God, no, thought Johnny. He tucked his fear behind his disarming smile. “Yes, thank you,” he said. “I was told an old friend of mine was living here, but I can’t find her name.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“What’s her name? I can double check for you.” He told her. She looked through her own list on the desk and gave a small frown, flipping one sheet of paper after another, then back again. “No, no Rose Simmons. Are you sure you don’t mean Rose Simon? She moved in a </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">couple of months ago. About yea tall,” she indicated the top of her head. “She said she was <span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">seventy-six but looks like she could be in her fifties.” </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny’s heart sank. Seventy-six? No, no, no. “No Rose Simmons about yea tall?” he asked, hand at his chin, “maybe ninety years old?” The woman laughed. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’m sorry sir, this is a seniors apartment, not a nursing home. I don’t think we have anybody here that old. Most find they need assisted living at that age.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny sniffed. “Hmmm. Well, thank you.” He turned and made for the door, a new kind of shaking working its way through his body. Anger at the slight. Blended with confusion. And embarrassment. And fear. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just like the day about a week after Atlantic City. They sat by the Hudson River together, watching a train speed south toward Manhattan. In one hand he held a freshly developed photograph of the two of them leaning jauntily against the Model T. Rose squeezed his hand and said, “Johnny?” </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Hmmm?” </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’m leaving.” </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’ll take you home.” </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“No, Johnny. I’m moving to New York. Marcus don’t want me to dance any more. I’m working for a rich white family down there. It’s good money.” He stared at her. A Nash 697 pulled up. Big dumb Marcus leaned out. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Let’s go, girl!” he yelled. She looked at him with a weak smile. “You’re a cut above the rest, Johnny.” She kissed him on the cheek and turned. </span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’ll come for you, Rose,” said Johnny. “Someday.” </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny sat down on a bench that leaned against the building and stared off into space. Had </span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:12px;">he been paying attention, he would have seen Paul. But he didn’t. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul plunked his considerable frame down next to Johnny. “No luck, huh?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“What?” Johnny gaped in horror at the officer. “I thought you left.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul unwrapped a lollipop and offered it to Johnny who shook his head. Paul shrugged and popped it into his own mouth. “Yeah, well I thought you might want a ride home.” Johnny jerked his head around so hard that it hurt. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“This is--” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“--not your home,” interrupted Paul. He reached over to Johnny’s left wrist and pulled on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the nursing home bracelet. “Smart as you are, Johnny, I thought you’d hide this better.” Their eyes met. “So,” said Paul. “It </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">was </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a woman, wasn’t it?” </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">* * * </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny’s head hung as they entered St. James’. He tapped his cane erratically on the linoleum floor. Velma at the front desk screamed when she saw him. “Mr. Walker! Where have you been?” Johnny noticed how Velma’s long dark bangs danced along her forehead when she got excited. Out of habit, he hitched up his charmer’s smile, and struggled to think of a good answer. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I am terribly sorry,” said Paul. “I think I forgot to sign the right book when I took Uncle Johnny out. He couldn’t stop thinking about it and finally insisted that we return.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Uncle?” asked Velma, one thin eyebrow raised. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Great uncle,” said Paul. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“You’re white,” said Velma. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“By marriage,” replied Paul without batting an eye. Johnny smiled. He liked this guy. Velma turned to him with a suspicious gaze. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Johnny?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“You should see his mother.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul laughed. Velma glowered at them like an angry school principal. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“You know everyone’s been going crazy looking for you. We were about to call the police. There’s going to be a lot of papers to fill out, too.” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul pulled out his badge. “I can handle paperwork. So, Johnny,” he said redirecting his gaze. “Want to go out next Saturday? Renegades home opener.” Johnny stared, gaping. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Yeah?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“It’ll be fun,” he said. “You don’t mind if I bring the kids?” </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“You’d better sign him out properly next time,” commanded Velma. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Johnny returned to his room an hour later. He’d missed lunch during his adventure and would have to wait for dinner. It didn’t matter. Rose was gone, and he figured he would never see her again. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Johnny was home, he had made a friend, and he wasn’t a wanderer. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></p></span>Chuck Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685257336331859602noreply@blogger.com0