The day would be beautiful on this day of all days. Ennis thought what it would have been like, meeting Jack in Pine Creek, instead of visiting his folks for Thanksgiving. Better yet, in his dream, visiting his folks with him together. It was a good thing, being a sunny crisp autumn day with the hillside ablaze in crimson and gold. It made his thoughts happier, not so sad. It was easier to feel sad these days, too easy. Jack wouldn't have anything to do with that. He would bring out his harmonica and play a cheerful tune, lousy tune, but cheerful anyway. Shaking his head, Ennis shook off the melancholy. It wouldn't do to be sad and nostalgic in front of Jack's Ma. The old man wouldn't care, probably, but she was already suffering enough.
Ennis took a deep breath, and allowed the cool mountain air to penetrate his lungs. No use trying to exhale slowly, the cold air brought on a spasm of coughing. Got to stop smoking so much, Ennis reminded himself. Jack used to say that to him. And he used to tell Jack to stop drinking so much. Memory of their silly friendly banter brought a tiny smile, and a light twinkle in his eyes. Ennis took another deep breath, and managed to let the air out slowly this time.
Yeah, got to think of his folks, how to be there and not weigh them down. Got to help the old man around the place. Jack'd like that. Got to talk with Jack's Ma without the old man cutting in, cutting down. Got to find out more about Jack when he was a boy. What did he like? What did he do?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment