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A quote: “Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” ~~ Benjamin Franklin
I’ll start with a story …
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The leaves turn red and we wait. Each October she shows up and I, very small, delight how she upends our ordinary lives.
A shiny new car, the latest in fashion and arms full of presents. Grandpa and grandma, stiff at first as she gathers me up, swinging me around, then softening as she kisses their cheeks and teases them about new grey hairs.
She keeps me up late, steals me away from school for milkshakes and giggles.
One October mom stopped coming. They thought they had closed the door, but I saw as they held each other and cried.
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Now, it’s your turn.
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. featured image, Adobe Stock standard license.
Cameron says: Four years away from here, courtesy of the military. I came back to a hometown that was nothing like what I remember. It’s kind of depressing when you think about it.
And then I saw her. A sundress that emphasized everything feminine in the world and shades that matched her lips. To my surprise, she smiled at me.
“You’re back!” she said happily. I took a moment to look at her. I saw a neighbor girl with braces, thick glasses and easily forgotten in a crowd. But I’d always been nice to her.
Oh man. Sometimes change ain’t so bad.
cold pizza says: I shoulda just told her “no” the minute she stepped out of that sky-blue Caddy and asked me if I wanted to go and do something stupid with her. I shoulda known she was just teasing me on.
But still, I’m a sucker for long brown hair cascading over slender shoulders. I’m a fool for “kiss-me-red” lipstick on full lips.
So, like the idiot I am, I just had to respond with, “Sure. What’s your game, gorgeous?”
Five hours later I’m stuck in a Louisiana bayou wearing nothing but chicken feathers and playing the hell out of “Hungry Hungry Hippo.”
Navig8r says: It’s been a long time since you’ve been around. You’ve had a growth spurt and that peach fuzz is starting to look like five o’clock shadow.
Look at that babe! For the second time today I’m in love.
You mean in lust?
Is there a difference? Does it matter?
Probably not to you.
So, how do I meet her?
I guess there’s no going against hormones. Remember, you like your martinis shaken, not stirred.
Huh?
Sherman, set the Wayback Machine for 1962. In your best British accent, your opening line is “Bond. James Bond.” After that, you’re on your own.
Frank J. Derfler says: Billy, it’s Eva… can you talk?
THAT Eva?
Yes
Where are you? How long has it been?
I’m good. Back in the mountains west of Denver. November 19 it will be 18 years.
The last place was the Denver Airport!
Yes… off to Afghanistan.
Ouch… really. I mean OUCH
Billy, I know about your wife. Facebook.
that hurts too.
My husband died a year ago.
I heard you two were happy. What’s your plan?
I texted you. That’s my plan.
You told me, “Women mourn. Men replace.”
Mourning isn’t forever.
Denver airport? Full circle.
Houston flight arrives 1:24.
Tomorrow?
1:24.
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