The train’s whistle blasted as it approached the station. Marco moved in place trying to keep his blood flowing. He rubbed his arms with his gloveless hands, unable to remember a time in which his pea coat hadn’t kept him warm. His decision to join the Navy wasn’t made lightly. His dad hadn’t spoken to him since he left four years ago. Their disagreement stemmed from a hopeless situation that Marco refused to watch happen. His sick mother had only weeks to live when he set off to serve his country, leaving his old man alone with nothing but his beloved Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Now on leave and this close to Father’s Day, he decided to go see the old geezer, make amends.
The train screeched to a halt. Marco scooped his bag, climbed the steps and found his seat. He imagined the stories he and his pops would share. They were too much alike to have had a good relationship during Marco’s younger years but also too kind-hearted to stay at odds.
The wheels clacked over the rails, he was finally going home.
He took a taxi to the flower shop on the corner of Main. He purchased a bouquet of pink carnations and headed to Chapel Hill Cemetery. He needed to see her resting place, say a few words for inner-peace.
He asked the cabbie to wait for him.
Upon returning to the vehicle, he sat silently staring ahead. “Where to now, sir?” The driver asked, glancing back through the rearview.
“The first Motel you come to.” Marco said. He had no where else to go. The engravings on the tombstone revealed his father had passed away less than two months after his mother. Guilt stricken, Marco would soon choose to join them.
Leesa Writes 