Chapter 1 [Jack writes]

I moved into the condo complex over the weekend. This new place was a two-bedroom townhouse. My divorce was final and our possessions from almost thirty years had been split with much of my share being sold or given away. Neither my former wife nor I had monetary issues. I had worked hard and made some good guesses about investing so working wasn’t a necessity for either of us unless there was a desire to live a grand lifestyle. I bought this condo for cash using my share of the equity from our home. My ex’s father bought me out. My new condo had all new furniture and, in particular, a new bed.

The final straw that had broken my marriage was finding my now ex-wife in our marital bed with a neighbor after she had promised to stop cheating. I took pictures with my phone but never needed them. Apparently, she wasn’t going to stop having sex with others even though I would have sex with her every night. I moved out that afternoon. She had quit her part-time job a year before and sex with others had become her hobby. I had never cheated on her. I did not have to make her cheating an issue in the divorce. She didn’t fight though I tried to be fair.

My two children had taken sides and chosen that of my wife. We had maintained our composure better than they had. I finally decided not to figure it out. I don’t think my children knew of her escapades. I was not going to tell them nor argue my side. Figuratively, I wrote off the last thirty-two years of my emotional life along with any relationship with my children. I resented that they had no thought that there might be two sides to the breakup.

I had quit my job while the divorce was pending and now looked forward to a different life. With no pets, no financial obligations, and no emotional ties, I could and would enjoy life on my terms. I bought a convertible and thought about my options. I needed to find a hobby or two. In the first week in my new place, I realized that sitting inside watching the television wasn’t a good idea for my well-being.

On the second Monday there, I put on shorts, a tee shirt, and sneakers and went for a running walk. I carried a water bottle but left my new phone on the counter in my kitchen. I would run a ways and then walk for a while. Then, I would run again. I had my keys, a little cash, and my drivers’ license on me. I had belted on a fanny pack for the water bottle and a couple of energy bars or, actually, my version of them. They were Payday candy bars.

I was on my way back when I met a woman turning into the condo entrance from the other direction. She had been running. I nodded to her and said, “Hello.”

She looked at me and said, “Hi! You moved in weekend before this, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I’ve pretty much gotten unpacked and felt the need for some exercise.”

“It looked like most of your furniture was new. I’m guessing that your divorce was just finalized?”

“Yes, a little over a month ago. It turned out to be a lot of wasted years.”

“That happens. If you ever want to talk, drop by. I’m Sandy in number fourteen.”

“Thanks. I’m Jack in forty-three.”

She headed to her place and I went across the street and down to mine. I went in and showered. It was mid morning and I still had much of the day before me and nothing to do. I opened my laptop with a cold soft drink and thought about my options.

I had been in the scouts when young. My ex and I had even enjoyed camping early in our marriage though her father didn’t think much of the practice. I could afford to travel if I was reasonable about it. My initial research indicated that there were good possibilities of campers my convertible could hande available. I looked for camper sales businesses in my area and began a list. It wasn’t a very long list but included enough places that I could get a feel for what was available. Camping had been fun and the travel would be good.

I went to the garage and put the top down after opening the big door and cranking the motor. When I rolled out, I saw Sandy and waved. She waved back and I pulled up beside her. “Nice wheels, Jack. Where are you headed this fine day?” She asked with a friendly smile.

“Thanks, Sandy. I’m going camper shopping.”

Her head popped up and her eyes widened and then looked wistful. “I used to enjoy camping. That was a long time ago in another life.”

“I understand. That’s my situation, too. I’m retired now and camping will allow me to travel.”

“You don’t look old enough to retire!”

“I’m not but my investments have done well. I wanted out of my old job and, in this economy, nothing really appeals to me. Do you work?”

“Not any more. I have plenty in insurance proceeds and all.”

She took a deep, somewhat ragged breath. “Would you mind if I tagged along with you? I really had nothing to do today but roam the mall. I’m tired of that.”

“Sure! Hop in. I would be glad to have some company.” She got in and buckled up. I pulled out and headed toward the first place on my list.

As I drove, we talked a little bit about our pasts. I admitted that I had two older children but that they had chosen to side with their mother so I didn’t expect to hear from them. I told her that I didn’t think they knew about their mother’s escapades and I had no plans to explain to them the real reason why their parents divorced. I said that, if they wanted to find out, they would and might even if they didn’t want to find out. I had wanted nothing to do with the men in my old neighborhood since I suspected many of them had slept with my ex. No one had the number for my new phone except for a couple of people from my old office. I said, “The net result is that I’m starting from scratch at fifty-two years old. After last week, I realized that I needed to get out and have now decided that I want to camp in addition to getting some intentional exercise.”

Sandy was quiet for a moment. Then, she spoke. “I was in the same situation as you as a woman. My husband was the cheater. He was caught. The enraged husband shot him, shot his wife, and then committed suicide. It was a mess. I sold the house and moved here. I was so ashamed that I left everything and everyone. We never had children because I can’t get pregnant. I’m not sure we would have stayed married if he hadn’t been killed. It was a late marriage for me and his second.”

I said, “It looks like neither of us took much away from our marriages. I’m too old for a do over or a do again. I want a do different.”

Sandy smiled, “That makes sense. I’ve been here about a year now. The complex is okay though most of the residents are younger than we are. They are busy with jobs and figuring out who they are. It does make for some entertainment in the clubhouse when there are parties.”

I pulled into the first store on my list. There were campers and recreational vehicles spread all through the very large lot. I saw a parking place for my car and pulled in. We got out to be met by a salesman with the usual jolly attitude.

“Hi, folks! I’m Bob. How can I help you today?”

I said, “Good morning, Bob. I’m just starting to look. May we wander around for a bit? I want to get a flavor for what is available. I have a small pad and will note questions and come back to your office later.”

“That will be fine. You are?”

“I’m Jack Norris and Sandy is a friend. No matter what, I’ll check in with you before we leave.”

“Okay, Jack. I’ll be here. There is an inventory number on the stickers. If you note that, we will be sure to be talking about the same unit.”

“Thanks, Bob. I’ll do that.” He left us to walk around though I had the feeling he would have liked to go with us. I have to admit that I did not blame him. Sandy was a very appealing package as a woman. She was slim in form and on the tall side of average with dark hair and eyes. She was wearing a pair of tailored shorts and a blouse that was neither tight nor baggy. Her shoes were low-heeled sandals. Altogether, she was a classy looking lady.

We walked through the lines of big units, both vehicles and trailers. Sandy said, “What are you searching for, Jack?”

“I think I want something small enough that I can pull it behind my car. I can’t see having a monster rig. On the other hand, I want something comfortable on a protracted trip. I’m thinking of a small trailer or a ‘pop up’ style camper. I know they are still made but am not sure how big ‘pop-ups’ may now be. The Internet also showed some small, light trailers.”

We had to walk to the back of the lot to get to the smaller units. There were plenty of small trailers of many types. I made notes of three different ones that I liked. I said, “Any of those would be comfortable for my purposes. They look light enough that I can pull them with the convertible. Of course, there are no prices on any of them. I will have to talk to Bob and get prices and brochures if they have any. If not, I can check the Internet for the brand and model.

“Have I missed any that you want to see or think I should look at?”

“No, Jack.” She then exclaimed, “Oh, there is one! Look over there!”

That one was a small, older pop-up parked behind the others. It wasn’t even opened but the size was right. I looked around and there was room. “Would you help me open it, Sandy?”