The Odd Thing
Copyright© 2023 by Old Man with a Pen
Chapter 4
“Never shoot a gun in an enclosed space ... unless it’s to save a life.”
There came a stomping ... like my dad climbing up a staircase and pissed about something.
Something is another Murphy, ‘There is always something.’
“David James Austin!”
That sounds like my dad ... can’t be ... he died in ‘59 ... and that was 50 years ago ... maybe not.
The slam of the attic door against the wall.
A second set of stomps.
My mother ... couldn’t be anyone else ... no one I know has that distinctive scream... “David James Austin! You Get Rid of That Gun! Charles!”
“I’m going! Vera ... calm down.”
Yup ... Daddy! It is therefore pre 1959 ... and I am a kid again. In trouble ... again ... still.
The closet door slammed back,
“DAVID!”
I am examining the .32 caliber hole in the roof. My mighty fine womangirl is buttoning up her blouse ... her bra still draped over the hanger rail.
“Who is your young lady.”
Since I’d never been introduced I looked to her for an explanation.
“Sallyanne Baker,” Sallyanne said, “I assume you’re David’s father.”
And Mom arrived.
You don’t scream in a closet either. Almost as bad as shooting a gun.
Later ... sitting on the couch, holding hands, Mom interrogated Sallyanne.
Sallyanne is the best liar. Even better than me.
Sallyanne spun a story I won’t EVEN attempt to tell ... because I was elsewhere ... off in my own mind ... escaping reality.
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