Chapter 34: A Visit from Uncle Larry

August 25, 2005:

The morning sunlight spilled across Josh’s porch as he sat quietly, sipping his coffee and staring at the street. The stillness of the day brought with it a pang of loneliness he couldn’t quite shake. He missed the chaotic energy of having his family all under one roof. But, as he reminded himself, time demanded growth, and with growth came change.

He thought of his mother, Dorothy, who now spent her days happily working and enjoying her relationship with Jareld. His brothers had moved on, Joel preparing for fatherhood and William steadily fixing up his first home. Josh took solace in their happiness, but it didn’t completely fill the void.

As he swirled the last of his coffee, a distant rumble broke his thoughts. Looking down the street, Josh spotted the unmistakable shape of an old Kenworth semi rolling closer. He squinted and then smiled.

“Uncle Larry,” he murmured.

The truck parked in front of Dorothy’s house, its engine rumbling to a stop. The door creaked open, and Larry climbed out, his weathered face lighting up as he spotted Josh waving from the porch. Larry gave a wave back and made his way across the street.

“Josh!” Larry’s voice boomed as he approached. “How the hell have you been, kid?”

Josh stood to greet him, shaking his uncle’s calloused hand. “Doing good, Uncle Larry. Didn’t know you were coming into town.”

“Thought I’d surprise your mom,” Larry replied, glancing toward Dorothy’s house. “She home?”

Josh shook his head. “I think she already left for work this morning. You’re welcome to hang out here until she gets back.”

Larry grinned and dropped into one of the porch chairs, letting out a satisfied sigh. “Don’t mind if I do. Got a long haul behind me, and this old body needs a break.”

The two settled in, the conversation flowing easily.

“How’s everyone been?” Larry asked, leaning back and crossing his arms.

“Good,” Josh began, his tone warm. “Mom’s doing great. Thanks for introducing her to Jareld, by the way. They’ve really hit it off.”

Larry’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I figured they might. Your mom deserves someone solid.”

Josh nodded. “She does. They’ve been good for each other.”

“And what about your brothers?”

Josh chuckled. “Joel’s about to become a dad. Beth’s due soon, and they’re both over the moon. William bought a house at an auction—a real fixer-upper—and he’s been putting in the work to make it livable while staying there.”

Larry whistled. “Sounds like they’re both doing well. Makes me proud to hear.”

Larry’s expression turned teasing. “And what about you, kid? Got someone special in your life?”

Josh hesitated, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. “I’ve got someone in mind,” he admitted, “but the timing’s not right.”

Larry raised an eyebrow. “Timing, huh? That’s a hell of an excuse.”

Josh smiled, leaning back in his chair. “It’s complicated.”

In truth, it wasn’t just timing that made it complicated—it was everything. Josh’s heart had belonged to Katie for as long as he could remember. He thought about the quiet drives to her town, the glimpses of her life as it unfolded. She was starting high school this year, and he knew she’d be in the band. He’d already planned to attend a few football games, content to watch her from a distance for now.

But none of this was something he could easily explain to Larry, so he kept it simple.

“Let’s just say I know what I want, but I’m playing the long game,” Josh said with a shrug.

Larry chuckled. “Fair enough. Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.”

“What about you, Uncle Larry?” Josh asked, deflecting the focus. “Anyone in your life these days?”

Larry’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Met a waitress this morning at the Flying J,” he said. “Could be the one.”

Josh laughed, shaking his head. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Nope! She brought me the best coffee I’ve had in years. That’s got to count for something, right?” Larry leaned forward, his grin widening.

“Sure, Uncle Larry,” Josh replied, playing along. “That’s definitely the foundation of a lasting relationship.”

After their laughter died down, Josh glanced at the time and stood. “Well, if you’re sticking around, make yourself comfortable. I’ve got to get ready—I’ve got an Aikido lesson to teach.”

Larry gave him a mock salute. “Don’t let me keep you. I’ll be here when your mom gets back. Might even take a nap in the truck if I get bored.”

Josh grabbed his bag from inside, slinging it over his shoulder. As he walked down the steps, Larry called after him.

“Hey, Josh?”

Josh paused, looking back.

“Proud of you, kid. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”

Josh smiled, his chest warming at the rare moment of praise. “Thanks, Uncle Larry. That means a lot.”

With that, he headed off, ready to face the day, the sound of Larry’s chuckle following him down the street.

The morning air was brisk as Josh jogged toward the dojo, the rhythmic sound of his steps matching the calm rhythm of his thoughts. Unlocking the front door, he stepped into the familiar space that had become his second home over the years. The faint scent of tatami mats and the quiet serenity of the room greeted him.

Josh headed straight to the locker room, setting his bag down on the bench. He carefully changed into his gi, taking a moment to adjust the 2nd dan black belt with the thin gold stripe that Sensei Chang had ceremoniously presented to him earlier this year. The belt was a mark of his growth and dedication, and he wore it with pride and humility.

Stepping onto the mats, Josh began his morning routine. He stretched methodically, loosening his muscles and clearing his mind. With each motion, he felt his body fall into rhythm, the movements of Aikido now second nature to him. After stretching, he transitioned seamlessly into practicing his forms. The movements flowed from his body with precision, each step and turn imbued with the discipline instilled by years under Sensei Chang’s guidance.

As Josh finished his practice, the sound of the front door opening pulled his attention. Sensei Chang entered, walking with the steady composure that always seemed to precede him.

“Good morning, Sensei,” Josh greeted, bowing deeply as his teacher approached.

“Good morning, Josh,” Sensei replied, his voice warm yet reserved. “I see you’ve been putting in the work already.”

Josh straightened, a slight smile on his face. “Always, Sensei. The routine keeps me grounded.”

Sensei Chang nodded approvingly before heading to the locker room to change into his gi. When he returned, he settled into the office, leaving Josh to greet the arriving students.

One by one, the students filed in, ranging from young beginners to adults refining their skills. Josh greeted each of them with a bow and a warm smile, creating an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie. Once the group had assembled, he stepped to the front of the mat and began the lesson.