A New Ride

La que permanece

Joe

The birds chirped extra loud that morning. Joe had awaken later than anticipated, as he was planning a trip back home today. He sat up and felt the familiar knot of a hangover through his entire body.
"Man, screw this"

Hungry and sluggushly, he walked out into the cool afternoon,the breeze was mild and it was still very bright. He made his way to Marlas kitchen, staggering a bit on the way. The women huddled together and watched him quietly as he plopped into the folding chair a bit too hard and fell back. Though he got up quickly. He knew he had been discovered. Rubbing his face the minute he heard their laughter, he walked over to them and gave then a smile.

"Morning sleepy head" Marla chirped, "here, take some breakfast. You need to stay strong Joe."

Though Joe felt queezy from last night's fun, he couldn't resist Marla nor her amazing food. He took a plate and dug in.

"Marla, I'm leaving for the city after this. Sorry to give such short notice but I've got things to do."

She nodded and gave him a sad smile. Joe wasn't sure if she understood what she meant by that, but neither said anything more. 

Joe shrugged and stuck his hands in his pockets. And lingered by the entrance of town. The children all clung onto him asking for stories about boxing, Mio watched with a smile from the building he leaned on.

"See ya around man" he said and gave Joe a fist bump.

He chuckled and ruffled a hand through the boys hair.

"Stay out of trouble alright? Help your mom out, will ya"

And with that Joe started the truck and was on his way. Due to his late start, it was beginning to grow dark in no time. He figured a stop at a bar & motel wouldn't hurt anyone.

As the sun set in brilliant glows of purple and yellow, the neon sign that read
*WAYFAIR INN*
had gotten the attention of Joe. He had initially planned to go further but he had been yawning for the past hour and figured it'd be best to take a stop. I walked into the dainty brick building, the front desk wasn't much to look at with a sandalwood glaze and a few plants spotted around the room. The man who looked up at me with  a toothy grin seemed to be in his late 50s at least. He gave me a key for a room and explained where I could find a bar, he had mentioned an open mic night but I didn't catch the rest.

(Time skip)

Back at Casa
Marlas boy grunted while he scrubbed the dishes with such exhaust. Marla chuckled as she nudged the young boys head with her hand,

"Mijo don't you want a beautiful wife when your older? You wont find one who doesn't like you doing dishes. "

He only huffed and looked down.

"Mom, I don't need one, Joe doesn't seem to mind it!"

Marla gave him another soft pat on the head, she also wondered if Joe would ever think of a love life.

"Well, Mijo, Joe will find love. I'm positive who ever he looked up to raised him right. Just like you"

Joe

I plopped onto the coffee colored bed in my room. Though the motel looked old from outside, they sure as hell did a good job with upkeep. The room had yellow-toned walls and various plants near the window and the bedside. Joe placed the little belongings he had brought near the wall and strode out to the bar. The familiar scent hit him, nearly knocking him back.

"Brings back old times, don't it kid?"

He heard the old mans voice again behind him, but not with a pained feeling. It was rather a comforting feeling that he was being watched over.