Memories to Burn a Broken Soul

Chapter 19

April, 1994
2:56pm

Brian and Sal stand outside as their classmates pour out of the school. Spring break has finally begun.

"I wish you could come with me." Brian says, wrapping his arms tightly around Sal's waist. He sticks his lip out, giving Sal puppy dog eyes.

"I know baby. But you're gonna have so much fun! Your first taste of being a fireman." Sal says swaying Brian in his arms. Brian was going to a firefighter training camp in the city for spring break.

"I'll call you every single day. Any chance I get." The taller man says, kissing Sal's cheek. This causes the younger man to chuckle.

"Even if you don't, it's ok. I love you Bri, you're going to do awesome. This will just give me a chance to pack more of my things." Sal responds.

Brian leans forward and kisses Sal passionately. When they were together, it felt like they were the only two in the entire world. They didn't care who saw them in that moment, they only cared about each other.

Sal breaks away, breathing hard. "I gotta go find my dad. He's picking me up."

Brian nods in response, kissing his boyfriend quickly.

"I love you so much Bri, have fun!" Sal says, walking towards the parking lot.

"I love you too Sally. Forever and ever."

As Sal reaches the parking lot, he sees his dad sitting in the first row. He quickly throws his backpack in the back seat and gets in the front.

"Hey dad." Sal says sheepishly, buckling his seatbelt. His dad was silent, looking straight ahead.

Sal looked up at where he just was and saw Brian still standing there, grabbing his keys from his bag. Suddenly the car starts up and his dad rolls out of the spot, nearly crashing into other cars.

"Everything ok, dad?" Sal asks, holding his seatbelt as they continue to drive recklessly through the parking lot.

"Everything's coming together now, Sal. It will all be fine soon enough."