Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Five: Sam's Family

Sam gives you a devilish smile, "Damn straight, I do! Wow, check this thing out!"

You hand him your board so he can admire it. It's a midsized board with a kicktail. The top of the board has a natural wood finish, complete with rough grip tape so your feet won't slip. The underside of the deck contains a painting of a skull submerged in the ocean. The top of the skull looks like an island, complete with sunny skies, sand, palm trees, and a surfboard. The face of the skull beneath the surface of the water is an eye-catching aqua color, surrounded by a black ocean. The wheels are translucent light pink, which perfectly complement the aqua detail. You were immediately drawn to that board when you started shopping around for one three years ago. When you found it at a local shop in Zuzu City, you just couldn't leave it behind. It was one of the best decisions that you've made in your adult life, longboarding was one of your favorite warm-weather hobbies.

"This is a nice little cruiser you have here," Sam swoons. "This thing is sick!"

"Wanna give it a shot?" you ask him, proud to be showing off your baby to someone who would appreciate it as much as you do. "I know it's a little cold, but why don't we stop at the bus stop on our way into town, and you can take it for a quick spin? The roads were completely empty on my drive into town."

Sam looks at you with stars in his eyes. You practically have to chase him down after giving him your permission to try it out. Once you catch up to him, he's already setting the board against the asphalt and getting ready to take off. "Hey, be careful with it!" you call after him as he gives three swift kicks with his right leg, flying down the road towards the tunnel.

Sam lets out a couple of hoots and hollers as he carves left and right down the barren road. Once he reaches the entrance of the tunnel, he makes a wide turn, heading back in your direction with one solid motion. Once he is back in earshot, he yells to you, "Wow, this is such a smooth ride! The wheels are so much quieter than a regular skateboard!"

"Safe to assume that you like it, then?" you chuckle at his elated expression as he dismounts the board and jogs back to you.

"Safe to assume that you've converted me to longboards, and I'm going to have to buy one!" he exclaims. "It was so gentle, you don't feel every pebble, twig or crack in the road like my skateboard, it just glides right over!"

After returning your board to your house, you and Sam resume your walk into town, talking about skateboards, music, and anything else that comes to your minds. Eventually, you get to the end of the long trail that leads from your house to the main town square. Everything looks the same as you remember. Your heart fills with excitement as it settles in that this is your home now. Maybe someday, you would start your own family here, and you would be able to pass the farm down to your own kids and grandkids...

"So anyway," Sam speaks gently, noticing your nostalgia, "mind if we swing by my place for lunch really quick? My mom would love to say hi, and you could meet Vince, too. He's pretty excited to meet you. We can split the pizza that I have in the freezer, if you want."

"Oh, yeah! That sounds like a great place to start."

You and Sam hang a right, and walk through the grass until you reach the fence behind his house. He guides you through his yard and up to his front door. What if they don't like me? What if I don't live up to how they expected me to turn out? What if...

Before Sam can even put his hand on the doorknob, the door flies open. You don't even have time to react before a set of arms wraps around your shoulders, pulling you into a tight hug. "(Y/N!)" a familiar voice exclaims.

"Mom!" Sam protests. "You're suffocating her! Give her some space, jeez."

"I'm sorry, I just can't help it!" Jodi sings, loosening her grip and ushering you in the house, into their small foyer. "Come in! Get out of the cold. Please, wipe your shoes before you go too far, I just mopped!"