Michael's Story

Chapter 14

The two of them were now at the trail's end, reaching the opposite side of the park. It started with a parking lot and ended at a Hall connected by a long walkway. Michael's perplexed gaze froze on Junie.

"What is this?" He asked her.

Junie's face crumpled, and she cast a glance toward the Hall. Then, lightly laughing, she shook her head. Finally, she took the lead once more.

"We're going there." She indicated with a point of her finger.

Following her pointing finger, Michael was able to see the Baskin Robbins. Junie reached out to

grab his arm as a smile spread across his face.

"Let's go." Junie pulled him along.

They crossed the parking lot and went through the gate. As they approached the crossing, their walk was postponed by the long line of waiting cars. Several times, Junie pressed the crossing's walk button.

"I don't think pressing it that many times will work. You only need to press it once." Michael informed her.

"For real?" She said while still pressing the button.

Michael scoffed and steered her finger away from the button. The pedestrian's 'WALK' signal turned white, and the light turned green. The cars started to scatter, and Junie and Michael walked across the road.

There was a significant number of people at Baskin Robbins. It was a decision Junie quickly regretted. The group was too close together for her to make her way through without having to talk to people. She could find a way through, but she couldn't shake the fear that she might accidentally brush up against a stranger.

There was an uncomfortable rumble of voices as people tried to pass the time by talking to one another. Unease crept up her spine, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. Sensing Junie's unease, Michael pressed his muscular chest against her back. His large, warm hands wrapped around her waist, and he held on.

"Excuse me." He said aloud.

They could get through because the people in front of Junie spread out. Junie could only muster a weak grin. Then, they went over to the case housing the various ice cream flavors. A mother and three young children stood before them, each choosing their favorite flavor.

"All they're doing is putting ice cream in a cup. How long does it take?" Michael said in Junie's ear.

"My guess is as good as yours," Junie responded.

There was a bell ringing, signaling yet another patron's arrival. A man stumbled into the shop, followed closely by a young girl. He was a big, husky man in stature. He cast a gloomy gaze in every direction.

"Excuse me, I'm trying to get through." The words came out of his mouth abruptly.

This man pushed his way through the crowd. Under their breath, some of them hurled obscenities at him. He ambled over to the table by the window, only a few feet away from where Junie and Michael were standing.

"Go up there and get yourself some ice cream." He said to the little girl.

As she nodded, she strolled over to the glass display. Junie and Michael stepped back as the girl approached the glass to give her some space. The mother and her three children were still waiting on the youngest boy to make up his mind.

There were less people in the store as some left after they paid for their ice cream. One customer came over and selected their ice cream flavor, another approached to do the same. Finally, the alcoholic got to his feet and staggered a few steps forward.