- short story based on strange words -
Sillage: the lingering smell of an individual.
S I L L A G E
If you met him, you'd probably mistake him for any other man. There was nothing special about General Leroy Illis. He was abnormally normal; average and plain, they way the government likes it.
I first met General Illis when I was flying back from my latest deployment. Anxiety was thrust into my heart with a conviction that could kill. It had been two years since I'd seen my daughter, Sofia Anne, and my ex wife, Charlain. The bumpy seats weren't helping with my nerves. I missed my little girl, but I knew she'd never recognize me. It wasn't like anyone was waiting for me to come home. I was going to be homeless, penniless, and alone.
After sliding off the plane with reluctance, surprise hit me like a brick.
A man, nearly in his sixties looked me in the eyes as I gazed back with wide, saucer eyes. He had a heart shaped face, with nearly undetectable cheekbones and a strong, jutting chin. The older mans stormy eyes were narrowed, as if naturally scrutinizing my every action. Strong, grey eyebrows angled downward in accusation seemed to glare at me, over top of his crooked nose and thin, close lipped line. I was then distracted by the widows peak hairline. Hanging above that was a tuft of spikey grey hair, streaks of white dusting the veteran style cut.
As I stepped toward the man, I noticed he had wiry muscles, shown through his white tee and camouflage sweats as he leaned against the pole in the airport.
In his hand was a white paper with bubble letters "JAMES T. COVENT."
I quickly rushed to the man and claimed that I was James T. Covent. I explained I had just been deployed back home, and was out of a job, a home, and a check. The man introduced himself as Leroy Illis — or General Illis as I liked to call him. We gave each other a firm handshake.
"Do you know why I'm here, Mr. Covent?"
I shook my head, following the back of General Illis. Dragging along my loud suitcase behind him, I nearly stumbled as he paused.
"I help unemployed soldiers. I give em a job, a place to stay, and food in their bellies. You ain't got no family, Covent?"
I twisted my lips wryly. "No sir. My wife divorced me. My daughter is only two. My parents disowned me — they don't like the army much, sir."
General Illis patted my back sympathetically. "I have your back, Covent."
°°°
Despite him saying that over two years ago, General Illis kept his promise. I earned my keep by becoming a waiter at a bar he owned, and spent the night at a complex he also owned. As the years progressed, I learned I could trust the General with more than my life.
As I prepared to leave the apartment building Illis had put me in nearly two years ago, I smiled.
"General, I'm ready to go," I called out.
Two other army boys clapped me on the back, General waiting for me outside. He wore nothing special; khakis, white tee, and boots. His hair was spiked as always. But today he wore an uncharacteristic smile.
"I'm gonna miss you, maggot," General said roughly.
I nodded. "Me too, sir. Could I get a hug for the road?"
General pulled in for a tight squeeze. I could smell his strong pine cologne wherever I went. It clung to him like mad.
As I said goodbye again to the an who saved my life, I could still faintly smell his aroma on the plane to Texas.
General Leroy Illis was a good man.
• • •
Criticism is welcome
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HeRo (Sⓗort Stⓞrⓘⓔs)
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