The Lake Demon First Draft

The Lake Demon

John Richards was hard at work finishing up a short story that he was working on when his telephone rang. It was his sister Meg from Kelowna, British Columbia calling.

“John, I've got some terrible news for you. Dad's cancer has spread to his liver and his oncologist has only given him a month or two to live,” said Meg.

“That is terrible news,” John responded. “Is there anything I can do to help?”said John.

“Yeah, there is. I could use your company and support right now. My boyfriend Hank moved out two weeks ago so I got a lot on my plate right now.”

“ I bet. Well, the timing is very good. My two kids Ryan and Stephanie just arrived two days ago. Susan's leaving them with me for the summer. I haven't seen my kids for months now and I'm sure that they'd love to go on a road trip. I just wish that it was under better circumstances. You don't mind if I bring my kids along do you, Meg?”

“No, of course not. I've got plenty of room for all of you at my place. I'd love to see Ryan and Stephanie again. And like I said, I don't want to be alone during the short time Dad has to live.”

“You won't have to worry about that. The kids will keep us both very active. They will be sad about their Grandpa being so ill, but at least they will be able to say good bye to him,” said John.

“That's right. Stephanie and Ryan really love their grandfather, said Meg.

“They will have lots to keep them distracted though. My kids both love Lake Okanogan and they love going for boat rides on the lake,” said John.

“ I also need to take a short break from my writing. I might even be able to come up with some ideas for a new story while I'm at your place. We'll make it a summer vacation for the kids and I.”

“ When will you be leaving?” asked Meg while pouring herself a coffee.

“Tomorrow morning. The kids and I will need this evening to get packed. They are both out right now but I'll tell them as soon as they get home.”

“Aren't you even going to ask them if they want to go on a trip?” asked Meg.

“My kids are always ready for an adventure. And I know they'll want to see their Grandpa one last time,” John answered.

“Well, when should I expect you guys?”

“In about two days. We'll be driving out to your place.”

“Are you sure your old Taurus is up for the trip?” Meg joked.

“Don't worry I have a Premier membership with CAA,” said John.

After his conversation with his sister John Richards had a lot to think about. First, he had to think about his soon to be deceased father.

Robert Richards was the kind of man that made the idea of his passing seem very unreal to John. Yes, he knew that people die every day from cancer or with heart conditions, but his father was somewhat exceptional. He was what is known as a man's man. Robert Richards worked hard all his life as a heavy equipment operator. He was only sixty-seven years old and always seemed to be in robust health. It was a very rare occasion for John's father to ever miss a day of work because of illness. Whenever Robert caught a cold or some type of virus he usually went to work anyway and pushed through his discomfort. He liked to think of himself as being tough and in actuality, he was.

Although he was always a hard worker and a good provider, Robert Richards also believed in enjoying life. He loved his cigarettes, his beer and his whiskey. John's dad also liked to indulge in a high carbohydrate diet that inevitably resulted in Robert developing a weight problem as he grew older. Robert rarely got any regular exercise outside of his job. He used to belong to a ten pin bowling team but had to give this pastime up when he developed a painful arthritic condition in his knees. A year and a half ago Robert had a total left knee replacement.