Aid the Deceased

Arrival

     "Oh god it hurts so much..." I gasp as I grip my hand tight to my chest. My hand feels like it is on fire!  Am I bleeding? I check my hand and its already red, damn.

     "I'm such a baby." I whisper to myself somewhat embarrassed as I rub where I pinched my hand in my suitcase. I'm moving into my new house today. All my belongings are already at the new place but I wanted to spend one more night at my parents house. My mom gets emotional any time I ever take a step forward in my life whether it be getting a promotion at work or getting a dog. I wouldn't have her any other way though, she is a great mother.

     "You coming, sweetie?" My mom calls up the stairs.

     "Yeah, I'm coming Mom!" I respond as I quickly grab my suitcase and usher Clancy down the stairs. Clancy is my pug, my right hand man, and my best friend. I got him when he was just a few months old. I saw his picture on an adoption site and I was instantly in love. I always tell him his wrinkles are irresistible and his little curly cue of a tail always starts going crazy.

     When I get to the bottom of the steps my mom grabs my arm and gives me a smug look. I know exact what is coming next, sarcasm.

     "Look at you Ryland! My boy is finally moving into his own place after living with me for 26 years. I was hoping to have grandchildren by now but I suppose Clancy will have to do for now." She laughs to herself as scoops up Clancy in a big embrace and that curl wiggles mightily. I give her the biggest fake sigh to match her sarcasm but shoots her a smile soon after. I wrap my arms around her and Clancy taking in this moment.

     "I love you, Mom." I say in a hushed tone.

     "I love you too, Sweetie." She responds with affection in her voice. We break off the hug and she hesitantly hands me Clancy. After saying our goodbyes, Clancy snorts his, I grab my bag and make my way out the door.

       I step outside into the blistering Florida heat and instantly feel like I'm melting. I rush to the car to try to get Clancy and I into the A/C but when I open the car door it feels like I have opened a portal to Hell itself. I throw my suitcase into the back and run to the front to start the car and crank the A/C as high as it will go. I let it run for a few minutes before I set Clancy down inside and get in myself. Clancy makes himself comfortable in the passenger seat, my co-pilot knows his position. After checking all my mirrors I slowly pull out of the driveway and make my way to the highway. This is going to be a big change for me. Not only am I going to be living by myself with Clancy but I am going from the beautiful city of St. Augustine to a very small, more southern town called Green Cove Springs. I was bewildered when I went to see the house for the first time and it was on a dirt road.

     Most of the ride consists of my car radio playing a bit too loud and Clancy snoring over the music. He wakes up as the car jolts from the transition between pavement to sand and he looks to me for an answer. I offer a smile and a pat on the head. Not long after, I pull into the driveway and park the car. Clancy climbs over me as I open the door and flops out the door. Majestic as always. I laugh at him while pulling my suitcase out the back, locking the doors. As I approach the front steps I reach for my keys but realize the door is ajar. That is odd, I swear I locked the door after I dropped off the rest of my stuff yesterday. The land lady must have came to do some last minute cleaning earlier and forgot to lock up.

     I look down at the excited Clancy and grin.

     "This is it boy, the start of our story. Just me and you."