The Journal

Morgan

Bleeding Grass - Part 2

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"Dad, you lied to me."

 "No I didn't."

 "Yes you did."

 "You said Benjamin was coming over in the summertime,

 Its now Fall, I don't understand." She said.

 "Maybe next year he'll come over for your 5th birthday,

 I hope he won't be sick every weekends." I said

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 Bus stop -17 degree C

"Dad, why are those girls standing there out in the cold?"

"They're waiting for the bus." I answered.

"But it's freezing, why didn't they drive?"

"Because they're not old enough to drive." I explained.

"Why not?"

You need a driver's license to drive and they're not old enough to get one."

"How old do you need to be to get one?" She asked with a hint of regret.

"Sixteen." I answered.

I then made my usual diversion and dropped Morgan off at her school. I quickly parked then made my way up to the second floor to the assigned before-care area. The brisk exchange of morning greetings were followed by a surprising question-like comment from one of her teachers.

"Morgan has a big sister, I didn't know." She said.

"Yes she does." I quickly replied.

"She talked about her all day yesterday." She continued.

I smiled. This in an effort to discourage the impending embarrassing line of conversation that could force me to talk about a painful subject. I quickly said goodbye to both Morgan and the nosy teacher then headed towards the neck breaking flight of stairs that led to where I parked.

Later that afternoon:

"Dad, I have been thinking about something."

"What Morgan, what have you been thinking about?" I asked with a smile, with anticipation.

"I believe you should get your drivers license when you're eight."

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Winter: Sunday 9:20 am

I took Morgan down by the lake for a walk to fulfill a crazy promise I made her without first checking what the weather decided to dish out that morning. After a very short and brisk walk, with the sub zero wind cracking at my ears, we headed back to the car. Her many layers along with her snugged winter head gear served her well. It was during this walk Morgan posed a question to me that was more chilling than the frigid wind coming off the frozen lake. And with my head crouching over to shield me from nature's fury,

I could only say. "Pardon me?"

"Is Benjamin still my brother?" She repeated.

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Coldest July Day:

As the auditorium became populated with the eager well wishers. We hurried in to find suitable seats that would allow us the opportunity to capture great pictures. We ended up in the middle of the crowded room sitting directly behind Benjamin's mom. Within minutes the temperature in the room fell below zero.

Throughout the afternoon we watched, listened, photographed and recorded the event as they handed out one certificate after another. Video cameras rolled, still cameras snapped away, flashing lights were nonstop, blinding.

They went through the whole class before Benjamin's name was called. The crown roared with excitement. Standing ovation. They gracefully placed a medal around his neck. An award reserved only for a valedictorian. Yes a proud and much deserved valedictorian he was. And as we cheered and the falling confetti casted its shadow on the over exposed backdrop, his proud moment lived on that stage until the curtain closed. Closed on an achievement fitting for those who excels.

And as the crowd dispensed we all gathered around to hug and congratulate him. He posed for his pictures while those on their way to the chocked off exit broke their strides to congratulate him, even those we didn't know, most he didn't know.

Benjamin walked out of the thick air towards his friends across the lawn at the front entrance of his school in silence. Morgan, oblivious to the coldest July afternoon on record; ran around on the wide opened lawn by herself as my effort to make a connection between them both proved unsuccessful. It was clear that Benjamin himself felt uncomfortable with all of us breathing the same air. His uneasiness came alive with each playback on the screen.

"Give me a call." I said a few times, as my camera rolled.

I received a reluctant nod, one that was enough. It wasn't my day. It was his day to shine, and he did. He was the brightest star of them all. But maybe the chill reached further than the four metal chairs in the middle of the crowded auditorium. Maybe a few clouds got in his way... and still lingers.

The End - Thanks for checking out this Journal and leaving your very encouraging comments.

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 - Thomas - © Dec. 22, 2014