KNACK Magazine #5

KNACK “Not in my house James Murphy.”

He clearly wanted to object, but didn’t. “Orange juice would be good.”

“Alright wait right here.”

I couldn’t get the seal to break. It was that stupid OJ with the giant twist off cap. They have those little tear-away seals. I have never been able to get them off.

I dropped it. On its way down it took the glass with it. I didn’t have shoes on and I cut myself. The blanket fell. I stepped on more glass. James came rushing in and tried to help but I panicked when I saw the blood and made him go back into the den. At least the juice stayed in the bottle.

Those seals are industrial strength.

I wrapped bandages on my foot and put on a thick sock or two. After what was probably 15 minutes I took him a glass of juice. He stared at it quietly. I said I was feeling a little tired and should take a nap. He smiled and hugged me carefully and left.

The breeze had calmed and the day was bright blue and warm. The sun hit the front door perfectly and I soaked it in a moment.

I sat in the den waiting for the sun to set. It lit that room up red when it did. I was alone for hours in the darkening light. When he came home from work I wrapped my arms around him and I didn’t let go until the morning.

6 : Becoming C alm, G oing On Vacation The two men were on the beach. One on his back, sunglasses covering the eyes. Asleep maybe. The other read. As the day passed several other families and groups made their way to the beach. One little girl stopped at the blanket where the man sat reading.

“Whatcha doing?” She was seven.

He took off his glasses and smiled at her. “I’m reading. Whatcha doing?” He managed to repeat her cadence perfectly.

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