***I started on what would be a long walk home as my truck sat in the parking area of the local food market. I had tried and tried to start and there was something definitely wrong with it. I had wanted to trade it in before I had to end up putting major money into repairs but with my work hours being cutback I had to scrimp and scrap for every penny. Hard times had fallen all around and at least I could be thankful I still had a roof over my head, unlike some of the less fortunate ones that lived in the valley. I had watched our once thriving community slowly dry up as people moved away in search of better times and more job opportunities. I had stuck it praying that one day I would awaken and this nightmare we were living would be over.
***The cool autumn air was forcing its way down inside my jacket I wore. The soft gentle breeze on these cool mountain nights quickly pushed aside any body heat that one could generate unless they were dressed for the weather. The jacket I had kept in my truck barely served that purpose as the zippers was broken and the material worn some places already having holes through it. I pulled the jacket tighter as I held it closed with my hand. I glanced down at the jacket that I had once worn proudly back in my school days. I could see the dirty school letters that I had earned, playing sports throughout my high school days. The white leather of the jacket showed the grease, oil, water and dirt that had built up on it as I had used when needed for protection from nature.
***I was walking up the last gradual incline to my driveway as I heard the distant rolling of thunder. With the rumble I walked faster as I knew I did not want to be caught out in an autumn storm at night on a dark and desolate road. Not many cars traveled this road and the ones that did took it for a race track through the mountains. I could just picture being struck by one of them, having not seen me because of the harsh weather. The incline was long and demanding but many times I had climbed it and this night would be no difference.
***I just turned on to my driveway and was taking the winding walk up to my dark house as a large clap of thunder sounded. I knew then that I had just made it home and would be able to close the house up before it started raining if I hurried. I was walking a little faster now and as I reached my first step up onto the porch a large clap of thunder and the night sky was lit up like it had instantly become daytime. Skipping steps I was quickly at my front door and unlocking it. The doorknob turned in my hand and I pushed the door open as I stepped quickly inside.
***The house was dark, yet I knew my way around inside as I had been brought up in it. I made my way over to the table lamp and turned it on, lighting the room with a soft glow. I looked around and smiled, thinking to myself, "Yes, you are still mine and no one or thing will ever change that." I then walked over to the fireplace and knelt down before it. It was not long before I had a fire roaring in the fireplace and the heat slowly chased the days coolness from the room. When the temperature was comfortable I finally removed my jacket and placed it on the coat hook, ready for the next days trip back to work. I would have to leave early and hope that some person driving past stopped and picked me up and gave me a ride into town.
***I walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator and took out some left over stew I had made a couple days before. I loved letting it it set and then reheating it as it always seemed to taste better the second time. I thought to myself how good the warmth of it would feel in my empty stomach as I had always passed up lunch to save money. I knew it was not a good idea but corners had to be cut and I never let myself starve that was for sure. Anyone looking at me would swear I was one of the best nourished people they had seen.
to be continued..............
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