June 21

June 21

Sitting silently on the porch steps, I wait. I can’t see the sun behind the clouds. So, I can’t tell exactly what time it is. I know it’s still morning, though, because the air is cool and soft. By all appearances, it’s gonna be a fantastic day. I run down the porch steps, as Joey honks his horn. Together with Kim, Joey waves me into the car. Jumping in the back seat, Kim leans over the front seat with a broad smile as her blonde ponytail twirls.

"Hey, Phil. Isn't it a great day for the beach?"

Flustered, I mutter, "Oh man, you got that right! Sun is bright and the day is young."

Joey chimes in, “Hey, buddy, you bring the paddles and balls? 'Cause I’m gonna crush you.”

Scoffing, I shoot back, “You’ve never beaten me yet. So there’s no chance. Besides, you’re all brawn and no brains. I win again.

“You’ll eat those words soon enough, pal.”

“Hey, you two, save it for the sand,” Kim says, rolling her eyes. Hey “Let’s get going while there’s still some sun left for my tan.” she says.

Joey looks lovingly at her and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek. I look away and blush.

After catching up on the latest gossip we pull onto the interstate. I slump over in the back seat to take a short nap as Teenage Wasteland plays on the radio.

As the car slowing Joey snaps me awake. “Rise and shine, brainiac. That little bit of beauty sleep isn’t gonna save you from the pounding you're about to get.”

“Okay, okay, knock it off,” says Kim.

Parking in a shady spot, the doors fly open, and in a second, the three of us are piling out. The trunk pops and we all grab coolers and towels. With paddles in hand, I get my first glimpse of Kim in her baby blue bikini. She’s radiant with the kind of effortless beauty that turns heads. I pause to admire her before looking away when her eyes catch mine.

“Hey, I saw that,” says Joey.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just looking for the cooler.”

“Yeah, sure you were. Just remember, you’re the third wheel on this trip. So, stay in your lane.”

“Oh, lighten up, Joey,” Kim chuckles. “Let’s just get down to the beach and relax.”

With gear in hand, we trot down to the water. The sand burns, and the trot becomes a jog, which becomes a sprint. I do my best not to be too obvious as I catch furtive glances of Kim’s ample bouncing.

Racing to the beach, I see them smiling at each other. They’re a handsome couple—Joey, the all-American quarterback, and Kim, the cheerleader. I sometimes wonder why they let me tag along. But I’m grateful they do. Joey is my best friend, and though he’s all muscle and I’m just a scrawny runner, we respect each other as athletes.

Throwing down our junk, we set about making ourselves comfortable. With towels spread, we plop down for a little R&R. Kim pulls out her Harlequin romance novel.

“What do you need that for when you have all the romance you need right here?”

“Oh, Joey,” she says with a wink, “you know I love you, but a girl can dream a little, can’t she?”

With a grunt he shrugs his shoulders.

Leaping to his feet as if declaring war, he says, “Ready to get destroyed?

“Destroyed by who? You? Ha!

What begins with a few tentative lobs quickly escalates into cannon fire. Sure, he’s stronger, but I’m nimble and agile. I can easily outlast, outsmart, and outrun him. Forty-five minutes later, and still, there’s no clear winner.

Kim senses our frustration and jumps to the rescue. “Hey, you two wanna take a dip?”

Both of us want to avoid a draw. So, we readily agree. Racing to the placid waters, we dive in. I am surrounded by the cool, calm ocean. It feels safe and cozy—almost womb-like.

I emerge only to be shoved back down. Struggling under the force of Joey’s powerful hands and arms, I flip and twist to escape. Clamping my eyes against the sea salt, I am blind and disoriented. I can’t tell which way is up or down. In the darkness, all is chaos and confusion. Feeling like I’m about to drown, I bite down. I don't know if it’s a hand or a foot—and I don’t care. Hearing the muffled scream, I am free and burst into light, gasping for air.

“Hey, you son of a bitch. You almost killed me.”

“Killed you? You’re the one who tried to bite my hand off! You freakin’ jerk! I should’ve drowned you when I had the chance.”

“Alright. Stop it right now!” Kim says in disgust. “This is supposed to be a fun-filled day at the beach, and all you two want to do is fight.”

Trying to diffuse the situation, she says, “Let’s get out and eat. I’m getting hungry.”

With food eaten and the sun setting, we pack up and head back to the car. After loading our gear, we pile in, and before long, we’re heading down the highway. Exhausted, I once again nod off to the radio. This time, I can hear Comfortably Numb as I drift away.

I wake up to Joey jokingly telling me, “Get out, you bum.”

“Come on, give him a break, will ya?” says Kim, shaking her head.

“I’m okay, Kim. I know he’s just kidding.”

Getting my stuff from the trunk, I thank them both and run to the house.

Inside. Father reads the paper on the couch.

“Hey, pop,” I say.

Without looking up, “How was the beach?” he asks.

“I’ll tell you in a sec. Gotta' get out of these wet trunks.”

I head up the stairs to the attic, my feet moving on autopilot, until something stops me cold.

I see

feet... hovering.

chair... toppled.

Tongue... bloated, black-blue

rope... taught

Racing down...

“Father!”

“Come! Quick!”

“What” what is it?”

Mother!”

Racing up

“Help, me get her down!

“No… Oh God! No Linda!”

“Go! Call 911!

The ambulance.

I’m sorry it’s too late.

The white sheet.