10-31-2020, 05:07 AM
He could see it in the distance. As much as he detested driving fast, he set aside his fears
this one time as his foot pressed the gas pedal closer to the floorboard. Curiosity had the
better of him. And so far, everything looked like a "Go".
The old television/radio tower was still standing. Situated on the edge of a rolling grass field,
the long-defunct structure told endless tales of past glory. The accompanying building had been
torn down several years before, but this tower remained and with it many fond memories.
Orville would come to this field as a child. His father would bring him on weekends and holidays,
weather permitting, and they would play catch and fly kites and do all the things young boys do
with their fathers. It was only a small window of time in Orville's life but it was one that brought
him much comfort.
His father's passing just after his twelfth birthday had such a huge, negative impact. That was the
time in a boy's life when a father's presence was most important. Shaving, driving, how to fight if
it came to it, girls, all the struggles that face a teenager were compounded for Orville. He would
eventually learn about all these things on his own but without a father's guidance, a young man
could veer off the path into dereliction. And Orville did.
The lush green field was surrounded by stands of trees. All sorts. Oaks, elms, maples. It's a wonder
more people weren't attracted to this place. It was a little out of the way, but if one desired wide open
spaces and fresh air, this was it in spades.
Orville exited his old jalopy, diary in hand, and climbed a small hill to sit in the shade and explore the
world Gail left behind. There was a cool breeze rushing through the leaves overhead as he sat beneath
an impressive oak. There was the smell of a wood fire on the air. He closed his eyes and inhaled the
sweet, faint scent. This might prove to be the closure that he so very badly needed.
He cleaned his glasses before beginning. It seemed only right.
this one time as his foot pressed the gas pedal closer to the floorboard. Curiosity had the
better of him. And so far, everything looked like a "Go".
The old television/radio tower was still standing. Situated on the edge of a rolling grass field,
the long-defunct structure told endless tales of past glory. The accompanying building had been
torn down several years before, but this tower remained and with it many fond memories.
Orville would come to this field as a child. His father would bring him on weekends and holidays,
weather permitting, and they would play catch and fly kites and do all the things young boys do
with their fathers. It was only a small window of time in Orville's life but it was one that brought
him much comfort.
His father's passing just after his twelfth birthday had such a huge, negative impact. That was the
time in a boy's life when a father's presence was most important. Shaving, driving, how to fight if
it came to it, girls, all the struggles that face a teenager were compounded for Orville. He would
eventually learn about all these things on his own but without a father's guidance, a young man
could veer off the path into dereliction. And Orville did.
The lush green field was surrounded by stands of trees. All sorts. Oaks, elms, maples. It's a wonder
more people weren't attracted to this place. It was a little out of the way, but if one desired wide open
spaces and fresh air, this was it in spades.
Orville exited his old jalopy, diary in hand, and climbed a small hill to sit in the shade and explore the
world Gail left behind. There was a cool breeze rushing through the leaves overhead as he sat beneath
an impressive oak. There was the smell of a wood fire on the air. He closed his eyes and inhaled the
sweet, faint scent. This might prove to be the closure that he so very badly needed.
He cleaned his glasses before beginning. It seemed only right.
