I cleared the fire pit and arranged the rocks, then gathered firewood. Crickets sang as we made a final trip for sleeping bags and food. Frogs charummed and croaked in the creek and ponds. The whole world came alive after the sun slipped below the hills. We found Ben’s sleeping bag in storage, on a high shelf in my grandmother’s garage. Just pulling it out and smelling it brought memories, and I wished Ben were there. He would have loved Jesse and Dickie. I harbored the dream that he would walk up the driveway one day, just like Dickie felt about his father.My father came from a meeting at church and climbed the hill carrying a flashlight. He helped us get the fire started and brought out two potatoes wrapped in tinfoil that we put at the bottom of the fire. We assured him we would be all right.“No staying up all night,” he said.“Yes, sir,” I said.He looked at Dickie. “That’s a fine tent. I can tell you’ve set it up a time or two.”Dickie smiled. “Yes, sir. Mostly in the backyard when the landlord says it’s okay.”My father smiled and looked out over the twinkling lights of the community below.
What do You think about The Promise Of Jesse Woods?
