The sky had turned dark, dark as night. Father’s frail body crumpled

on the hill. Teddy was licking his face and he was hitting the dog. Hitting my

dog.

Alone with the voices of his past. No longer the famous playwright. A drunkard.

I hated him and I started to scream. Another dog came. A brown mostly white

collie. He ran up to Teddy and began licking father. Buddy and Jim. “Go away,” I

screamed again “GO AWAY!”

Buddy tried to comfort me. I shrugged him off and hissed”You’re Gay.” Father couldn’t stand fags.

“Leave Father, alone.” Jim voice took command. “He’s sick.” The two men carried Father up the hill/

The dogs followed me. They were happy.

I looked back at the sea. It was a maelstrom of thrashing waves. I shivered.

The men put Father wet clothes and all, into bed. He stunk of urine and vomit.

Jim looked at me. “He needs a doctor, Aurora.” Buddy headed to the door. “I’m taking his truck to

town.” I wanted to say, NO. LET HIM DIE! Winter was coming. I had a poem in a magazine.

I wanted to go to New York and start a life. Without Father!

I sat and chewed my nails. Ghosts chanted in unison, Let him die.

Jim walked over to me and stroked my hair. I pushed him away. Jim flinched.

“I haven’t been honest with you ,Aurora.” I plugged my ears. Here it come,s the confession1

“i saved your brother’s life during 9/11.” I almost fell off the chair. “You were a fireman?”

“Nope, a civilian office worker. Buddy had come to deliver a package he got trapped behind a burning

door. In order to get him out, i lost my arm.” “You;re not Gay?” Jim laughed. “I didn’tt say that!”

“What kind of friendship?” Jim smiled “MY dear girl…so many questions. talk to your brother>”

Buddy was back. the doctor went in to father.

I looked at Jim and Buddy with wondering eyes. “What’s your dogs name, Jim?” “Hercules!” he laughed.