Two Halves: Chapter I

Chapter I: Two Stories

            Amy sighed while sitting at the bar.  She rubbed her finger along the glass rim.  Even though she had just looked, she couldn’t help but looking at her watch again as if that would force her sister to come to her so they could go home. Deep down she knew she would go home alone.  Again. But still she played along to the game they had somehow fell into without ever discussing it. Her sister, Ruth, and her were so different yet Amy loved her.  Even though Ruth was older Amy felt like she needed to protect her.  Even if the person Ruth needed the most protection from was usually herself.

            That’s why Amy sat at a bar even though she would rather not be sitting there that particularly hot July day.  Of late, the bar had become somewhat of a military hangout spot.  Soldiers heading to basic training, soldiers on leave, and the women looking for a good but short time with a soldier congregated at this place. Ruth fell into that last category.  Amy was always a little uncomfortable but Ruth seemed to thrive in the atmosphere.

“Here again, Amy?” a voice asked.

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Plan C: Chapter IV

Plan C: South Pass

            Lizzie stepped out of the car and breathed deeply.  While she loved the thrill of the fast-paced life she lived in New York she had to admit, she was a Wyoming girl at heart.  One thing she realized she had missed living back east was the mountains.  How the crisp cool air could snap your lungs to attention.  She had a small reminder when she arrived late spring in town but today, back in the Wind River Range, she realized just how much she missed the mountains.  This place where she currently stood was truly one of her favorite spots.

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The Most Beautiful Story – IV

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Up until this moment, Harrison had only managed to go to one funeral. That was for his father nearly twenty years ago and it was awkward. He didn’t mourn his father’s death. He couldn’t. He mourned the loss of his father when he left his family years before. By the time his funeral came around, he was already grieved out. So, that was a different experience than what he felt today.

Today he was at Mrs Carrington’s funeral. It was much different than his father’s. The anticipated crowd size was so much that the services were being held in a community center. Good call. Harrison looked around and didn’t see an empty chair. He could also see people standing in the hallway. Of course Mrs Carrington would have so many people wanting to come and pay their respects. She taught school for over 30 years. Every year there were probably 20-30 students in her class. She probably made each one feel as special as she made him feel when he was in her class. That was a lot of influence.

Rachel snuggled into his arm and whispered, “You okay?”

He nodded. “She was a great teacher.”

She nodded her head.

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