Billy's Number

Outside the convenience store window, the scene portrayed a setting that was gloom and doom despite the early evening descending sun defending itself against the dark clouds. Mrs. Toni Ellie Linton formally a newlywed bride and now a widow stared out waiting for the customers to finish their grocery transactions. Checking her watch, the 1900 hour was fast approaching, ‘remember when we had daylight savings time?” She mumbled ensuring the teenage boy behind the counter heard the comment.

As the heavens opened revealing heavy showers a mother younger than Toni appeared behind her holding a child. Without any notice the toddler started screaming and whaling, this shook Mrs. Linton and the lady who once was an underclassman when Billy almost proposed over a milkshake dessert after popcorn apologized. As the annoying sound grew louder Toni went looking for a comfortable distraction wanting not to show the shrieks were a bother. When she found a positive escape on the newsstand the mother stated, “he doesn’t want to be here, he wants to go home.” Which made Mrs. Linton sociably chuckle hinting she was more interested in reading the paper headline, “Local Crooner Signs On To Host Lottery Show Gig.”

Picking up the periodical she read that Mel Bourne whose band “Supremacy” played at her prom will now announce the winners in the contest that benefits area schools.

“Ma’am,” the adolescent called, “your next, its seven pm and that means quitting time once the line is clear.”

“Oh, sorry son, here is the milk, the paper and can I have a lottery ticket?”

“Sure, what is your selection?”

Without thinking she recited the serial combination on Billy’s dog tags which rest peacefully above the black box filled with ashes and the complementary government triangle patriotic flag.

“Here’s General George Washington, he will take care of the donation to education,”

“Hopefully, they will have a nice budget for Billy here, when he starts kindergarten in a few years.”

“My husband’s name is Billy,” Toni cordially replied showing her the lifelong matrimony commitment ring.

Walking to the exit Billy’s eternal wife watched the inclement weather change and when the fountain stopped spouting, a quick jog allowed her to avoid getting wet going to the car.

“Well, have a good night,” the mother exclaimed quickly passing Toni before she could take a breath.

Liked it was scripted in a movie down at the cinema when she turned on the radio their song played. Opening the window Tina felt the fresh warm tropical breeze, “always remember Billy I have your number and will always call.”