Goodbye

His small red car, a dent on the left rear side, is parked in our driveway, all loaded, a full tank of gas. His duffel is crammed with rock-band t-shirts, faded torn jeans, new underwear and socks, (that I insisted we buy), and that ratty old jacket with the hole in the elbow. Guitar, books, sports equipment, and cardboard boxes filling the back seat of his little sedan. On the passenger seat in front, is a battered old shoe box tied with string. Those are private letters from girlfriend, Cindy. Oh yes!...The same box, that his sister found one day, which she tucked under her arm and ran from him laughing. His long legs chased her through the house, screaming, ... "You're going to die for that!!!!" But...that was on another fall day.... A day that now seems forever ago.... While today was silently sleeping... On this sunny, autumn day, his sister is quiet, she is not laughing. He and his father share a hug and an affectionate pat on the back. I stand back, watching them, on that dreaded, concrete driveway. The trees rustle, and someone's lawnmower is humming A neighbor is driving by, as if it's just another ordinary day. I give him the care box I made...laundry soap, toothpaste, candy, energy bars, his favorite home made oatmeal cookies. Hugs, extra tight. One more, and then another..... (Hold it in!....Hold it in!....I can do this!....) "Be sure to call when you get there. Drive carefully. Love you." Love you __________________________________________ Goodbye Contest: Sponsored by Nayda Ivette Negron