One Word

It was a blistering cold December day.

Shoppers were out en masse and sounds of the season could be heard everywhere.

Joel said goodnight to his coworkers and headed to his car in preparation for a hurried trip to the post office. He had to get there before it closed as today was the last day that he could mail his packages so that his 3 year old daughter Adria, and 4 year old son Zavier would receive them in time.

This Christmas was so very special to Joel. It was the first time he’d ever been able to get gifts for them.

As much as he’d always wanted to, being in and out of jobs (mostly out) he just never had the financial means to do so. He was always just a young cat tryn’ta make it. This time was different.

He’d had a steady (legal) job for 6 months now. He was 30 years old and on the right track, finally.

So off he headed to the post office. Dodging in and out of traffic. Hoping that the signals would work in his favor. He HAD to get these gifts mailed. They HAD to arrive on time so that his babies would have “gifts from Daddy” to open on Christmas morning. And so that he wouldn’t have to hear Julia’s mouth telling him that he’s a "no-good father" that their kids could never count on.

True, those words may have accurately described the “old” Joel, but his life had since turned around. He had done a complete 180 from who he used to be.

Even though Joel knew that he and Julia would never be a couple again, he knew that it was still important for her to see him as a good father to their two children.

When Joel and Julia were together things didn’t go too well.

Joel had trust issues as a result of his mother abandoning him when he was 5 years old. She dropped him off at school one day and never picked him up, nor did she ever come home again. His mom was just GONE. Because of that, he was unable to trust Julia (or any other woman he had ever dated). In his mind, they ALL leave eventually. Without word or warning, they ALL simple LEAVE. At least that’s what he thought.

The lack of trust was too much for Julia so in some ironic twist of fate, Joel was actually right…she left. She had to.

Finally, Joel arrived at the post office. Unloaded the wrapped gifts from the car, made his way inside and stepped into the crowded…almost non-moving line. Without thinking, he began humming along to the music being piped in from the speakers…this was his favorite song when he a little boy. Without even realizing it…

***

Colleen checked her watch. She was so relieved that she made it to the post office on time. Ten minutes more and the doors would’ve been closed.

She had to make it so that she could get her granddaughter’s gift in the mail so that it would arrive in time for Christmas. Sure, little Lena was only a year old and was clueless about Christmas and presents, but this was important to Colleen, and to Carina, Lena’s mommy, Colleen’s 24 year old daughter.

Colleen was 26 when she had Carina. As mother and daughter they had a very close bond. As a child Carina often thought her mother to be too “clingy” and a woman of many secrets. Over time she accepted the fact that this was just how her mother was. It was easier that way. Whenever Carina questioned Colleen, a sadness came over Colleen that would sometimes take weeks to fade away. So, Carina stopped asking.

Colleen scooped the gifts out of the car and made her way into the post office, finding a spot at the very end of the line. That was alright. At least she was IN line.

While she waited, she found herself humming along to the tune that was playing through the speakers. The song hit her like a wave. Instantly, so did the sadness.

It was a song that she used to sing to her son when he was a little boy. It was his favorite.

One lone tear rolled down her face.

As the line coiled and she inched her way through she spotted something. As the lone tear trickled down her face the man passing by on her left also in line, had a lone tear trickling down his face.

She almost dropped her boxes.

She wanted to get out of line but couldn’t.

She stood there…frozen.

He hadn’t seen her yet and she was hoping he wouldn’t.

Too late.

His eyes locked right in on hers.

Could it be?

It was.

What should he say?

Should he say anything?

How does one ask 25 years worth of questions while standing in line at the post office?

Joel could only get one word out, “Mom?”

***

Let the DIALOGUE begin! Today's post was in response to the following creative writing prompt: An estranged mother and son who haven't seen or spoken to each other in more than twenty years meet in line at the post office in December, arms full of packages to be mailed. What do they say to each other?

What do YOU think they say to each other?

Talk to me!

Til next time...