They were somewhere in Colorado. He was spending the summer with his dad on the road and, contrary to what he was telling his mother, wasn't sure if he was having a good time.
The hauls were long and exhausting and the rig's diesel fumes quite overpowering at times. What's more, he didn't exactly enjoy those shit-kicker AM stations that tossed around words like "patriot," "tea party" and "town hall." It was all way too much for the 15 year-old to absorb. It was fucking summer. Why was he in this truck?
And sure, while his dad had a sweet cab -- double bunks, LCD TV, satellite radio and a well-stocked mini fridge -- something was missing.
When his birthday rolled around, his dad had that sly smile all throughout the day.
"Did you get me that Xbox 360 for the cab?" the teenager asked, just knowing that the game console would get him through the last leg of the trip.
"Better..." his pop answered laughing.
"Yeah?" asked the boy. "What is it?"
"Tonight..." his dad said clearing his throat. "We're gonna make a man outta you..."
Ahh! So good. As always, your choice of photo drives home the hook. Loved this.
ReplyDeleteI think he may prefer the Xbox...
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic snapshot of life, Anthony. I can just imagine the kid's face after finding out that little piece of info.
Thanks!!
What a dad! Who needs an XBox.
ReplyDeleteGreat flash as usual, Anthony.
i wish my dad did that for me. great story.
ReplyDeleteOoooh no. I can't share the guys' enthusiasm for this "gift". I find it a little sad that a kid who wants an x-box gets "made a man" instead. I guess that's the mom in me thinking.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on this, Anthony. You have a great knack for creating mood.
ah the first time..young lust and wanderlust..great combo
ReplyDeleteHe will never be the same- now that's something that the Xbox can't give you...maybe the Gbox:)
ReplyDeleteI'm with Laurita - it has to be the mom in me wishing this weren't so true, but sadly, (at least for us moms), it is.
ReplyDeleteWell written story.
People say parents don't have enough time for their children these days. Good job!
ReplyDeleteGreat story!
ReplyDeleteDid the photo inspire the story or the story find the photo?
Heh, some lot lizard is going to be happy to get fresh young meat instead of mouldering old trucker.
ReplyDeleteloved this! good flow to the writing, it swept me right along without getting hung up anywhere. let's just hope the truck stop boy doesn't get any gifts that keep on giving from the truck stop girl! heh. well done.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job! Great story (as always)
ReplyDeleteHA! I can just hear this kid screaming 'LEMMEOUTTA HERE!" Funny, funny story! I was half asleep until I read this... now I'm seriously smiling.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love truck stops - there should be more stories about them.
I can definitely see the influence of the beat generation and Bukowski's working class lives in this.
ReplyDelete