Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Escape (01/02/06)
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TITLE: Funny how time escapes you | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kenny Paul Clarkson
01/07/06 -
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Thom looked at the little man with inquiring eyes.
“I said,” he repeated, “it’s a very nice reception.”
Though a smile crossed his face, Thom was somewhat annoyed that he was asked to reiterate himself. It was casual conversation after all; not really important.
“Eh?!”
Thom’s smile soured. He bowed his neck ever so slightly, twirled his martini and raised his eyebrows with an air of indignation. Secretly, he wished he had a bullhorn.
“My, you look dapper in your tuxedo.”
Marlene to the rescue, Thom thought. And he did look handsome: barely forty-years old, a hint of gray and an athletic build that was the envy of men half his age. He smiled at Marlene and politely nodded to little man.
Marlene graciously leaned within inches of the older man’s ear, cupped her hand and, nearly shouting, said, “Nice reception!”
“Oh!” he answered, returning Thom’s nod. “I’ll be eighty years old come February.”
Marlene embraced the little man with her left arm and affectionately graced his forehead with a gentle kiss.
“This is my great-uncle Alfred,” she said. “He’s hard of hearing.”
No kidding, Thom thought, then shouted, “I’ll be forty-one in April!”
The man didn’t seem to hear.
Thom drank in the image of his wife. Her burgundy satin dress, tastefully trimmed with a hint of cream-colored lace. Her face was flawless; her hair, perfect.
“Has it been twenty years?“ he wondered aloud.
Marlene grasped Thom’s elbow as he escorted her to a table, draped in chiffon and decorated with the dainties of wedding reception. He held her chair.
“Yep, twenty years,” she answered and took her seat. Thom sat beside her.
“Twenty years since that was us,” he said. Thom looked at the bride; glowing face, flowing gown. Then he studied the image of the groom with his nervous smile. They were opening gifts.
“Yes,” he said, in a whispered tone. “That was me twenty years ago.”
“Amazing thing,” he paused, still staring at the groom, “We’ve lived another twenty years since then. When we married our lives were half over, and we didn’t even know it. Funny how time escapes you.”
Marlene challenged Thom with a curious expression. “It ain’t over yet,” she said.
Thom felt a hand brush his shoulder. Uncle Alfred pulled the chair next to Thom and, with some effort, managed to seat himself.
“Nice reception,” he said.
“I’ll be forty-one in April,” Thom answered. His wife nudged him.
“Yes, I know.” Uncle Alfred replied. “You just told me.”
So he did hear me, Thom thought.
The old man stretched a bony finger and pointed to Thom’s martini.
“Not smart…” he said. Thom noticed the fatherly expression that adorned Uncle Alfred’s face, “…to drink too much of that. Ask me how I know. I did it. Nearly killed me.”
Thom was offended by the uninvited advice, but only slightly. At least the man cares, he thought.
Uncle Alfred also provided Thom with an uninvited story of his life. But this time, Thom was not offended. A retired business owner, the old gentleman had started with nothing, endured life’s hardships and developed a thriving chain of grocery stores. Somehow Thom felt honored to be in the presence of the little man who, just moments ago, seemed so annoying.
“And one thing I learned in life,” Uncle Alfred concluded, “is the importance of listening.”
Thom thought that strange for a man who could hardly hear.
“Listen with your heart,” he continued. “And listen with your eyes. Pay attention. Life is short.”
There was a moment of silence. Uncle Alfred turned and stared intently at Thom until their eyes met.
“You know, Thom,” he said, “time will escape you before you know it. Can you hear what I’m telling, you Thom?”
Thom nodded.
“It’s been forty years since I was your age. My life was half over, and I didn’t even know it. And another forty years…”
The same bony finger that pointed to the martini now pointed to Thom.
“…and another forty years…” Uncle Alfred pointed to himself, gently tapping his lapel.
And I’ll be Uncle Alfred, Thom thought.
“Can you hear what I’m telling you, Thom?”
Thom heard.
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