Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Key (02/14/13)
-
TITLE: Jason's Dream and a Mom's Nightmare | Previous Challenge Entry
By Francy Judge
02/21/13 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
*********
Jason reminded us daily of his dream…
“You give me a small box wrapped in cloud covered wrapping paper with a giant blue bow. And you know what’s inside?”
“Of course we do,” answered Mark in between gulping his coffee and reading the sports section of the Daily News. “You tell us every day.”
“I can see it now—shiny gold keys to my new blue mustang.” Jason always smiled just enough to let us know he wasn’t serious. He knew our money situation, but he could dream.
“Okay, you can have the thirty thousand I keep in my purse. Or maybe you need fifty to get something really fast?”
“Thirty should do.” He looked at his reflection in the window and slid his bangs to the side. Too handsome with long, flirty eyelashes and green eyes.
“Well, Justin Bieber, here’s three for lunch.”
“It’s a start.”
Mark nudged him out the door. “Run or you’ll miss the bus. Again.”
“I wouldn’t need to catch the bus if…”
“Run!”
“See ya later.” The door slammed after him.
I kissed Mark and handed him his keys. “He’s just as silly as you.”
“So Jules, you think he’ll be surprised tonight?”
“He doesn’t have a clue. I just hope he’s not disappointed.”
“You know Jason. He wants his independence, starting with his own wheels. He won’t care if it’s five years old or fifteen.”
“This will be better than him getting rides from Brendan. I’ve seen how fast he drives.”
“You can’t worry about everything he does. He’s seventeen. And I’m sure you’ve told Jason to wear his seatbelt over a thousand times.”
“At least.”
“You’ve reminded him to brush his teeth at least a million times…and eat his veggies…and stop texting while walking. You can’t control everything.”
“I get it; I’m a nag. But he did get one cavity this year.”
“See ya later. I’ll bring home his ice-cream cake.”
We left the keys in a small box wrapped in cloud covered wrapping paper and a big blue bow on the kitchen table. I’d be ready to snap his picture when he walked in.
*********
I count the passing lights like sheep until I finally doze off. I smell burnt rubber and hear screams for help, and a sports car crashes through my ceiling. I wake in a sweat. The lights still pass by peacefully, unaffected by my nightmare.
*********
He never came home that day. Never got his gift. The policeman said his friend’s car was totaled. Brendan was in critical condition. A drunk driver ran the light…Jason didn’t wear his seatbelt...through the windshield…broken neck…died instantly. I collapsed into Mark’s arms. Our worst nightmare.
*********
Mark is affected by my nightmare. He sits up in bed, wraps me in his arms, and prays. “Lord, remind us each painful moment that Jason did get his keys, the gift he always wanted but better. The keys to his new home with you.” And in that quiet moment when even the car lights cease to light up the ceiling, warmth fills my heart, the peace that passes all understanding and all natural order, and I sleep.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I also love how you wrapped it up even in the pain.