Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: STORM (10/05/17)
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TITLE: Stopping for Lunch with a Stranger | Previous Challenge Entry
By JC Hummel
10/12/17 -
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A block away, Nate Phillips had stopped for an early lunch, and was sitting on a seat under one of Maryville Park’s elm trees. He was grateful for the shade that tempered the heat of the blistering July sun and as he unwrapped his store bought sandwich, he heard a man’s voice beside him.
“May I sit here?”
Nate looked up and saw an elderly man dressed in a black suit and tie, and was astonished the man could withstand the smoldering midday heat in a three-piece suit and not have a bead of sweat on his face. “Oh, sure,” he said quickly glancing at the empty bench on the other side of courtyard, and then moved the brown paper sandwich bag to make space on the seat.
“My name is Jack St. John,” the man said reaching over and shaking Nate’s hand.
“Nate Phillips. Are you here for the festival?”
“No, but that explains why the city workers are blocking off Main Street.”
Nate took a gulp of water and wiped his mouth with his hand. “Yes. Tonight we’re celebrating the reconstruction of the west side of town. It’s been almost two years since a tornado touched down. Cut a path fifteen miles long, luckily it hit mostly farm fields, but it took out a number of buildings on the other side of town. My construction company joined with some other contractors to help with the rebuilding and last week we finished ahead of schedule.”
“Living through a tornado sounds terrifying.”
“It was. My wife and I made it to the basement with our daughter just before the tornado hit our house. We lost our home, but we were able to rebuild.”
“It’s sounds like you and your wife have good reason to celebrate tonight.”
“Allison, and I separated a few months ago. We fought a lot and she was angry because I wasn't home more. I sacrificed seeing her and my daughter so I could earn enough money to build our new house. I thought if we had a home of our own again we could heal and get back to a normal life. Six months ago, Allison said she didn't want to move into our new house, and that she was leaving me, saying I wasn't there when she needed me most.”
“People react to traumatizing events in different ways. Some throw themselves into their work, others cling to those they love. I admire your strength Nate and your ability to stay focused so you could build a new home for your family, but it sounds like your wife needed you there for comfort.”
“And I wasn't there for her.” His eyes filled with tears.
Nate sat on the park bench not saying a word and for the first time in two years allowed himself to remember that fateful day. The memories were so clear and he recalled seeing the fear on his wife’s face as he grabbed her hand and pulled her down the basement steps as the tornado barreled toward their house. They hid in the storage room hearing above their heads what sounded like a train crashing through their home. He remembered holding his wife and daughter in his arms, each of them crying and praying for safety. He thought back to that moment and realized not once did he worry about his house or possessions. All he cared about was his wife and daughter and prayed to God to keep them safe.
“Call Allison, tell her how you feel. She’ll listen. Trust me.” Mr. St. John said, and stood up and looked at his watch. “It’s time for me to go to my next appointment.”
Nate pulled his phone out of his pocket and started to call his wife. Then he stopped and turned to Mr. St. John. “Thank you,” he said but the old man was gone.
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