Lucky or Not, Here I come

Part I: A Curse

CHAPTER 1

John stood in a shady spot behind the school, watching the blue sky and wishing he was anywhere but there. It was another year of tryouts. He knew exactly what was going to happen and wasn’t looking forward to it. If only he could stay in this spot forever. He was well hidden and hoped nobody would find him in this small, cool corner.

With his blondish hair a little messy and constantly falling into his eyes, he knew he looked like everyone else. His mom had bugged him for weeks to get a haircut, but John found one excuse after another, hoping it would help him cover up his gray eyes, which were too round for his liking. He was starting seventh grade and couldn’t stand the idea of still looking like a little kid. Sometimes adults even called him cute or adorable, which he took as an insult. After all, he was in middle school and not a baby anymore.

He didn’t know how long he stood in his corner, but the sun moved and the shadows around him grew shorter. He dared to peek at the field and immediately saw his mom waving him over. John couldn’t help but smile. He looked a lot like her, but for some reason, she stood out in the crowd, with her perfect blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes, while John always looked so mediocre—just an average kid who did not want to go through the embarrassment of tryouts this particular hot morning.

John looked up one more time into the clear skies in hopes that rain clouds had appeared and tryouts would be canceled. Realizing the weather was not likely to change, he detached himself from the wall with a heavy sigh and headed toward his family across the school’s stadium.

There they were—the Wilsons, sitting right in the front row, smiling encouragingly at him. John’s brother, Jack, was in his second year of high school and seemed to have inherited the best traits from both parents. John often wished he was a bit more like Jack—athletic, smart, good-looking…. Everyone kept telling John that he would get there once he was older, but John didn’t find comfort in those words.

Do they think I’m stupid or something? I’ve lived with my brother all my life and know what he looked like three years ago! John thought, though he never said anything out loud, knowing his family was just trying to help him deal with his middle-child crisis.

John’s sister, Jenny, was a lovely seven-year-old who could have easily been on a postcard or in cereal commercials. She’d inherited the delicate bone structure of their mother and the good features of their dad. Her huge blue eyes looked at the world with that sense of naivety that comes only from happy kids. Jenny’s soft golden curls framed her lightly tanned, pretty face, and when she smiled, her entire body lit up with a special glow.

Their parents called Jenny their surprise child. At first John wasn’t sure what it meant exactly and was not happy with a new addition to the family. But once Jenny grew out of her crying months and became a very pleasant and affectionate little girl, John discovered that he enjoyed her company more than he was willing to admit.

All and all, John thought they looked like a typical American family seen on some flyers in a waiting room. Everyone was happy, smiley, successful, and good-looking—everyone but John.

Technically John’s name was his dad’s, and most people called him Junior, which made him frown. But Mom understood him better than anyone and called him John. She had a good sense of humor and started jokingly referring to his dad as Senior. John equally hated being called JJ, like he didn’t have a name and was just a set of initials.

John stopped in front of the bleacher section where his crew sat. For a moment he glanced at Dad’s eyes, sparking from under his weekend cap. John felt immediately uncomfortable, as if Dad was laughing at him, and looked down at his old Sketchers—dusted and partially frayed but still very comfortable.

Mom hugged him and lovingly messed up his already unruly hair before asking him a question that was almost a whisper. Are you ready, honey?

I guess so. John sniffed and wiped his nose with his sleeve. He stole a glance at his mom and smiled at all the love and encouragement in her eyes.

With a strong pat on his shoulder, Dad said, You will do great this year, John, and catch up to Jack in no time!

Jack also presented John with his Hollywood smile and nodded. Come on, bro, show us elderly how it’s done!

His mother shook her head at Jack disapprovingly and extended her arm to John. Ready?

John shrugged and followed his mother. Behind him, John heard Jenny’s happy giggles and knew without looking that Dad had picked her up and was carrying his bundle of joy across the field.

A few hours later, after a long day, the Wilsons were on their way home. Nobody talked or laughed. Mom gazed out of the window, her lips pressed tightly together. Dad starred at the road in front of him as he drove. Jack was busy on his phone and seemed bored. Jenny was sleeping in her pink booster seat, her curls covering her face.

John took one deep sigh after the other. He felt like a big disappointment to his parents. The coach of every team he tried for implied he was nothing special. The track coach even let him run twice and still his result was very average. They all smiled politely and told him to try a different type of sport. John obediently went from one location to the next, with the same results over and over again. As he moved, his family followed, looking less and less cheerful. Now they were on the way home and John was miserable.

Their minivan stopped in front of the cute brick house. Jack gently got Jenny out of her seat, and everyone quietly walked inside. John mumbled something about not being hungry and needing to take a shower, quickly escaping before anyone asked any questions or pitied him, which would have been even worse.

John lay in bed, looking at the wall and hoping no one would bother him. Jenny barged through the doors once asking if he changed his mind about dinner, but he shook his head and covered himself with a blanket.

He must have dozed off because, when he woke up, it was dark outside and his tummy was rumbling. He sighed and decided to sneak downstairs for a snack, hoping everyone was already asleep. John reached the bottom of the stairs without any noise and started making his way into a dark kitchen when he overheard his parents’ voices on the patio. At first he decided to stay on target, but then he heard his name and stopped in his tracks, trying to overhear the conversation and to peek through the small opening in the curtains.

His mother was smoking, which she did only when she was very upset or stressed. His dad spoke in a soothing tone, and it was clear this conversation had been happening for a while now.

Emma, you need to stop worrying about him all the time. Everyone finds their own autonomy in their turn. Junior is not there yet, that’s all.

Mom whipped a tear with the back of her hand that was holding a long, skinny cigarette and shook her head. I just don’t understand this. He is not a stupid boy or physically challenged. What did we do wrong? He was involved in the same activities as Jack and now Jenny, and they both are better than him in sports! I mean… I don’t think he can count on his grades to get him into a good college, and he never showed any gravitation toward the arts either, so getting into sports is his only chance!

Dad pulled Mom close to him and kissed her lightly at the top of her head. Honey, you can’t compare him to Jack. Jack has a natural talent and is very competitive. A few big schools are already interested in speaking to him—

Mom pulled away. Exactly! So why not John?

Because he’s just a regular kid. He’s not a brainiac and will never be the next baseball star. And that’s okay by me—someone has to be just a regular Joe doing regular things, right? I mean, you can’t expect for all of your three kids to be super talented in every way.

I’m not talking about super talents here! Mom said, her voice strained and high-pitched.

John, standing in the hallway on another side of the patio door, knew his mom only sounded like that when she was extremely agitated. He’d lost his appetite again and was considering going back upstairs when she continued.

"I know Jack is very special. I mean, this is a kid who has been dreaming about being the first man on Mars ever since he could talk. His grades are always at the top of his class, and he is the best in sports—always. Now look at Jenny. She is only seven and already reading nonstop. I took her to the store the other day, wanting to buy her a doll. Do you know what she said?"

What? Dad smiled with anticipation.

She said that dolls are stereotypical gift for girls and she thinks they’re a waste of time. Then she asked me if we could go to Barnes & Noble instead because she wants a sequel for one of those books about the cats. She has, like, gazillions of them! Mom inhaled and continued in a calmer tone. Maybe we should get him tutors or look for other activities outside of school? Sometimes I can’t help but think someone switched him at birth—why is he so different from all of us? I don’t get it. His grades are always Bs and Cs and never anything more than that…. Is this because he doesn’t care?

Dad looked up at the stars, as if he were hoping they would send him an answer, but they stayed silent and cold, glowing slightly in the dark. Emma, he is just like everyone else. He doesn’t have big dreams like Jack or possess Jenny’s cleverness and artistic talent, but he will be okay. He will find his way in life.

And if he doesn’t?

He looked back at Mom and sighed. Then we better make sure that we are close by to help him through whatever life’s natural consequences will occur. We need to stop pressuring him to be perfect and let him be himself. Who knows? He may surprise us. In the meantime, no more tryouts. If he decides he would like to pursue something, he’ll let us know. Now, let’s get some sleep. I have a big presentation in the morning, and my boss is going to kill me if I’m late.

John quietly ran up the stairs, smiling widely. He was grateful his father tried to understand and felt like the world’s weight had lifted off his little shoulders. He continued to smile as he fell back asleep in his room.

CHAPTER 2

By the time John finished high school, it was pretty clear that community college was his best bet. His father was right: he didn’t have any big dreams or desires. He was genuinely happy when his brother got into MIT and always looked forward to visiting him in Boston. John equally enjoyed reading Jenny’s stories, which she started writing at eight and was getting better and better at it. Her first small book was about to be published, and he was driving her around to the meetings and appearances whenever their parents were busy.

John knew no one expected anything special from him, but at the same time, he felt very useful. His parents learned to appreciate his quiet smile, knowing he was always around to lend a hand. He was liked by the neighbors, though he didn’t have any close friends who he would share his thoughts and plans with. In his personal life, John also hadn’t scored any points yet, but he wasn’t trying hard to get any dates either. Somehow he’d managed to avoid first-love heartbreak and wasn’t very eager to apply any significant emotional changes to his well-established routine.

After some consideration, John decided to pursue an associate’s degree in English. John liked to read and felt he might be a good school teacher or something like that. In his senior year, he started volunteering at a local library on the weekends. It was a good fit for him, being able to just listen to the ruffle of the pages, occasional footsteps and chairs moving, and sensing that unmistakable smell of old books. He could get lost in his thoughts and stay there for hours.

Two weeks before graduation, John decided to reorganize and dust the old magazine rack in the back of the library that readers always forgot about when he heard footsteps and a polite Hmmm behind him.

Upon turning around, John found himself gazing into the round brown eyes of a man who was probably in his late twenties or early thirties. The man stared at him with curiosity and kindness from under thick, equally brown eyebrows. He was good-looking but not handsome to the point where one would feel uncomfortable.

The stranger smiled and asked in a surprisingly low baritone, You are John, right?

Yeah, John replied as he got up and clapped his hands getting rid of the dust.

The man extended his hand and gave John a nice, strong handshake. I’m Charles—Charlie Johnson, that is. I’m your new store manager.

John blinked and looked at him questionably. Store? What store?

This one, of course. Charlie smiled even wider.

John contemplated looking away, not sure of what to tell him. Was this guy crazy? Eh. All right, then. He remembered his mom always said that if people were mentally ill or delusional, just agree with them.

Charlie, on the other hand, suddenly appeared concerned. Isn’t this an automotive store?

No. John shook his head. It’s a library. He gestured toward a few folks sitting and reading in the main room.

Charlie laughed out loud and gave him a good pat on the shoulder. Oh, come on, John, just messing with you. It was too much fun—I couldn’t resist. Hope you can forgive me.

John now was completely convinced he was dealing with a crazy person and started slowly backing away.

Charlie nodded toward the hallway. Let’s chat, champ. I promise I will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth.

He led John down the hall to a small office. When John settled in his chair and Charles closed the door behind him, John noticed that there was now a nameplate on the table with goldish letters that read: C. Johnson—Regional Store Manager.

John turned around and willed himself to listen to what C. Johnson was saying.

So, John, there was a decision to add a bookstore to the library. Kind of like a mini B&N. Charles double quoted with his fingers in midair.

B&N?

Barnes & Noble. You know, the big book store that is like an hour away from here….

Oh yeah! John felt his cheeks getting red with embarrassment. Of course I know.

Good! Not all is lost, then, and we have hope. So, as I was saying, we will be adding a bookstore, and for now keeping this part of the building as a library. The name of the store that is being piloted will be R.E.P.E.T, which stands for—he started counting on his fingers as he listed the words—‘Read. Entertain. Play. Eat. Talk.’ I hope, John, that we can work together. I heard some great things about you.

John raised his eyebrows. Really? From who?

Charles smiled kindly. Around…. The point is, I heard you are about to graduate. Would you be interested in working here full time?

John swallowed hard. You mean, like, actually work here? Like, you would pay me and all?

Even give you some benefits if you want. So how about it?

John felt a very warm feeling rising toward his new boss. Mr. Johnson, it sounds great, but I was planning to go to Fairmont Community College this fall.

Charlie smiled even wider. Johnny, first of all, I’m never Charles or Mr. Johnson—that was my father. You can call me Charlie, deal? When John nodded, Charlie proceeded. Second of all, your school is not going anywhere and we have three amazing summer months before it starts, right?

John nodded again, and this time he allowed himself to return the smile as his heart started beating excitedly.

Charlie squinted his large brown eyes and tilted his head to the left side. John soon would learn that meant a high level of concentration. Well, my partner in crime, do you have any requests or questions for me?

John thought for a second, then raised his head and said in a confident tone he’d never used before, I have only one request, sir—never call me Johnny.

In the months that passed, John was extremely busy with the store. He couldn’t believe how, in a short period of time, a small storage space with some faded parking places was transformed into a modern building with glass walls and cozy furniture that seemed to swallow anyone who sat down. During construction, John was mostly running around with small tasks given to him by Charlie. On occasion he would sit on the floor of Charlie’s office and listen with admiration to how his boss argued with the architects, screamed at someone on the phone, picked out even minor errors in the invoices, and managed the day-in and day-out orchestrating of this huge operation as a conductor in a New York orchestra would. There was not a single item on-site that he didn’t know about.

Once the school year started, John decided to continue his work at the store and take classes in the evening. Charlie became a valuable mentor to him and advised him on what classes to take and how to structure his schedule so John got the best out of it. At Charlie’s recommendation John added some business management classes. He spent every free minute reading, with a pencil behind his ear, circling questions he could ask Charlie later. He noticed his straw-like hair was now untidy most of the time, and his mother was nagging him every day, saying she was starting to seriously worry if John’s load was too much for him.

Days flew by, and soon, to his surprise, John found that even when Charlie was not around, he knew what needed to be done at the store, café, and library.

CHAPTER 3

On his twenty-first birthday, John received a nice check from his parents, a funny and encouraging postcard from Jack, and a beautiful poem from Jenny, illustrated by her own drawings, which lately were getting rather good.

This year his birthday fell on Saturday, and even though it was a day off, Charlie asked him to stop by for a few minutes to review some papers that were due Monday. Since John recently bought a decent used car from a friend of Charlie’s who was leaving town, it was no trouble to run by the store.

As John walked into the library side of the building, he was surprised at how quiet it was. Oh yeah. They closed the doors this weekend so they could finish the repairs in the main hall.

He marched toward the office, but found it dark and locked. John felt a bit annoyed at Charlie—not only for dragging him over here on his birthday, but also because he hadn’t shown up.

John was about to leave, but then it occurred to him that Charlie was never late and never a no-show. John got an uneasy feeling in his stomach as he started to get a bit worried now and decided to look around. It also seemed strange that there were no workmen anywhere and the building was still and quiet. He sighed and mentally made a note to have a chat with the foreman on Monday—they would never finish construction on time if his people didn’t show up for work.

He made his way over to the main building, but found the doors locked and no sign of anyone around. As he pulled his keys from his pocket, John peeked into the parking lot, hoping he would see Charlie’s car in his reserved spot, but it was empty.

Sighing, John opened the door and walked into the dark room. Interesting how even big, familiar spaces feel spooky in the dark, he murmured to himself while he felt along the wall to the left of him for a light switch. When he found something, he pressed it and immediately realized it felt like someone’s fingers and jumped aside. The owner of the hand quietly exclaimed, Oy! and suddenly the entire room was lit up.

John’s jaw dropped as he saw a lot of people all around him, wearing silly hats, waving at him, and singing Happy Birthday.

Charlie laughed and patted him on the shoulder, and John’s parents came to stand next to him, smiling widely. Then he saw one of his coworkers, Pit, waving in the distance, and John happily waved back as Jack stepped to the front to give him a hug, towering over him with his six-foot-four frame.

Bro, you got so big! You must be at least five foot ten by now!

Oh my God, Jack, how did you get here?

I flew in early this morning, and your boss here was ordering me around all day, getting all this ready! Jack waved his hand, and only then did John realize the entire room was decorated with quotes from his favorite books—all encouraging and inspiring, some of them funny. You didn’t think I’d miss the opportunity to have your first drink with me?

Of course! Who are all these people? John turned to Charlie now.

Ah-ha, glad you asked. Some of them work here, but once the rumor was out that our Little John was becoming a Big John, everyone in the neighborhood wanted to come and sing you a song. I think we gave you a heck of a surprise, added Charlie, giving John a friendly pat on the back.

You almost gave me a heart attack! John smiled. And they all came because of me?

Charlie nodded.

But I don’t do anything special. I’m not some kind of a hero or a celebrity…. Why? John felt his cheeks getting hot and red as always when attention was on him.

"Bud, I told you before, sometimes little things lead to big outcomes. In the last three years, you helped everyone in this room in one way or another. Payback time, bud, and this is your Super Bowl!"

Charlie yanked something from behind his back, as did a few others, and John was showered with champagne from every angle. He couldn’t help but laugh while jokingly fighting with Jack.

The party continued for five hours. Everyone was enjoying themselves and not in a hurry to leave.

Mom, how did you manage to cook all of this without me knowing? This is ridiculous! John said, gesturing at the table where all of his favorite dishes were piled up.

Mom lovingly ruffled his hair. Grandma Ann’s kitchen. Thank goodness you are such a busy guy, and Charlie made sure to keep you extra busy and away from everyone this whole week. By the way, it was his idea and mostly his execution. We just brought the food and lent him Jack to hang some decorations this morning.

John looked gratefully at his boss, who was galloping around the room with Jenny, unsuccessfully trying to get into the rhythm of a popular song.

As it got darker outside, people started to say their goodbyes. John insisted on helping to clean the place, then made his way to his car as it got completely dark. He found his keys in one of his pockets after some struggle and was about to open the car when he heard light footsteps behind him and someone softly called his name.

John turned around and found himself face-to-face with Lily, a cute, petite redhead from the coffee stand. She had been flirting with John on and off for months, but not having any experience with women, John wasn’t sure how to respond and usually just put on a strict look as he passed by. Now, with her eyes very close to his, he could smell a light scent of lavender coming from her hair. He felt a hot wave covering him and silently thanked the darkness for hiding his blushed cheeks.

What are you doing here? he asked in a voice he didn’t recognize himself.

I wanted to give you one more birthday gift—mine. Petite Lily reached for his cheeks and pulled him to her lips.

For the next few minutes, John felt lost and wonderfully dizzy. He answered her kiss, pulling her closer and closer and hoping it would never end. Somehow they ended up in the back seat of his car, and John completely detached from reality.

Two hours later, he pulled up to the complex where Lily rented an apartment with a few roommates. It started to rain, and as he opened the door on her side, John decided to be a real gentleman and covered Lily’s tiny frame with his jacket to walk her to the door. Their final kiss of the night continued almost as long as the first one, until Lily realized John’s back was getting soaking wet. They whispered their goodbyes, and she ran up the stairs.

John took a few steps back and smiled once he saw her window light up. He threw his hands around and did a wild dance in the rain for a few minutes before he heard Lily’s voice above him.

John, do you always dance in the rain or only on your birthdays? She giggled.

Embarrassed, John smiled at her from under the tree. He jokingly bowed and raised his hand above his head to wave.

He didn’t quite understand what happened next. He heard a loud bang right above his extended arm, saw a bright flash, felt extreme pain, and then plunged into dark silence.

CHAPTER 4

When John woke up, he heard a quiet, unfamiliar voice. He listened for a few minutes, keeping his eyes closed.

I think he will be getting better now. The worst is over. Consider him a very lucky young man.

Someone put a cool hand on his forehead, and it felt so good that John wished it would stay there forever.

He slowly opened his eyes and at first couldn’t see anything. John thought it was probably still late at night, as the room was cast in dark shadows. He tried to speak, but his voice broke and he quietly moaned instead.

His mother’s face immediately materialized in front of him. Oh, John, honey, you’re awake!

John tried to lick his lips and realized that his mouth was very dry.

As his dad ran out to get the doctor, John decided he was probably in ER and mouthed one word to his mother: Water.

One second, John. We need to ask the doctor if you can have some. Welcome back, baby! I missed you so much! She hugged his head and covered his face with light kisses.

John thought his mom was getting a little too emotional over some weird fainting episode that was more embarrassing than anything else. He tried to reach out to her, but his legs and arms felt so heavy. Maybe because he was still wearing his wet clothes?

An hour later John sat propped up with a bunch of pillows. He finally satisfied his thirst and was ready to hear what happened. His voice sounded hoarse and he couldn’t say more than two or three words at a time, but Mom understood him.

As the doctor and his parents talked, John’s eyes got bigger and bigger. He thought at first that his family was pulling another birthday prank on him.

John, the young doctor said as his mom looked at him with tears in her eyes, I know it’s hard to believe, but… you were struck by lightning. You were very lucky when, at the last second, you grabbed that tree branch—it saved you. The tree took the main hit and you were thrown to the side by the force.

Mom chimed in, squeezing his hand lightly. You should be very grateful to Lily—she immediately called 911, then ran out and dragged you away from the burning tree. I don’t know how a tiny thing like her managed it, but she did! Otherwise you probably would have been burned significantly. But you just lost some of your hair and got burns on your hands. The doctor here is saying that you will be fine but will need some time to recover. She glanced at the doctor, who gave a reassuring nod to John.

John shook his head in disbelief, looking down at his hands, which were covered in thick bandages. What… time… is it?

Mom looked at Dad, who was standing on the other side of the bed, not knowing what to say.

Dad came closer and put his hand on John’s shoulder. Son, it’s about nine in the evening.

John sighed in relief, but his father continued.

You have been in the ICU for two months….

John blinked at him, and then looked at his mom and the doctor. He read a confirmation in their eyes and fell back into a comfortable, empty darkness.

CHAPTER 5

It had been six months since John had last set foot in the store. He walked in carefully, looking around for familiar faces. Some folks waved and welcomed him back. Others stared at him with an open mouth. The place seemed bigger, slightly different in design and color, and full of new people.

John walked toward the office and had reached for the door when he overheard Charlie talking on the phone. John hesitated, not wanting to interrupt, but then decided to go for it and knocked.

Come in! Charlie replied, his voice muffled by the closed door.

John pushed it open and exhaled a sigh of relief. At least this room looked just like he remembered and Charlie was in his usual T-shirt and jeans.

Charlie broke into a huge smile when he saw John at the doorway and waved him in as he continued his conversation. Yeah, that’d be great, but I need the shipment by the third. … No. No, I said by the third or you can keep it. I’m not going to be the last store to get it—everyone is anxious and I don’t want my customers running around the county looking for a book when they can have it right here. … Well, make it happen, man. … Okay, but call me the minute you know if anything changes. I gotta go now. My local rock star just came in. He winked at John and ended the call. Before John knew it, Charlie leaped up and grabbed him in a bear hug; he even managed to lift John off the ground.

Once they settled at Charlie’s old, scratched desk with their coffees, Charlie got his serious face on. How are you doing, bud? And don’t give me that dumb ‘I’m doing fine’ answer you’ve been giving me for the past three months.

John looked down at his hands, which were covered in a few fading scars. All things considered, I think I am good. The lightning left me with a few of these marks. It could have been much worse. A few days ago, I visited that tree that saved me. Poor thing is all black and dead. I get goose bumps when I think that it could have been me…. But I’m ready to roll with anything you need me to do. I’m tired of sitting on my bum, if you know what I mean.

Charlie chuckled. I’m sure your mom didn’t mind having you to herself for a while.

No, she didn’t and she was great, but I’m a little tired of all the attention. The news came by a few times—I guess they aired the story or something—but I didn’t want to talk to them. As it is, everyone is looking at me as if I’m some kind of a freak. Our neighbor’s six-year-old came up to me the other day and asked if I could show him a trick since I’m the Lightning Man.

Charlie smiled again, nodding. Yeah, I heard that’s what they are calling you around here now. We should come up with some sort of cool costume for you for the Halloween parade.

John frowned but then realized Charlie was kidding and playfully punched his friend in the shoulder. Charlie, I wanted to talk to you about something… actually, two things.

I know one thing you want to ask. Charlie leaned forward and put his hand on John’s shoulder. She left, John—Lily, that is. Right after you woke up. The girl certainly saved your life, but everyone was kind of blaming her for what happened. Some girls were jealous once it surfaced what kind of birthday present you’d gotten from her. After all, you are our Little John.

John didn’t respond, and Charlie continued after a few moments of silence.

Bud, I know what you are thinking, but do yourself a favor—don’t look for her. Just think about the image this poor girl had in her head after she saw you being torched and thrown twenty feet out…. I hope she found her happiness—she met someone, and rumor has it, she may be getting engaged. Lily has put it behind her, and so should you. Let’s try and get back to normal. Agreed?

John nodded slowly.

What was the other thing you wanted to ask?

John hesitated and glanced at Charlie indecisively.

Charlie’s serious look was back now. Uh-oh, what is it? You are not planning to skip town, are you?

No! I’m not leaving. John put his palms up, facing Charlie in defense, and laughed. I was just wondering if I could get a raise. Before Charlie could respond, he rushed to continue. I finished my classes, and even though I skipped graduation, I have my degree now. But most of all, I would like to move out of my parent’s house, and what I’m making now is not enough to get a small place unless I room with someone. You know, everyone was great, but I would prefer to be alone for now.

Charlie sighed and looked at John curiously, so John hurried to finish his plea.

Charlie, I know I was away for a while, and I completely understand that maybe I need to wait, which is fine! I can bear it a little longer. I’m just asking you to think about it.

Charlie looked at him and didn’t answer. Then he sighed again and dived under his desk.

John, surprised by his behavior, leaned forward, trying to see what he was doing. Charlie, are you okay?

Charlie ruffled some papers in response but didn’t answer. Then John heard him murmuring, Where did it go? I had it right here…. Ah-ha! he exclaimed and emerged from under the desk. So, John, after all this time, you were hoping to get your old position back, is that right?

John looked at him, stunned. It never occurred to him that he might have been replaced. Well, yeah… if it’s still available….

I’m sorry, John, but your position has been filled by another senior from your old school….

Charlie looked everywhere but at John.

John felt the air leave his lungs and smiled weakly. Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize that…. Of course, I understand. Sorry that I wasted your time, Charlie.

He half rose from his chair when Charlie finally placed a long white box, which he’d been holding all this time, on the top of the desk. Open it, John.

John looked at Charlie and smiled sadly. Is this a farewell gift? That’s very nice of you, Charlie, but I don’t think it was necessary….

I said open it! Charlie raised his voice.

John picked up the box and ripped it open, feeling his frustration rising inside. As soon as he saw the content of the box, John realized he was holding a nameplate similar to Charlie’s, only shinier and newer.

John gapped as he turned it around and read J. Wilson—Assistant Manager. He collapsed back into his chair and swallowed the rest of his coffee in one gulp, choked, and started coughing.

Charlie patted him on the back until John could finally breathe freely again. Well, John, did I surprise you again?

Heck, yeah! I don’t know what to say….

You will perform the same duties as before your little vacation, only now you actually will be accountable for your work. Plus, I will be traveling a lot for business in the next few months and could use some backup here. This was decided upon right before your birthday, and I was planning to tell you the day after the party, but…. Charlie waved his hand.

John felt a burning sensation in his nose and was afraid he would embarrass himself to the point of no return if he tried to speak and started crying. Instead, he shook Charlie’s hand with both of his and just mouthed, Thank you.

They spent another hour or so discussing future projects, immediate needs of the store, and John’s future accommodations. Then, as John got up to leave, Charlie gestured for him to follow.

At the end of the hallway, Charlie pushed open a door that used to lead to a tiny storage room, and John walked into a small but cozy and functional office. It was mostly empty except for a few small pictures of John’s family and one bigger photo of him and Charlie at John’s birthday. John placed the nameplate on his new desk with a smile. Charlie handed him the keys to the door, and with another grateful handshake, John walked out of the building.

He drove his car for about an hour until he reached a small lake. In the last few months, John had gotten into the habit of coming here when he needed to think things through and to be alone. It