A Drive in the Country

“Well Ma, what do you say to a nice drive in the country?”

“I don’t feel much like it Pa.”

“Aw come on Ma, it’s a beautiful day. The sun is sunning and there t’aint a cloud in the whole gosh gum sky.”

“It is nice out Pa. But I just don’t think I can… not after what happened.”

“I told you Ma. That was a mistake. We all make mistakes. Why just last week you put three sugars in my coffee instead of two. I forgave you.

“That’s not the same thing as killing a man Pa.”

“Now Ma, we don’t know that he’s dead. He was still movingwhen we left. It was his own fault really if you think about it some. Standing so close to the road. It was a wonder that he hadn’t been hit by ten or so cars by then.”

“I can still see his face. It haunts me.”

“We probably did him a favor. Why no man out in the country alone like that could be up to any good. Why I’m sure if we hadn’t hit him, he would have asked to. When you think about it like that, it’s practically neighborly. Plus, if you picture the whole thing with a funny jig playing, and a slide whistle sliding, I’ll bet you won’t be able to stop yourself from smiling.”

“I still think we should tell someone Pa. What if he had a family. I bet they’re mighty worried.”

“Now why would you say something like that Ma. There’s no reason to go and start talking crazy like.”

“What are you doing with that wrench Pa?”

“You’re not making any sense Ma. You need to calm down some. Let Pa make things all better.”

“Pa. Please Pa. No! I won’t tell. I won’t tell Pa. Please.”

“You’ll be a good girl Ma?”

“I’ll be good. Please. I’ll be good.”

“All right Ma, forget about the country. What do you say to getting a big scoop of ice cream down at the drug store?”

Gentle Sobs