The Storm

be like that? An old city geezer in some downtown apartment, alone, wishing that you had made a decision to have a life partner? Is that what you want for yourself?” Well not exactly, Gunny,” I responded. Gunny continued the onslaught. “Listen, Son. Time goes by quickly, and we were both once vibrant and bullet-proof like you. Full of vim and vigor. But look at us. Life happens, and you can stand still on a conveyor belt, but it still moves you along. Such is life, and the sooner you figure that out, the better off you are. Go back home and make up any cockamamie story you want about what you saw here and marry that girl if you love her, and she can’t live without you. Quit thinkin' about marryin' your job. It won’t fix you supper, love on you, and keep you warm at night, or believe in you when no one else does. Your job won’t praise you or kiss you o r make love to you. You always hear people say, ‘get a job.' Well, I tell you ‘get a life,’ or die lonely, Zach. Ain’t that right Captain?” Henry laughed and said, “Well said, Gunny. I didn’t know that you were a life coach. Good speech though, Gunny, and Zach needs to hear it.” I felt a little foolish, that I had been totally absorbed in my work, and that I had basically ignored the closest person to me and the sweetest girl in the world. I knew Gunny was right on every count, and I was determined to do something about it. Gunny spoke up once again. “Gentlemen, I have tons of work to do and guns to clean and oil. I need to get back on my mission. I hate to break up our meetin', but, as I said, time marches on." "Henry, come inland and see me again. I won’t be down your way, as I stay out here, and I don’t buy supplies at Ruby. I go North. Zach, you're a good kid. Remember that our

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