The Storm

printable, Zach,” Mr. Fessmyer commended me and said once again, “That’s printable, Son. I’ll make sure that it goes to press and give you credit. What do you say about a discussion next week about a promotion for you to Senior Reporter?” “Well thank you, Sir!” I exclaimed and bounded my way out of the office and through the press room. I am sure that everyone there thought that something bad had happened the way I hurried out, but the smile on my face was a dead giveaway of my elation. I then headed to do my write up, then stop by a specialty store, and get ready for an evening with my sweetheart, Delores. It had been a good day, and now I was looking forward to the evening. 7:00 p.m. did not come soon enough. I was more nervous than I was riding that old Jon Boat in the flood waters in that storm surge in Louisiana. "How was this night different?" I thought. Oh yes, now I remember, but I digress. I had gotten myself ready early after completing my write-up along with pictures, but not of the compound of course, and thinking about Henry and Gunny, and how well my meeting with the boss went. And a promotion to boot! It was a good feeling as I headed to Delores's side of town. Wow, was I ready to see her! And a dinner out with her would complete a perfect day. Gunny’s words about relationships rattled around in my brain, and I knew that he was right, except the part about slitting my throat. I thought that might be wrong on that part, but I’m sure he meant it.

I now headed down 8th Street and came to her apartment row. I pulled up to the curb and went to the door

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