The Storm

Chapter Seven

Morning Light

I t had taken a while to get to sleep, and morning came sooner than anticipated. Between the frogs and crickets, I kept imagining the “Gator People” coming to the cabin window. Man, I wish hadn't seen that movie. The sun was barely up when Henry’s old rooster began to crow. I crawled lazily out of bed to raise the yellowed, water-stained window shade. The sun was just now filtering through the cyprus trees, casting their ghostly shadows onto the ground. The whole scene was eerie, but somehow the aroma of coffee and cooking bacon floated into the room, making me feel comfortable, like being a kid again at my Grandma's home in upstate New York. I knew that Henry had already been up because of those welcoming smells. Then, banging on the door, he hollered out, “Ar e you up, Son? Rise and shine!" “Yes sir, I’m up and getting dressed right now,” I replied. “Grubs on the table. Come and get it!” Henry didn’t have to wait long for me. I was hungry enough to eat an alligator. I headed to the kitchen table. It was already set. “Sleep well, Son?" Henry asked. “Yes sir, I did, after I got used to the swamp noises.” “Yeah, it can get a little scary for some city folk not used to strange sounds, and especially when a raccoon or two gets loose in the house. Guests kinda lose it on that one, especially if there’s a snake!” Henry laughed. “I would imagine so, Henry. Especially the snake part!” I said.

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