Bedtime Story: Friends by C. M. Jourdan

FRIENDS Pauline and David Morgan sat nervously looking out the nearby window of the dismal prison visiting room. David glanced across the room at a guard who was replacing a chrome chair at the cafeteria style table. He dutifully pushed the chair into place and quickly swept some crumbs from the table onto the floor. As he patted the crumbs from his hands, he noticed David, smiled and barely nodded at him. David thought to himself what a lousy job being a correction officer must be. He thanked God many times over for the opportunities he had been offered in life. Focused on the officer and his own thoughts, David was startled when Pauline grabbed his arm. “There he is!” she says as she wipes a tear from her eye. Pauline looked old for her 45 years and the tears made her face look even harsher. David watched with sad eyes as the young man dressed in blue with a number stenciled on his shirt entered the shakedown area, out of sight. He had been teased many times by his friends that he had a Ward Cleaver look. David never minded, though, because he felt there were a lot less desirable things and people to be compared to. But of course, it wasn’t likely that Ward Cleaver would be a prison visiting Wally or the Beav. Five minutes later, Tim Morgan entered the visiting room, still arranging his clothing. Pauline ran to her son and hugged him. “Oh, Tim, I’ve missed you!” “I’ve missed you too, Ma!” Tim answered in an almost childlike voice that matched his younger than his years appearance. He was tall and thin, yet muscular, but he had a baby face. In fact, shaving was something he only did about once a week to clear away the wispy peach fuzz that grew on his chin and cheeks. Pauline returned to her seat. Tim stopped in front of his father, his vivid blue eyes searching his father’s face for reaction. “Dad.” David’s face appeared tight with anguish, but his eyes reflected love as he stood and hugged his son. “How are you, boy?” “I’m fine, Dad. I’m fine.” The two men sat down at the table and there was an awkward silence. “Your Aunt Sue said to tell you hi,” Pauline said gingerly, trying to break the silence. Tim smiled. “Tell her I said hi back.” Pauline nodded. “Are you hungry? I’ll go get you something from the machines.” Tim grabbed his mom’s hand as she started to push her chair back from the table. “Mom, please, just relax and visit with me.” Pauline smiled lovingly at her son. “I’m sorry, I just get so nervous here. I mean your Dad and I love seeing you...it’s just...hard.” David nodded in agreement. “I know it’s hard and I’m sorry...I never meant to put you through this,” Tim said with deep remorse. “I am so sorry.” David patted his son’s arm in slow stroking motion. “Is there anything you need us to bring next time we come?” he asked. Tim shook his head “No, but I do have a favor to ask you both.”

 

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