GETTING TO WORK (any gender, mid teens to late twenties)
Jess, do you... maybe... want to start helping me put the weapon together? I’m pretty good at lugging the heavy stuff, the propane tanks, but I don’t really know how to turn them into anything usable and you are the camp’s McGyver.
Unless that nickname annoys you, I guess nobody bothered to ask you.
Sorry.
I guess.
You know Jess, it really could feel better if you helped me. It’ll take your mind off your brother. He’s going to be fine. I know Sheryl’s never driven a bus but she’s a good driver and I’m sure she can get the kids at least as far as the main road, no problem.
And it does feel better to just get down to work on something. That’s what I learned just about every day on the farm. I mean I don’t think I’m better than you, I’m not calling you a “soft hands” or anything, I mean they are soft, I actually love how your hands feel- oh God, I’m going to stop bugging you but Jess, nighttime is coming and we’re going to need some kind of arsenal for when those things come back and you’re going to make yourself sick just sitting there worrying and I can’t stand seeing you like that because I care about you Jess, I... I...
Okay: I’m done talking.
I guess.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"