In the Company of Angels

I looked over to the clock on the stove as I dried off my hands. The red numbers glowed 7:03. Only twenty-seven minutes left.

Tonight, everything had to be perfect because she was perfect. Well, maybe not perfect, but perfect for me. Thoughts of the first time I saw her flashed into my mind. I don’t remember it, but she swears I said, “I was hoping maybe meeting me would be nice and you have pretty smile.” Maybe I did. I was so nervous. Mortals have no place in the company of angels.

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The Factory

The town of Evansville is at war. The Factory did not bring this war to us. We did this to ourselves, but the Factory has created a dividing line. And everyone must choose a side.

I do not know what course of events lead us down the path we chose for ourselves, but everything changed at 9 a.m. on July 12^th, 2012. Like a pebble being dropped into a smooth pond, the day The Factory opened sent ripples that would eventually reach every man, woman, and child in our town. I don’t know a single soul who would disagree with this fact, though they would argue whether the change was for the better or for worse.

Crumbs

A gentle breeze carried with it the sweet aroma of bogenvias as it scattered small crumbs off the café table.

“I don’t know Charlene…”

“C’mon. What’s holding you back?”

Cadence turned away and watched a small bird venture closer to inspect the newly opened crumb buffet. She quietly weighed her options as the bird played hopscotch along the sidewalk.

“I just… I’m an old fashion kinda girl. I don’t do things like that.”

Rating Inc.

Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today Dr. Becker.

Dr. Thomas Becker:  My pleasure.

Interviewer: I would like to start from the beginning, if we may. There are several different theories on the origins of Rating Inc., but as one of the foremost experts on the company, you seem to disagree with all of them, without offering a theory of your own.

Dr. Becker:   I do not necessarily disagree with the theories themselves… I just believe that we should focus on what we know and not waste our time weaving exotic tales to fit whatever hidden agendas we might have.

Interviewer: The director of the C.I.A. was recently quoted as saying, “They know more about me than I do about them.” As one of the most secretive companies on the planet, what do we know?

The Rooster

The drumbeat of footsteps shook the floor announcing the arrival of my nephew seconds before his face appeared in my doorway.

“Uncle Joe! Uncle Joe! Tell me a story!”

This high-pitched request broke sanctity of my Saturday morning sleep. I would be lying if I did not tell you that my first thought was to teach the boy a lesson in courtesy involving a boot and a butt. As I sat up I saw that his eager smile lacked any mischief and it quickly melted my anger into a warm pile of compassion.