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The Awakening: A Short Story

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“Hi, hon,” William said. “How were the lessons today?” “They’re coming along,” Mary said. The unfamiliar whine of an internal combustion engine filled the air. William turned and saw Crocco driving a John Deere Gator up to the cider mill. “What in the Sam hell are you doing?” William asked. Gas was a precious commodity on the estate. Mary and William strictly controlled the use of vehicles with internal combustion engines. Transportation around the estate was limited to foot traffic, bicycles, and horseback. “There’s something you need to see right away,” Crocco said, pulling the Gator up to the cider mill and putting it in park. “It’d better be important if you’re burning gas,” William said. “It is. Hop in, please. There’s something …show more content…
“I don’t know,” Crocco said. “Something’s killing off the wildlife down by the river. There’re dead birds and fish everywhere.” “You’re using the Gator because you found a few dead birds?” William asked. “It’s not just a few birds, sir. Trust me; you need to see this right away.” William said goodbye to Mary and Reverend Flowers and sat in the passenger seat. Crocco put the Gator in drive and drove down Blue Hills Road. He steered the Gator through the orchards, and up the side of a sloping hill. From the top of the hill, William and Crocco had a clear view of fallow fields that snaked along the Housatonic River. Crocco stepped on the brake and paused at the top of the rise. “Geez, the flooding is worse today than it was last week. It’s gonna be weeks before we can till those fields,” William said. “I don’t know that we’re going to be able to use these fields at all,” Crocco said. “What’s got you all upset? I don’t see anything except acres of flooded …show more content…
You had balls of steel doing that. You must remember Flash, he rode out with us that day,” Jack said, reaching down and scratching Flash between the ears. “Oh, sure. Flash, huh, it looks like it’s been a long time since he lived up to his name.” “He definitely has a little gray on his snout, but don’t we all. He’s still a good boy. A little slow these days, that’s all.” “He looks thirsty,” William said. “Where’s his water bowl?” “Over there in the shade.” William walked across the barnyard and picked up a red water bowl placed under a Weeping Willow tree. William emptied the bowl, carried it to the five-gallon bucket, and re-filled it with water from the Housatonic River. William carried the bowl to Flash.” “Here you go, boy,” William said, placing the water bowl in front of Flash. Flash walked slowly to the water bowl. He sniffed the water and looked up at William. He sniffed again and looked at Jack. “It’s ok, boy. Go ahead,” Jack said. Flash lowered his nose to the bowl and began lapping the water. After a good long drink, Flash lifted his head, licked his lips, and walked to his favorite spot in the shade under the Weeping Willow. He stretched once and lay down under the

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