Into the Dark

 

It was a dark and stormy night as Bob stood in the doorway.  Bob had moved further back into the entry as the wind had picked up and the rain intensified.  His had was cupped around his mouth and the glow of a lit smoke could be seen through his fingers.    

 

Smoke rolled out of the entry to disappear up into the canopy.  His eyes ever present focused on the diner across the way.  Ever so often the eyes would roll of to the light of the all night gas station down at the end of the town.  Rolling back the other direction, Bob’s gaze would stall at the diner.  As Bob looked the other way, he could see couples darting out of the movie house to their cars.  A few had umbrellas and were hustling down the street.  A few movie goers crossed the street headed for the diner, heads bowed and coats pulled up over. 

 

Into the diner they darted, brushing off the water and shaking out the moisture of the day.  A few sat at the counter, most went for the booths.  Across the street, Bob could see hand gestures, smiles and heads jerking from laughter.  Cars in front of the movie house had come to life and were slowly pulling out onto the rain soaked street.

 

Bob reached into his pocket, pulling out another smoke, lighter flashing, smoke floating upwards.  The cars had left to their homes and main street was quiet again.  Bob stared at the diner, the waitress was scurrying around, taking orders and setting them up for cookie.   Drinks in hand, the waitress placed them on the appropriate tables. 

 

Bob stood there in his doorway, taking a slow drag on the cigarette, smoke exhausting into the air.  The gaze of Bob resumed it course of traveling up and down the street.  The rain had eased up and was down a heavy mist that swirled in the light breeze. 

 

To his left, Bob caught the flicker of headlights.  Down main street, a dark green sedan rolled, coming to a rest in front of the diner.  Headlights flicked off, the motor went silent and two men exited the car.  Crossing the sidewalk, the two men opened the door to the diner, to a booth at the far end they strolled.

 

Bob tossed his half smoked cigarette down and began walking out of the doorway.  Skipping over the flooded gutter, Bob strode out on the street.  Turing his collar down and rearranging his hat, Bob moved across Main.