Into the Dark

 

Dark Storm

 

It was a dark and stormy night as Joe hurried down the side street.  The snow was blindly swirling around him.  Following the buildings edge, Joe scrambled along towards main street.   Trying to pull his coat up tighter to keep the warmth inside, Joe had a losing battle with the slashing wind. 

 

Reaching the end of the building, Joe could tell he was closer.  Reaching the corner, Joe turned, only to turn back to the side street.  The harsh wind had  torn at his face, sending ice pain through his cheeks.  Reaching up, Joe pulled at his beanie cap, trying to pull it down over his face.  He laced the hood down tighter, covering his chin and mouth.  Feeling kind of secure, Joe turned the corner again to duel with the wind.  Leaning forward, Joe trudged into the fierce wind.  Flakes of snow were splattering against his coat and forming ice around his eyelids. 

 

Three fourths’ of the way down the block, Joe came to an entry way.  Stepping into the doorway, Joe got a reprieve from the howling wind.  Here he brushed the ice off his face and coat.  Standing there, Joe took a deep breath and slowly exhaling, he looked out the entry.  Other side of the street was not visible as small drifts swirled down the walk in front of him.  The street lights were but miniature light points.  Joe lingered knowing his journey had to continue in the fierce night. 

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.