Any Good Thing by Joy E. Rancatore

Author:Joy E. Rancatore
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-7331387-2-7
Publisher: Logos & Mythos Press

***

Becky and Jack spent some extra time one-on-one after they ate. He had grown up more than he realized since the spring that felt much more than a couple of seasons ago. He found himself in a new relationship of sorts with the woman who’d always cared for him. She was still his mom, but he was no longer her little boy. He was the man she’d raised.

“Thank you for all the money you’ve sent, Jack. It’s made a big difference in my life.” Becky smiled up at her son, as she wondered if he’d actually grown taller. “But, I don’t want to keep taking your money. You need to start saving for your own future.”

Jack took his mom’s hands in his own. “Mama, sending you that money is the proudest thing I’ve ever done. There’s no way I’m gonna stop now. Don’t worry; I’m being wise with my money. I’m saving and investing most of it. Living on a military base, I don’t need to spend a whole lot on basic necessities. Plus, I’m pretty sure they’re not going to give me enough free time to get in any trouble.”

Their jovial mood faded to serious. Becky said, “I do understand why you left Bellum. I really do, but I need you to ask yourself if you’re running from a past you haven’t dealt with. Too much bad happened to you too young. It’s a lot to process for anyone, let alone a teenager. And, I know you’ve never really talked to me about anything—which is fine. You just need to have someone you confide in, someone who can guide your thoughts as you seek to make sense of it all.”

“Ben has been incredible. He and Senior have a way of getting me to see things from a different perspective.” He lowered his head as he considered his next statement. “When I set out, I was running; but I didn’t feel like I had a choice. Once I decided to enlist, though, that running changed. For the first time, I’m running with a purpose.”

“Just as long as you’re not trying to run with the burden of your past strapped on. That’ll eventually weigh you down, especially since this purpose you’ve chosen isn’t exactly an easy one.” Becky’s eyes grew misty as she searched her son’s face. “That storm that began brewing on 9-11 is ramping up, and it’s had a lot of time to grow into a massive tempest. Have you thought through what war could mean for you—what pain it could add to the past you may not have fully left behind?”

Jack placed his hands on his mom’s shoulders as he replied, “Guys like Senior and his buddies have been there. They’ve talked to me, answered my questions—even when I haven’t known how to ask them. I’m as ready as I can be. This world’s full of hate and evil. If I can take down any piece of that, then it’s worth the cost to me.”

“I’m so proud of you, my sweet boy.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.