The Gathering Storm by Chris Glatte

Author:Chris Glatte [Glatte, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

Despite having sent his reply to Abby, Clyde didn’t feel at ease like he’d hoped. Instead, he couldn’t shake the worry from his mind. Had he just signed Abby’s death warrant? He briefly thought about how angry Victor would be, allowing his daughter, his pride and joy, to fly. His thoughts went to Sal. He respected him far more than he respected Victor—what would Sal’s reaction be?

But in the end, none of that mattered. He knew Abby would be brimming and happy. She had a lot to get done. Moving would be quite the chore. He wondered what Abby’s mother would think? His own parents would be heartbroken to see Abby leave. He hoped Abby remembered to tell them, or they’d be even more hurt.

All these thoughts had kept him from concentrating on the jump. Thankfully, it had gone off without a hitch. He’d gone through the motions, thankful now that he was safely on the ground, and that he hadn’t been met with any real challenges. Jumping from a mere 500 feet at night left little room for mistakes.

After the debrief, a troop truck picked them up, and they hopped off the back when it stopped in front of their barracks.

Gil slapped his back. “I’ll see you at the chow hall.”

“Nah, I think I’ll head over to the club and grab a drink.” Gil raised an eyebrow. “I know, I never do, but I could use a drink. A lot’s happened today.”

“I’ll join you.”

“Nah, it’s okay. I’d rather be alone. Just me and a stiff drink.”

“Okay, see you later then.”

He walked straight to the club’s main entrance and entered the bar. Enlisted soldiers weren’t allowed in great numbers, but pairs or singles could play it off. He didn’t see any other soldiers inside.

He chose a dark corner of the bar and sat, fiddling with his wedding ring. He couldn’t stop thinking about Abby, and Texas, and flying. When this was all over, would he be going there instead of Seattle? The thought made him feel strange. He’d never considered living in Texas. Full of cowboys, dust, and heat, as far as he knew. Seattle could be dreary, but he’d grown up in the Pacific Northwest and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

The barman came over and took his whisky order. He drank the first one quickly and the second and third even quicker. He held the fourth one, deciding it better be his last. The amber liquid licked the sides of the glass as he rolled it from side to side. Oh Abby, what am I gonna do with you? He grinned, thinking how happy the telegram must’ve made her. He pictured her jumping around the apartment and singing.

Knowing her, she’d get to packing immediately. He wished he was there to help her, although he also felt a pang of remorse. He may never see that little place they’d crammed themselves into and transformed into a home. He remembered all the meals, burnt or otherwise, that they’d enjoyed together. He

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