Monday, June 26, 2006

Entry #31

"Homecoming"
by Brian W. Hugenbruch


The storm swoops in suddenly: nebulous clouds the colors of a bruise engulf what feeble sunlight had been straining to illuminate the day. My umbrella – a blue and white piece of garbage that had survived two hurricanes and three girlfriends – tears itself out of my hands and flies back the way we came, toward the comfort of city living.

Just as well. With rain coming at me sideways, it wasn't going to be of much use.

The country road had delineated itself into "mud" and "not-mud". I slog through the not-mud as best I can ... but around these parts, "pavement" is a dirty word. Soon I'm up to my ankles in a light brown gunk that is struggling desperately to acquire my boots.

After what seems like years, I trudge up the stairs of the rickety front porch, nodding politely to the water-spouting frog as I pass. I glance at the doormat, and then at my footwear, which has become more mud than boot. Still, I make a valiant effort to leave the road behind me as I opened the door.

The cottage smells of coffee and fresh bread, the way home always is. Soaked to the bone, I quickly shed my boots and yell out: "Mom! Dad! I'm home!"

No answer.

On the kitchen table, though, is a piece of paper:

"Son— went off to visit the Lunsfords next door. C'mon over, we miss you! Only a mile, but take your car – storm's comin' tonight. --Love, Ma."

[Brian W. Hugenbruch is an aspiring writer living in upstate New York. He spends his time working on his house, writing, reading and neglecting his long-suffering writer's blog.]

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

And that's where I change into some dry clothes, pull up a dry seat, and read a book by the fire.

Anonymous said...

Nice piece of business...nodding to the water spouting frog. I could visualize this piece. I can tell you work hard at your craft. I enjoyed this.

Bhaswati said...

Lovely piece. The narrator's voice is witty and endearing. I would like to know more! Good writing :)

Scott said...

I like the voice in this story. Good descriptions. Especially noteworthy in my mind was the plight of the umbrella.

bwh said...

Thanks for the comments. :-) I'm wincing now, as I reread it -- I converted to present tense during the first edit, and I missed a couple of spots. That's what I get for a rush job ... but I'm glad everyone's enjoyed it so far.

Jade L Blackwater said...

I agree with Jim - time to dry off! Well done.

Anonymous said...

Brian, nice description of the country road. You used action to convey the scene and setting. Time to buy a new pair of boots!