A Stranger in a Strange Land Part 6

October 7, 2024 Off By Charles R. Bucklin

We finished my New York experience drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes at his apartment. And before I knew it, the sun had come up and it was time for me pack my bag catch my train to DC.

****

Back at Henderson Hall while checking in:

Staff Sergeant Pete: “ Good ya made it back.”

Me: “ Checking in Sarge.”

Staff Sergeant Pete: “How’s the Liberty? You look like shit by the way.”

Me: “Just got back from New York City – So I’m beat.”

Staff Sergeant Pete: “New York? I hear you can get just about anything there – drugs, twisted sex and shit like dat.”

Me: “I just went to visit my brother, Sarge.”

Staff Sergeant Pete: (looking at me dubiously) “Uhum.”

Me: “Really! We were just out late till four am and I’m exhausted.”

Staff Sergeant Pete: “Uhum. Well, take your “exhausted” sorry ass back to your crib and get some rest. I’ll see you bright and early at morning formation.”

Me: “You got it, Staff Sergeant Pete.”

***

Back at my apartment, I collapsed on my bed without undressing as I reflected about the events over the weekend.

I worried about my young brother living there but watching him happily dance at the Club made feel he was gonna be ok.

I didn’t know if I could ever live there but something told me I had to go back.

And soon.

Because I had a hankering for another slice of Ray’s Pizza.

End of Part 6

Finis