complete works

complete works

summer's end

lucy

(losing the light)

Jan 08, 2022
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“Lucy, could you get that table?”

I never could say no to Candace, even though it was not my section.

“Lucille.” I corrected her, for the fiftieth time. “See,” pointing to my badge.

“Sorry, Hon.” Everyone was ‘honey’ or ‘sweetie’ to her. But she meant it, so that was okay. “Could you help me out? I’m swamped.”

It was unusually busy for August. I think they were here to get out of the heat.

“Sure, Candy” I flashed my shark smile. “I could use the tips.”

“You’re a dear.” I forgot to mention ‘dear’ too. Candace’s ruddy face smiled warm gratitude, my irony sailing over her head without a glance. How did she get to be so nice? Did it come with being a large girl, like a happy pig in a nursery tale? I’m not being mean. She simply had the protruded features of a pig, the eye sockets, cheeks, and snout. Even her stumpy legs seemed to balance on cloven hooves. Still, she was pretty enough, in a porcine way, with her cheery blue eyes and coarse brown hair. I loved her.

“No problem.” What can you do? S…

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