Reactions to Man

Written for Montana Woman Magazine, check them out here

A pillar of dust rises on a dirt road and gravel pops under the spinning tires. The red Ford truck slows and pulls into the driveway. You feel your heart sink. You hadn’t seen that old ‘79 Ford for what felt like forever. 

From the sanctuary of the living room window, you watch the driver put the truck in park. They look up at the house, you know they can’t see you yet because you are in the dark corner of the room where the sun coming through the big picture window never hits. 

The dogs run off the porch barking but quickly wag their tails when they realize who it is. They cannot comprehend the complexity of the situation. They don’t know the history leading up to this moment. 

You knew this day would come, but hoped it wouldn’t. You hear footsteps on the old wooden porch, the floorboards creak under the weight of the body. You count their steps.

One. 

Two. 

Three. 

Four. 

The screen door creaks open and slams. You size up the familiar form standing in the doorway– a stranger where once stood a friend. You brace for words that never come.