The Lazarus Moment by J Robert Kennedy Read Free Book Online

“I love you.”
    She
smiled at him then leaned in, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting
her head on his chest. “I love you too. That’s why I don’t want you to go.”
    He
chuckled. “It’s only for a week. And besides, if I do this, it makes me look
good, and maybe my cousin can get me a good job and we can move.”
    “I’m
happy anywhere as long as it’s with you.”
    “A
pretty dress, then?”
    She
squeezed him. “That might be nice.” She pushed back and gazed up at him. “I still
think there’s something you’re not telling me. Are you sure you’re okay?”
    A lump
formed in his throat and he resisted looking away, instead closing his eyes and
kissing her as he held her tight.
    A horn
honked outside, the cab having arrived.
    Quick
hugs to the crowd of children and a final kiss to his wife left his heart heavy
as he climbed into the cab, his overnight bag loaded in the trunk by his oldest
son. He waved to his wife, standing in the doorway of their humble home, the
children running beside the cab, shouting their goodbyes, slowly losing ground
to the accelerating vehicle.
    Then
with a quick turn to the right, they were out of sight.
    Never to
be seen again.
    A tear
rolled down his cheek as he fingered the memory stick in his pocket.
    What
I do today, I do for my family’s tomorrow.
     
     

 
     
    Jackson Square, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
     
    “I’m really surprised Cecilia didn’t make it.”
    The women
gathered around the living room all nodded in agreement at Pam Wimbush’s
comment. Everyone who had RSVP’d was there, even a couple who had yet to learn
what RSVP meant. She never understood that. Was it ignorance, laziness, or

idiocy? If an invitation asks you to RSVP, then you call to let them know
you’re coming, that way the host can properly plan for how many people she
needs to entertain. The right numbers of chairs are available, refreshments and
food, goody bags, whatever. To just show up as if your presence was a delight
for all those who did RSVP, was just plain inconsiderate.
    She
glanced at Christa and Tanya.
    I
think they actually are idiots.
    Their host,
Karen Joseph, had whispered that Christa had actually tried to pronounce RSVP
when she had handed her the invitation two weeks before.
    “Risvip.”
    They had
both laughed.
    “Cecilia
never misses these things,” agreed Christa. “And I love her seven layer dip!”
    Tanya’s
head bobbed. “Oh, it’s to die for! I tried to make it once but gave up and just
stirred it all together. Still tasted great, but looked like hell!”
    Several
giggled.
    Karen
didn’t.
    Neither
did Pam.
    “Did she
call you to say she’d be late, Karen?”
    Karen
shook her head. “No.” She rose. “I’m going to give her a quick shout, make sure
everything’s okay.” Karen disappeared as the conversation returned to the upcoming
birth of Pam’s child, her baby shower just wrapping up.
    “Is this
your third?” asked Christa.
    Pam
nodded. “Yes, another girl.”
    Squeals.
    “Chip
was hoping for a boy, but he’s so good with the girls I’m not worried.”
    “I guess
you’ll just have to try again.”
    Pam
patted her stomach and groaned. “I don’t think my poor body can take another. I
think three’s enough. If he wants a boy he’ll have to coach Little League.” She
looked up at Karen as she returned. “Well?”
    Karen
shook her head. “No answer, it just goes to voicemail. I tried her cellphone as
well, it just rings and rings.”
    “Very
strange.”
    “Mrs.
Wimbush, all your gifts are in your car.”
    Pam
turned and smiled at Karen’s son. “Thanks, Brett, I appreciate that.”
    Brett
nodded then looked at his mom. “Can I go now?”
    All the women
exchanged knowing smiles.
    “Yes,
dear, just be back before dinner.”
    “Okay.”
    Brett
tore from the house before he was tasked with something else.
    “Help me
up!”
    Pam
extended a hand and Karen stepped forward, pulling her to her feet. Pam placed
her hand