The Long Wait for Tomorrow by Joaquin Dorfman Read Free Book Online Page A

the antique dining-room table, toward the glass cabinet filled with crystal plates and goblets, carrying with it fresh roasted coffee and the midflight certainty that some things simply can’t be taken back.
    It was with this understanding that Patrick barely flinched when the glass shattered. Glass doors to an antique cabinet housing a small fortune. The impact set off a chain reaction as the top shelf of finely polished mahogany collapsed, smashing down on the second shelf, smashing down on the bottom of the cabinet, obliterating all objects resting in between.
    The world’s most priceless sandwich.
    Patrick found it in him to bring his hand to his mouth.
    Two stray shards of glass broke away from the cabinet windows.
    The afterthoughts of destruction.
    Wind chimes, really.
    Coffee dripping down onto the white carpet, and Patrick turned to Kelly.
    Kelly did the same, only there wasn’t the slightest bit of concern on his face. Less than concern, it was as though he actually had welcomed the destruction. As if it had provensome point. Kelly simply winked, went to get another mug, and poured himself another cup of coffee.
    He took a sip, keeping a sly distance. “You sure you don’t want any of this?”
    Patrick shook his head. “You always said …”
    “No, I understand….” Kelly brought the mug up to his lips. “I mean, good for everything I’ve ever told you, Patrick. It all sounds so wise, but …” Another sip. “Hell, this is just a dream, anyway. I’m thinking maybe wisdom’s just not what’s right for what little time we’ve got.”
    Patrick opened his mouth. A few seconds later, he spoke: “Sorry about the crystal.”
    Kelly gave the dining room little regard, shrugged. “Ah, well.”
    “Seriously, Kelly—”
    “So, what are we doing today, Patrick?”
    Patrick blinked. “We’ve got to go to school.”
    “School, eh?” Kelly walked over to the kitchen table, picked up the newspaper. “That’s right, school’s still in. That ought to be interesting….” He tucked the newspaper under his arm and gave Patrick a salute. “Guess I best get ready for school, then, huh?”
    “Yeah,” Patrick managed.
    “All right.” Kelly nodded.
    He made his way past Patrick, down the hallway toward the front door. Found it was still open and closed it, not bothering to lock up. Then, without further ado, he plodded up the stairs.
    Patrick took another look at the shattered remains of Kelly’s family heirlooms.
    Shattered glass and coffee stains soaking into the rug.
    He heard Kelly rushing back down the stairs, saw him peek his head over the banister.
    “Patrick!”
    “Yeah?”
    “We’re taking the car to school, right?”
    “Yeah.”
    Kelly’s head bowed down in a strange act of humility. “Can I drive?”
    Patrick squeezed his eyes shut, shook his head. “Yeah, you always … yeah, you can drive.”
    “Yeah!” Kelly proclaimed. His arm shot out from nowhere, raising the coffee toward a hanging chandelier. “See you in a few, Patrick!”
    Once again, Kelly’s footfalls shook the walls.
    And Patrick was left in the kitchen.
    He glanced over to the coffeemaker, saw the orange light staring at him.
    The clock on the stove read a digital 8:15, and Patrick let himself get back to the basics.
    Time to get ready for school.
    Up above, second floor, the shower came to life.
    Patrick strode to the coffeemaker and flipped the switch.
    The orange light died out, and from somewhere upstairs, he heard Kelly singing.

atrick had simply assumed they were going to be late.
    Even after Kelly stepped out of the shower, he remained in a state of cheerful disorientation. From his shoes to his keys, book bag and playbook, the entirety of Kelly’s routine had to be retraced for him. He was like a large, dangerous child; even when Patrick managed to lead Kelly in the right direction, there was always another deviation to be dealt with. A brief couple of seconds sorting through his clothes, and Kelly had asked