Abe's Misadventures 15
Retributive Justice
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The past inexorably catches up with everyone.
Abe's carefully imagined world began to unravel at his application to the university. After retaking the SAT, which he did much better on than his seventeen-year-old self, he failed the basic requirements to even apply to the school, specifically for lacking two years of foreign language study. Only living languages taught by certified organizations were acceptable. His two years of Latin in high school did not pass muster. Abe missed this message in high school, due to absenteeism either in physical presence or paying attention.
"There are some very good courses at the community college in your area," the administrator helpfully advised him.
All Abe heard was a condescending message. Go back to your side of the tracks reprobate, you are not wanted here.
He walked back to his car, resentment growing with each step. He sat until he was calm enough to drive sanely and then headed home, lashing himself with hostile thoughts.
Abe trudged to the house, preparing to disseminate the bad news. As he entered, he spotted his father slumped against a wall.
"Dad? Dad, what's wrong?"
"Help me to the chair son."
Abe got one of his father's arms across his shoulders and lifted. Together they shuffled to the recliner his father always sat in. Abe lowered his father as easily as he could.
"Do you need some water? A blanket?"
His father shook his head.
"Call Diane," his father wheezed, "I don't know the number. Find out if she knows where Kenny's at."
Abe was too befuddled with worry to ask any questions. He simply followed orders and called Diane's parent's house by memory, the last place he knew she lived.
Diane's mother answered. "Hello?"
"Hello, this is Abe Dykstra. Is Diane available?"
"No, she's not here. She's with Ken."
A shock of fear sparked in Abe's gut. He pushed it aside.
"Do you know where they went? I'm looking for Ken."
"He’s—, they’re—, on the way to San Diego. Didn't you know?"
The shock grew, filling his belly. Abe felt ill. He swallowed hard.
"No, I've been away a bit. Why are they going to San Diego?"
"He joined the Marines. They are going to get married. You really didn't know? They've been dating a long time now."
Cold chills enveloped Abe. He started to sweat.
"When did they leave?"
"I'm not sure. There was a message left on the machine yesterday. I don't know where from."
Abe looked down at his home's answering machine and saw there was one message. A buzzing sound grew in his ears.
"Thank you so much. I'll let my parents know."
"Alright Abe. Are you OK? "
"I'm fine. I'll just wait for the next call. Goodbye now."
Abe hung up the phone, walked to the sink and vomited. He returned and stared at the message indicator. In a daze he raised a finger and hit play.
"Hi Mom, hi Dad. It's Ken. I'm on my way to join the Marines. I worked it out with the school counsellors, I can pick up my university studies again later. Right now, the country needs me.
Hope Abe can pick up a job somewhere. He'll never get into university with his record. He doesn't know about the ranch mortgage problems yet. It's time for him to learn how the real world works.
"Diane's with me. We're going to get married as soon as possible. Hopefully before bootcamp starts. We already called her parents. We plan a proper ceremony when we get a chance to visit. Take care of yourselves. Love ya.”
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