Misconstrued Thoughts : Yesterday's Misconstrued Thoughts Today

The Conclusion of the story.

This week we find the completion of the story. If you've not kept up Here are

Parts 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

And to complete this 10,000 word story....

As Elbert walked down the steps he distanced himself from what nearly was a cosmos changing decision. In fact his decision to walk away, was a change to the universe in itself. It wasn't a universe that anyone knew could happen or would happen, for Elbert was the only one knowledgeable of this universe, this possibility. As Elbert reached the final step he squeezed through the door to the outside light. It was almost blinding as compared to the tranquil twilight that had filled the little room in which he had sat. But that dawning of light into his eyes was a reminder of the great acts he had done for people through the years. He could think back with pride to what he had done for his family while they were here.

Elbert looked down to the flower that sat in his pocket. This simple flower had been the turning point. That which had reminded him what was truly important in the world. Elbert continued out of the alley and stood on the street on which a diminishing crowd was found. What had been a insurgence of excitement had now diminished with the speed which Elbert had changed his mind and attitude. There had passed one of the most famed people in the free world, the president of the United States. And his presence created excitement for all those around during his brief presence, but now he was gone. And gone along with him was the excitement that had once filled the street only moments prior. Fame may be present in such a position, but his true impact on all of these people, that did not exist. Elbert looked up at the faded sign for the Incheld Grocery Store. Back in the 40's Elbert had actually helped Mr. Incheld, when his young son had Polio, helping them through those rough times. He was always appreciative, and while he was gone now. No doubt he appreciated what he had done even when Elbert walked away from his presence. "What is fame?" thought Elbert to himself. He began to think deeper, and looked up to the sun, it was beating down on him, it was a summer day after all. Elbert looked at the winter coat he wore, "I would be more comfortable if I just took this off" "Why have I thought for the last few years that I was special just because I wore this heavy coat? Why have I had to stand out as important in these petty minor ways? If they had written me down in the history books they would have recorded my name as a crazy individual. What have I been thinking?"

Elbert unbuttoned the front of the coat he wore and shed it. Seeing the garbage cans that were in the alley he had just stood he walked toward them and with a fervor opened a can and dropped the winter coat within it. That moment in that small room which Elbert had experienced had opened so much to his eyes as finally he came to see the lack of need for this ingrained desire for fame. Better was to reflect on the good he had accomplished. Maybe there was a deeper meaning to everything. Elbert looked once again at the flower, which sit in his shirt pocket. He looked at its intricate design, its perfect symmetry. Could there be a deeper meaning?

Elbert regained focus on the dwindling crowd in front of him. He saw the bus stop and saw the many people scurrying to board the bus. He wouldn’t board the bus this time though. Even with cain in hand, he planned to cross town in a leisure walk, his cane slowed him down, but he would enjoy the walk this day. There was nowhere to be, no rush, just moments left of life to enjoy. The walk home would be therapy. Time to reflect on the good he had accomplished and those he had helped.

Elbert strolled past the bus stop in which people scurried to the front of the line, focused on their needs and wants with no view of those around them. With a near euphoric feeling he continued to walk, around the corner up Lancered street hill. It would be a good ten mile walk home, but without the coat on, it was a new freedom, he was not hindered by the summer heat. As he rose the crest of the hill he looked over the city with happiness and began to walk down the hill. As he neared the bottom he reached a crosswalk. This cross walk was one similar to the one near his home, a walkway across the street. He thought of his boy and the great work he had taken to ensure that cross walk was put there to ensure safety to the other neighborhood kids as they crossed to play baseball in the empty lot .

As Elbert peered at the crosswalk he looked at the steps, he had climbed steps earlier which produced excruciating pain through his body. Yet, at that time he was focused on his determined goal. He didn't notice the pain. But now, as he rose one leg up to climb the steps, the pain shot through his body and reminded him why he avoided the steps as often as possible. Looking both up and down the street before him, the traffic seemed minimal. "I'll just cross under here, I don’t know how far I'll have to walk to find a normal crosswalk", thought Elbert. Once again he looked up and down the street.

Elbert began to cross the intersection walking as the fastest gait possible. In a steady repetitive motion he crossed the street a combination of scurrying feet and taping cane. He reached the midpoint of the road under the cross walk and looked down the street. The downward view of the street was hindered because of the steep rise of the hill. "Maybe that’s why that put in that cross walk", thought Elbert. He, in quick a manner as possible for an old man, began to cross the street. Yet in what had seemed just a moment to Elbert he found himself in the middle of the road, he heard a loud thrashing horn. Looking up Elbert saw the Front grill of a Delivery Truck running at a rushed speed through town. Elbert threw his cane in fear, as if that were the only part of him that could be saved. In a moment all that filled the air was the resounding sound of the Delivery truck horn and screech of tires.

No one could really resolve who the body was that lay there on the corner of Lancered Street and Implation Avenue. It was obviously an older man, yet no identity could be found on him. His mangled body made it impossible to determine who he was. Weeks passed and there was no reports of a missing person, no evidence of who this man was. No, there was no one to miss this man. For in this city at this time, he was an unknown man.

A grave dug and body in place, a simple headstone was put in place with the initials U.I. to represent Unknown Individual. There lay the body of this unknown man. Meanwhile on the other side of town was the burial site of his dear Elouise, who would lay there in eternity never at rest next to her beloved Elbert.

Posted by itzjerm at May 19, 2005 12:18 AM