Page 31 - ContrastFall1987-1988

Katie Ruppenthal

Andy stepped back and glanced at his past empathizer. Andy
looked down at his hands. To hide the revealing shine on the
palms, he stuffed closed fists into his pockets. Shuffling over
towards a nearby relative, Andy left his father alone.

Charles looked over at his wife. She was bent over in
conversation with Mrs. Strohecker. He walked towards the
discussion.

"Mrs. Strohecker, would you mind if I talk to my wife alone?"
Charles asked in a hushed voice.

As Mrs. Strohecker walked away, her large behind nearly
colliding with several mourners, Charles hesitantly placed a hand at
his wife's waist and gave a rough squeeze. Janice's head propped
itself on the raincoat clad shoulder.
. Andy spied his parents together and pushed his hands deeper
Into the pockets of his raincoat. Shoulders shrugged to ward off a
damp draft.

--Susan Bruder