Page 22 - Tank

“They took the boys away.”

"Social services,” Matt continued. “Swooped in.”
The agency found the boys new homes. Not Tank though. He was classified as
unable to survive on his own. They moved him to a mental institution. Left Matt
out on his own.
It hurt to watch them put Tank into an ambulance and drive away. Hurt more to
know Matt was on his own for the first time in his life.
“I found my refuge in the Air Force,” Matt told Annabelle. Explained how he
bounced around for a while. Continued to steal as he lived close to Tank. He was
the only one listed on Tank’s visitor list. Listed as family. Something the institution
allowed once they learned the truth of their lives.
The last day he visited Tank before he left for boot camp tore at them both.
Neither cried because you don’t cry. Not if you didn’t want the owner to beat you.
He didn’t allow crying, and even though he was dead, they couldn’t shake the
training.
“I went overseas,” he said. Told Annabelle all about his career. A long one. Matt
stayed in the Air Force and Tank stayed in the institution. Each wrote the other
letters each week. A habit they continued until Matt retired.
“I bought a bar not too far from here,” Matt said with a smile. He loved the place.
An old style bar with a pool table and dart boards. A place full of regulars who
could bring their kids as they enjoyed time away from home. A place he brought
Tank to.
“I asked Tank if he wanted to come live with me,” Matt said as he looked at
Annabelle. “It was why he was in the crosswalk today. We we’re at the courthouse
to petition them to let Tank leave the institution.”
Matt stopped. Looked away. His voice failed. So did his resolve. More tears
flooded his face. Sobs left his throat. He wiped the snot from his nose and turned
back towards Annabelle only to find her at his side.
“Why?” Matt sobbed. Looked at what was left of his friend. “Why’d you have to
do it?”