Page 21 - HEF Pen & Ink 2020

BELLOSA LAKE
Chloe Verhine
GUITAR MAN
by Melody Perry
The breeze settled swiftly across the top of the tall golden grass near Bellosa Lake. The sun shined, content with the clear blue sky that confined it. I found myself peering at a rather sizable dragonfly buzzing above the fresh waters. In the midst of my staring, I observed Willie crouching in the tall grass. Willie was my younger brother. Many folks at school call him “slow” on account of Willie’s developmental disorder, or whatever Mom told me to call it.
“Willie, how about we head down to Bellosa?” I asked, knowing he would say yes.
“Okay Ed, but can you teach me how to swim today?” said Willie, knowing I would say no.
“Now Willie I have tried my best but you just ain’t seem to pick it up!”
“I promise this time, Ed. Please?”
“Just c’mon,” I said, guiding Willie to the lake with a vague gesture.
We trudged along until we reached the clear waters, which seemed to reflect the whole sky. We both jumped in the shallow part of the water.
“Now try and swim to the deep part,” I com- manded.
“I don’t know, Ed...” Willie said hesitantly. “I’m a bit scared.”
“Every time I try to teach you, you just quit! I’m going home!”
I angrily exited the water.
“No wait! Ed, I’m sorry.”
“I have better things to do anyway”
I continued walking, water dripping from my
clothes. Willie continued calling me with a certain desperation in his voice.
SURF
by Chris Eodice
“Please wait up,” Willie made his final plea. But I didn’t look back.
Willie never came home that night. It was already 10:00 and I worried for him being by himself. I left the house to go check on him.
“Willie! Willie please come home! I’ll teach you to swim I promise!” I called out.
No reply.
“Willie!” I called out a final time before near- ing the lake.
The lake’s surface mirrored the moon and star’s luminosity. Just next to the moon’s reflection on the lake was Willie’s lifeless, floating body.
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