Behind the Curtain

“What do you mean I can’t go to Howies one hundredth birthday party?”

“No Sir, Doctors orders.”

I eyeballed the Nurse, figuring if I raised a stink they’d take away my morning smoke and walking privileges.

“I’ll be calling my daughter.”

I had kept my Volkswagen Bug stored at my cousin Kurts place. Last I’d seen him he had told me he started it weekly and it sounded good as ever. It had been a couple decades since I’d driven and I wasn’t even quite sure where Howie lived anymore but missing his hundredth was out of the question.

I woke early, telling Chester as I walked outside that it was a day for a two smoke walk. He nodded, “Don’t let the Robins get the better of you.”

The sun was just making its way up over the horizon. Old or not it was still my favorite part of the day. I was a bit worried stealing my own car and if Kurt caught me I’m not certain he would let me drive. He always told me I couldn’t drive when I was normal and I’m guessing senility took away a bit of my edge.

I should have known the old boys would have taken care of everything. Wayne and Kick had the bad boy polished and running as I approached the house. They seemed proud of their work.

“Kurt and Sandy are out suntanning California way. Won’t be back for another week. You need someone to ride shotgun?”

“Is that you Kick? A long time.”

“Wayne called me, said he needed some help. Didn’t have much going and knew Kurt always kept something cold in the fridge.”

Wayne piped in. “Its a bit hesitant going from fourth to fifth. The old lady ain’t been out on the road for awhile. All new belts, ready to roll. Have fun.”

“Kick, you riding shotgun would be a blast but I’m not certain I’d get out of Winona. This is something a man has to do on his own. Say goodbye to an old friend before he joins you.”

I was a week late for the birthday as I started down old highway 61. I noticed some strange looks as cars buzzed past me. I felt thirsty as I drove by Linahans and Twin Bluffs. I started thinking about old times, old friends and that after all the running and crazy stuff we did, we were still friends. I put the pedal to the metal and said what the hell.