” The effort of walking influences the arrival.” -unknown
I can’t remember where I heard this quote but it haunts me. Learning how to find my way past the bumps in the road was why my childhood experiences were so valuable. They made me resilient and efficient. Those times also taught me that motivation can be where you least expect it to be.
VOL.7 MEMENTO
“Am I under water?”
”mmmmwAAA!” (Bubbles)
“Don’t panic. Follow your bubbles Follow the F-ing bubbles.”
As I got closer to the top I saw a blurry figure and as I got closer it became clearer.
” CHARLIE!!
I have been looking for you everywhere!”
“I know little bro..me and…. “
“…..Shelly? “
“GAASP!”
“I’m so sorry! Are you o.k.?”
“cough! cough!”
“What did you say?”
“I said I’m sorry for leaving you behind”
“Ahwe… I feel kinda dizzy.. must of landed on this rock?”
“..Where’s your skateboard? “
“WHAT!?” no!..NO!”
“It’s gone!” At that very moment my heart sank.
The sky thundered. I began to cry. Rain came down on me and Shelly.
“Damn you Augustine! and Damn you Pavement!” I screamed towards the clouds as water hit my face and ran down the warm bump on my head.
She lifted me. My body dangled like a Pieta
“Come on! Get up.”
“Take that rock Shell. Take it and put me out of my misery!”
“Alright, alright.”
She gently placed me into the car.
A FEW WEEKS LATER…
The bump on my head had subsided but it felt as though the wound was still fresh. I needed a new board and it was painful to not skate for so long. I decided to take on a paper route and mow lawns for extra cash and to keep my mind off the obvious. I also kept the piece of asphalt I landed on when Augustine clocked me back on the street in front of that church. I’m not sure why. I guess maybe it was a sign or symbol of some kind.
“Hey! Nice hat, paper boy. What you up to?”
” It’s a part of the uniform. Going to work.”
“Bummer and on a Saturday.What’s the rock for?”
“Protection..motivation.”
“Hey, why don’t I come with you?” she asked.
I put the bag over my shoulder.
“No, Shell.”
Text and original block-print Images © by Sergio Teran
