Old Home Café: The Next Generation
By Edward Floden, based on characters and situations created by William D. Fries, Jr.
Episode XXX: A Lifetime Ago
(Originally published in The Legend-News of 2004 April 24.)
The door chime chimed, as it did, and Mike Cassidy boomed into the Old Home Café. “Jonny, my boy!” he shouted as he entered, attracting the attention of everyone in the Café that morning, and especially the attention of Jon Bach.
“Hi, Mike! Haven’t seen yet for a while. Did your run get changed?” asked Jon.
“Yeah,” said Mike, removing his CAT cap and scratching his head. Jon noted that Mike’s hair was still red, even if there was less hair now than when he last saw him. “Been spending too much time in Minnesota. This is my first trip south of Sioux since last summer.” Mike eased onto a stool at the counter. “Coffee, Jonny, and make it a big one.”
“Coming up,” said Jon. He poured the brew into a cup that the drivers were calling a “tanker”: twenty-four fluid ounce capacity, and stainless steel. “Anything new in life?” asked Jon.
“Just one thing,” said Mike. He lowered his voice. “Does the term ‘peacock station’ mean anything to you?”
Jon froze for a moment. He hadn’t heard that phrase in a long time.
To be continued…
Next: Waiting And Hoping