by B. C. Sirrom
Invitation
I stopped visiting my family. I’m sure by now I’ve faded into the local mythology. I’m just the odd uncle that joined the army and never came back. I wonder if I am the remnant of my ancestry or something new. Perhaps I’m a new step in evolution. I wonder if the college professor would find me ‘fascinating’ now. I think I’m different from my male relatives because I waited. I starved the greedy power within, so when it had its chance it took everything.
The army was all that I hoped it would be, an anonymous place to belong. People only see the uniform. The world’s wars have provided the backdrop for my exploits. The US government never turns down a healthy young man looking to enlist. I haven’t changed since the night with Jay. I spared her the meanness of Vietnam, but I witnessed Kosovo, Kuwait and Iraq first hand. I see your disbelief. I am much older on the inside. Jay’s life stopped time’s inevitable work. I went a little wild after being with her. There was Tiffany, Heather and Meredith. Each one was special. Each one had her reason for seeking me out. Depression. Heartache. Disillusionment. I gave them the pleasure of a lifetime in a single night. They thought it was worth it.
That brings me to us...you and me here tonight. Candy was right. Women, or at least some women, like dangerous. They go looking for the tall, dark stranger. Is that not why you are here? You have spent the evening listening to a stranger’s dark story. You came looking for danger and found it. I am the man your mother warned you about. Jay was the only one, even after all these years, I have taken that didn’t know how it would end. Now, you know.
And you will still come with me.”
