Reunited-Flash fiction-My response to a challenge from Chris Mills AKA Cam

Reunited- Flash Fiction Drama. My response to a challenge from Chris Mills-AKA Cam

His stipulations were

1000 words

Genre : Drama

Location : Coffee shop

Object : Walking cane

Anthoney, a young black man who makes his living working as a licensed massager. He is tall, muscular and handsome. He wears shades to hide his drooping eyelids.

He was born blind in a rural area in Missouri. His father refused to hold him or even look at him because of his blindness. He soon left the family leaving no forwarding address.

When Anthoney was six months old his mother confessed to her mother that she was finding it more difficult daily to care for him. His grandmother, Elsie loved him and took him without any hesitation. His mother moved out of the rural area to a city. She only saw Anthoney a few times yearly.

As he grew into childhood his grandmother knew he needed more than she could provide. She contacted a school for the blind in St. Louis, Mo.

Leaving home for the first time

He was six years old when he kissed his grandmother good-bye and took his first ride to his new school, an adventure that changed his life forever.

He learned to read braille. He learned to use a white cane to get around. He also learned to love everyone. Skin color had no meaning. The school welcomed all and segregation was unthinkable.

LEAVING THE BLIND SCHOOL TO LEARN A PROFESSION

When he reached eighteen he entered a school that taught the healing power of massaging.

He rented a small two bedroom apartment, purchased a massage table and advertised his service in the local newspaper. A Chiropractor called him and offered him a position three days a week. He soon began seeing patients in his home as well.

One day he received a call from a young lady named Linda. She told him she was an attorney her job was stressful causing painful neck and shoulders.

Finding love

When Anthoney first touched her neck he felt a stirring in his heart. As he applied mint lotion to her shoulders and arms he felt excitement building. He had never felt anything like this before. When he finished the session he asked her if she felt better? Her reply thrilled him. " Oh yes I feel much better you have relieved the stiffness and soreness in my neck and shoulders wonderfully."

Linda was petite with short curly brown hair. She had a beautiful smile with dark brown eyes. Anthoney knew she was beautiful when he touched her face, massaging her forehead.

She became a regular coming once a week for treatment. They became fast friends quickly. Linda asked him if he would like to go out for coffee sometime. Anthoney smiled and said, " Yes I would but only if you will be driving. " They laughed at the prospect of Anthoney driving blind. She told him that she would pick him up next Saturday at seven o'clock. He felt lighthearted all week as he massaged his patients. He loved his work. Saturday evening arrived and when he heard her horn honk he quickly picked up his cane happily tapping his way to her awaiting car.

Having coffee in a quaint little coffee shop

They located a quaint little coffee shop downtown. He reminded Linda that coffee tasted better with pecan pie. They were busy enjoying the pie and coffee as they were getting better acquainted.

An attempted robbery

Due to Anthoney's blindness he had acquired a keen, increased hearing ability. He heard a gun click before a man's voice said, " This is a holdup. Empty the cash register in this bag." There were only a half dozen people in the coffee shop. They all sat quietly in their seats. Anthoney knew the robber was intent on robbing the shop by his demanding voice.

Anthoney carried a special phone that displayed images without speaking. He pushed the button. The police could see the coffee shop and all activities going on. Just as the robber was exiting the shop he heard a stern voice say, " Drop the bag and gun raise both hands. " He was quickly surrounded by policemen. One police officer entered the shop and recognized Anthoney from the phone call. He went over to him and shook his hand. soon the local news media arrived and filmed the police taking the handcuffed robber to jail.

The interview

Anthoney and Linda were leaving when they were stopped for an interview. The entire event was viewed on the evening news and Anthoney was dubbed a hero.

His business expanded. Soon requiring additional staff to help with the increased patients.

They continued seeing each other and was content with their relationship. It seemed they enjoyed much of the same activities. They especially loved listening to music together.

The coffee shop robbery became viral.

Anthoney's father returns

One evening Anthoney's father was sitting in a bar in Chicago when he saw his son on T.V. He was amazed that his blind son had achieved recognition for bravery.

He drove four hundred miles to see him. When he knocked on his door he was welcomed thinking he was a scheduled patient. he held Anthoney's hands and told him that he was his father. Anthoney was shocked but soon regained his composure. His father asked for forgiveness. He sensed sadness in his father's voice. All the unhappy childhood thoughts rolled away from his heart. He wrapped his arms around him and told him that he was happy to see him and happy to have him back in his life.

Anthoney's thoughts returned to his mother. " Wouldn't it be wonderful if they all were together again? " Grandmother Elsie was growing old and was in poor health."

He suddenly felt strong and knew the time was right for healing and family togetherness again.