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“Going out there is all that matters.” After fifteen years in middle management, Boz Trimble is phased out by his company. Now he questions the goals and comfort he accumulated over the years and seeks an identity free from complacency and a prescribed path. As the months shift from winter into spring, Boz juggles his family’s tightening finances, opportunities disappearing as quickly as they arrive, and reversals of fortunes complicating his life. But while he searches for meaningful work and struggles to redefine himself, he deepens his relationships with his wife, children, sister, and disabled brother in ways he never planned; reconnects to his father’s days of stock car racing in the South; and wrestles with newfound courage to pursue a course not laid out.
And now for this month’s story…
William Auten
Copyright William Auten
Sophie clicks her suitcase close and double-checks her carry-on and phone.
“Sure you don’t want me to take you?” Hank rolls her luggage toward the foyer.
“I want you to relax. You’ve worked hard this past month.” She kisses him and soothes his chest. “Thanks for taking care of everything while we’re gone.”
“I hope the flowers make it to the funeral in time. I’m sorry about your grandma.”
“She had a good long life. Wherever it took her.” Her phone pings. “The shuttle is here.”
Hank hands over Sophie’s luggage to the driver. The pug waddles behind Hank toward the threshold. The tabby cat in the basket by the front door yawns and curls tighter.
“Use anything on Dad’s bar cart and in Mom’s kitchen,” Sophie says. “I love you so much.”
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