Chapter One
After
December 22, 1994
The afternoon bus from Newport News was twenty minutes
late, and the first five people who got off were Navy men. Brian
Hutton's younger brother Norman was the last of them, looking
leaner than Brian remembered him though it had only been a little
more than a year. Twenty four years old now, sixteen years younger
than Brian. Life at sea obviously agreed with him. His skin was tan,
his eyes clear; the musculature of his upper arms showed under the
uniform. Everything about him made a contrast to the older brother,
whose frame had begun to sag.
Norman said, "Hard times, Bro."
They embraced. "Hey," Brian said. He felt heavy and awkward.
He stepped back and reached for his brother's duffel bag.
"I got it," Norman said, shouldering the bag. They stood gazing at
each other. "Somehow I'd talked myself into thinking this day
wouldn't come."
"Almost ninety five," Brian said. "A good long life."
...
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