Gill Finn

Rainbow was in the waiting room reading a magazine. She was alone in the pine-paneled room. In one corner there was an old Grandfather clock. Gill had asked her once why they called it a 'Grandfather.’ He knew if his mother did not know the answer to a question she would tell him to stop asking questions. She knew that he knew this and it made her smile.

The clock kept a steady tock, tock, but no tick, and she thought it odd. There on an end table was a small picture in a pitted silver frame. Doctor Snook and his wife, Blue, stood with their arms around one another aboard a sailboat named "Mr. Limpet." They were both raising martini glasses.

Also on the table was a large green Chianti bottle with a sailboat inside and on the transom it read: “Forever in Time.”

The doctor handed Gill a dusty Tootsie Pop which he promptly shoved inside the pocket of his dirty blue jeans. Rainbow was embarrassed by the sight of Gill, he had not had time to change his clothes.

“Well Mrs. Finn, you haven’t a thing to worry about.”

Of course the doctor’s dismissal did nothing to belay Rainbow’s worry. Just before she could ask for a more complete diagnosis, Doctor Snook stopped and pulled the large glasses from his head.

“Gill received a mildly toxic venom from the fish. There may be a bit of swelling, but I’ve prescribed a small dose of antibiotics for the boy.”

And just as always, she settled herself if only for the moment.

Gill had already started on his candy as the doctor began on his own, and Rainbow smiled to cover her rebounding nerves.

With this late examination behind them, mother and son entered the car. They closed respective doors and sat for a moment in relative silence. Rainbow started the car and slowly eased it out on to the leaf strewn avenue. 

“How’s your hand?” his mother asked, keeping her eyes fixed to the road. 

“It’s fine,” said Gill, and he felt her eyes for just a moment. 

“You were very late today Gill.” She raised her voice and he knew she meant it.

“I’m sorry, Mom.” 

 Rainbow took her eyes from the road for just enough time to gauge him. 

“He was beautiful, Mom,” said Gill, staring out the window as the color of fall rushed by in a blur. Rainbow adjusted her grip and stole another glance. For whatever reason, she did not feel like pressing him.

“Who was he, Gill, the fish?” And, for a brief second, she wanted to hold him close. He turned from the window and looked down at his hands. Rainbow came to a stoplight and looked at him. 
“Is your hand okay?” she asked. Gill shifted in his seat and looked out the window again toward the sky. 

“Something changed, Mom. There was bright light and a smell, like flowers.” His voice seemed to run out of air. The light changed, and Rainbow felt uneasy. 

“Did you hit your head?” Her voice wavered and she bit her lip. Gill shook his head and smiled. He looked up at her.

“No, there was mirth, Mom,” he said, and returned to the window rubbing his hand. A strange wave fluttered within her belly, and she drew a short fast breath. He was getting older and there was nothing she could do. The sky began to darken and Rainbow knew things would never be the same. Today had happened and there were no journals or ‘life guide’ texts to explain, or put things into perspective. She couldn’t let Gill know of the feeling that was sweeping through her. Strangely, he seemed more at ease than she, and she had trouble cornering exactly what was troubling her. The road unfolded before her as a shining black ribbon still wet from the storm’s rain. There was only quiet between them and every fear she could imagine.

Continued at:      http://storyofgillfinn.blogspot.com