This is a short serial in five parts. I will release each part on consecutive days, so you won’t have to wait long.
Once back in his room, Daniel thought about leaving. He figured he had blown his chance with Jenny but couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. He didn’t know what to do. He broke down and cried for a while and then decided to go for a walk. Daniel got his best ideas while walking, so he figured it was worth a try.
While he was walking through the park, Mrs. Adams, one of the senior members of the Franklin community, spotted Daniel and walked over to him.
“I saw you talking to Jenny outside the diner. I went in to check on her, and she told me what you did. That was a stupid stunt, young man. Jenny is the sweetest soul you will ever meet. Many of the boys in town tried to win her hand, but she was busy working and caring for her sister, so she put love aside. When you arrived, something in her changed. It was like she finally allowed herself to care about someone. You hurt her deeply. And that hurts all of us.”
“I know. And it’s breaking my heart. I can’t express how sorry I am.”
“Sorry doesn’t change what’s been done.”
“I know. I love Jenny more than I can say. Do you think she could ever forgive me?”
“Hard to say. Love can overcome a lot. But it ain’t easy. What are you planning to do?”
“I don’t know. Keep begging her for forgiveness, I guess.”
“It may be better to give her some time.”
Daniel took Mrs. Adams’ advice. He didn’t eat at the Lunchtime Diner anymore. But he did slip a hand-written note under the diner door every day with variations of:
Jenny, I love you with all my heart. I am so sorry I lied to you. Daniel
Daniel kept working on his novel. He sat in the park, hoping that Jenny would show up and they could talk. But she never did.
After a couple of weeks, Daniel finished his novel. He went to the office supply store and printed out a copy of it.
The following day, Daniel packed his suitcase and got in his car. He stopped at the Lunchtime Diner and went inside. He looked at Jenny, and his eyes started to well up. Before Jenny could say anything, Daniel said, “Please don’t say anything. This is for you. I love you, Jenny.”
He placed the novel on the counter and left. As he drove away, Jenny picked up the novel. It was titled I Can’t Hear You. Jenny bristled a little and handed the book to Mrs. Adams, who was seated in the booth by the window.
“You read it. I can’t,” Jenny said to Mrs. Adams.
“That boy really does love you. I saw it in his eyes,” Mrs. Adams said. “Be a shame to let love that strong go.”
Then Mrs. Adams turned the cover page and began reading the novel aloud.
Tony’s life was words. He was a writer, and he was deaf.
As Mrs. Adams read, everyone in the diner listened. The novel told the story of a budding writer who moved to a small town to work on a novel. It painted a glowing picture of the town and its residents.
After reading for about an hour, Mrs. Adams said, “Let’s meet here tomorrow for lunch, and I will read more.”
Part 5:
Thanks for reading and responding. You make it fun.
Mark
I'm waiting anxiously for the Captain Peanut Butter cameo.
I'm ready for whatever comes next!