“I don’t know too many details, but apparently Dad fell and broke his hip. He has to have a total hip replacement.”
“Man, that sucks. But I’ve heard people bounce back from those much faster than they used to. If he’s healthy enough, he could be home in a few days,” Dave adds, his eyes bright with optimism.
“Yeah, hopefully. The bigger issue is his business. My dad runs the town Christmas tree farm and we’re approaching peak season. I’m probably going to have to ask for a six-week leave of absence. With any luck, by then he’ll be able to manage with someone local.”
Dave gives me an encouraging pat on the shoulder, the tangy aroma of cumin and cayenne pepper up close and personal. Sadly, I’ve lost my appetite. “Dude, you’re the hardest working guy I know. No one will bat an eye at the request.”
“Hey, man. Let me tell Addy I’m going to be covering for you tonight. You get what you need and head out. I can respond directly from my place if a call comes.”
“You sure, Trev? Your girlfriend had to come to the station just to see you.”
“Positive. If anything were to happen to my mom, I know you’d do the same.” He snorts. “Honestly, I think the girls only wanted an excuse to hang out. Or to get some of Dave’s chili.”
Pulling him in for a firm hug, I start to make my way into the main room to share the news of my departure. I’ll contact the Chief on the way there. Luckily, I start my ten-day break after today. That should give them a little more time to arrange a replacement.
“Hey, drop back in the kitchen before you leave. I’ll get some of this wrapped up to go.”
“Dave, you’re a god among men.”
“Well, spread that news a little wider. The dating pool in Sycamore seems to get more shallow by the day.”
Don’t I know it.
* * *
After quickly packing my things and filling my truck with gas, I make my way toward Magnolia Point, South Carolina.
My least favorite place.
Very little remains of the life I once knew. If it weren’t for my father residing there, I dare say there’d be no reason to ever return. A big piece of my family is missing since my mother died. And I no longer have anyone in Magnolia Point I’d call a true friend. There’s nothing but bitter memories I’d like to forget. Yet as much as I hate the thought of stepping foot in that small resort town, I can’t let it stop me from doing the right thing.
I simply need to help Dad get back on his feet, then get the hell out of that Godforsaken place.
* * *
About five hours later, I see a bright highway sign mocking me in the distance.
Welcome to Magnolia Point.
“Welcome indeed,” I snap.
I was born and raised in Chicago. While there aren’t many bad memories of that time in my life, I admittedly didn’t see much of my mother and father growing up. They were both hard-working individuals who strived to provide a good life for their family. My sister and I didn’t want for anything. We received a good education, participated in sports, and enjoyed holidays and vacations together when my father had the time off.
However, unbeknownst to me, my parents had plans to move to a smaller, slower paced environment once they reached retirement. “To enjoy the fruits of their labor,” they’d said. My father had worked as a police officer and my mother as a horticulturist. She worked with a large company that serviced high end hotels in downtown Chicago. Mom looked forward to having enough land to grow plants, flowers, and a small vegetable garden of her own.
The first place they visited was Sycamore Mountain, and I was hooked. With clean air, outdoor activities, and the enjoyment of all four seasons, what was there not to love?Apparently, the cooler temperatures the mountains brought with it, that’s what.
My parents were sick of the cold Chicago winters and wanted a warmer climate year-round. So, they continued looking further south, until they found a home for sale on a large piece of property in the low country of Magnolia Point. Once they discovered the seller owned the lot next door, home to the town’s Christmas Tree Farm, it was as good as sold.
I tried to redirect them to Sycamore Mountain. Yet Mom was excited about the two of them starting a business together that was centered around evergreens and all things Christmas. I couldn’t fault them for their choice. I was starting my freshman year of high school and decided to give the town a chance. If I still felt called to the mountains, I’d move after graduation.
While most parents retired and planned to travel and see the world, mine were content to plant roots deeper than the cypress, cedar, and pines on their tree farm. Yet Mom was barely unpacked long enough to call Magnolia Point her home. Pancreatic cancer had struck within six months of moving to South Carolina. She didn’t make it to their one-year anniversary in their retirement home before her illness claimed her.
Magnolia Point High School was a surprisingly good experience for me. In a short amount of time, I’d made some great friends who provided the support and compassion I needed once Mom was gone.
After graduation, I applied to the fire academy and was eager to begin my career. I was dating a beautiful girl with plans to settle down. My best friend and I were thick as thieves, and Dad seemed to be thriving at the farm with friends of his own to prevent him from spending all of his down time mourning my mother. Life was good.
Until it wasn’t.
