Page 59 of When We Were Young

He waits for an answer, and when I give him none, he continues. “Let’s go sit on the glider.”

He doesn’t even wait to see if I follow, which I do, as he walks to the glider and sits. I take a seat next to him and wait.

Lester’s one-on-ones with the men of this town are famous. Usually, they happen in the back of his hardware store, and it’s the guys in town seeking him out. But my brothers and I get treated to his spur-of-the-moment sage advice.

Lester’s like the honorary grandfather of our friends and family. Never married, slightly grumpy, and wise as hell.

“Who are you mad at tonight, son?” He stares straight ahead and doesn’t force eye contact.

Myself.

“What? I’m not mad at⁠—”

“Oh, you are. You don’t have to tell anyone off, but if you don’t at least acknowledge it to yourself, it’ll fester. Just like with wounds, festering ain’t never good.”

I don’t say anything at first.

“I-I’m just... frustrated. That’s all.”

“You might not know this about me, Holden, but I’ve got a bit of a reputation for being a little on the crabby side.”

I chuckle. “Really? I wouldn’t have guessed that.”

He leans forward, rests his forearms on his knees, and clasps his hands.

“But do you know what’s harder than being known as the town grumpy old man?”

“Uh... no, I guess I don’t. But I bet you’re gonna tell me, right?”

There’s no sarcasm in my tone. I legitimately would bet money he’s going to tell me.

“I’d reckon being known as the town’s easygoing, carefree bachelor who lets everything roll off his back is more than a mite bit harder.”

“No, I'm⁠—”

He tosses up a hand. “See, the thing about me is, all I have to do is let everyone see a hint of humor or happiness, anything really, and people find me endearing. Charming, even. But that other guy...”

He pauses and turns his head to look at me.

“The one who makes everyone laugh and smile. The one who everyone thinks lets everything roll off his back. That guy might be prone to feeling as though he needs to be ‘on’ all the time. Can’t ever be mad or hurt. Or taken seriously. I’d imagine that gets pretty exhausting. Don’t ya think?”

He holds my gaze. It’s not a rhetorical question.

I nod, then look away and peer straight ahead to the pine trees a hundred yards or so away.

“Yeah. I’d have to say that sounds pretty accurate.”

We sit in silence for a minute or two, then I hear Henry ask Harrison and Hayden, “Where do you think Holden and Lester are?”

Lester stands.

“I’m gonna head in before they start all that annoying texting and stuff. They’ve been putting these weird cartoon-looking symbols and faces in there. I think they’re trying to irritate me.”

I chuckle. “They’re called emojis. We’ll have to sit down one day, and I’ll show you the important ones. Just know if they send you an eggplant or a peach, don’t engage.”

“Eggplant or peach. Got it. Okay, kid. Maybe I’ll see ya in there.”

He pats me on the back and walks to the door, where he stops.