Josie’s Journal – Part II
Well, I guess Josie’s not too angry that I shared her personal journal. She showed me another part of it – a couple of very personal entries. I’ll probably keep sharing her journal here unless she gives me the silent treatment.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out the previous post.
July 3, 1937
I am numb. Not sure I can put two words together.
July 24, 1937
The flood came.
I went to town with Johnny to get supplies for the week. It was hot, and I was a touch weary but tried not to let on. When we were done we went down the street to McLemore-Bass for ice cream, like usual. And like usual I smiled as I walked in, the bell on the door ringing. It always smells so good in there.
But something was wrong. I stopped.
Then I remembered for the 1,000th time. Mitch wasn’t there, and he wouldn’t ever be there again.
Johnny noticed even before me that I wasn’t moving past the doorway. When he turned to look at me, I saw his smile turn to a frown. He looked worried. I didn’t know what he was looking at until I looked down and saw tears dripping down onto my shirt. Big, fat ones. I gritted my teeth…I would not cry right there – in the middle of Abilene, for Pete’s sake.
I waited until we were in the truck and on the way home before I let those stupid tears have their way. And it hurt so bad that Mitch wasn’t there to wipe them away with his ratty blue kerchief. He always said it was his good luck charm.
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