Rest For The Weary

     Several weeks ago, my grandson and I drove to Rest For the Weary. Lost in thought, I passed the road to my brother's farm. We ended up going the long route from the opposite side. We snaked along a winding road until a worn and beaten path appeared. We slowly turned onto it. It was cold and wet; puddles were everywhere, and the potholes and ruts rattled our bones. 

     In the distance, we saw a cluster of trees. As we creaked towards the farm, memories flooded my mind, and my skull became a tomb full of ghosts. Echoes of the past reverberated in my head, but Gabey brought me out of my reverie. "I hope we don't get stuck out here, gramps."

     "Especially with zombies roaming the countryside," I said, pretending to be frightened. We are obsessed with anything related to zombies, and it helped lighten my mood and ease my sorrow. 

     Finally, the road opened up to the abandoned farm. I said, "Keep your head on a swivel. Walking dead might amble out of the mist!" Gabey nervously giggled. "Remember," I continued, "when you were four, and I'd drive you to karate class? We imagined undead were chasing us, and we'd wipe them out with our zombie zappers?"

     "Yeah," he replied, "and we listened to Hall and Oats on the way there."

     "You had memorized the lyrics to several of their songs," I said, nudging him. Gabey giggled. It was a good memory. Then I saw The Corn Crib, grew silent, and almost wept. "That's his church," I whispered. This was his dream. He loved the farm. Everywhere I look, I see him. It's as if I hear him calling."

     "It's sad," Gabey said as he scanned the farm for any signs of the walking dead.

     "Don't worry, Gabey. I'll fend them off until you make it to the SUV, then I'll dash for it. Unless, of course, I manage to wipe them out." We laughed as I reversed the vehicle, getting as close to the front porch as possible.

     As we loaded the kitchen hutch, I reminisced about the love that Albert, Shio, and I shared. I recounted anecdotes about the three amigos, which had him smiling and me sighing. I said I felt I could bring Albert back if I wished hard enough. I emphasized the importance of loving our families, respecting one another, and appreciating every moment of our lives. I urged him to let his loved ones know how much he cares for and values them.

     We secured the kitchen cabinet before I returned to the porch to clean up the mouse droppings while Gabey waited outside. As I worked, I couldn't help but think of Albert,  and I thought I heard his voice. Suddenly, a bell tolled, and I quickly reached the door. G stood before a giant cast-iron bell suspended between two thick posts. 

     "I didn't notice that before," I said.

     "Neither did I," he replied.

     "I guess we should get going, Gabe."

     "Okay," he answered, heading toward the Pilot.

     I grabbed the rope and pulled it hard, causing the bell to clang repeatedly. I tolled the bell for Albert. Closing my eyes, I imagined him walking toward me. My heart felt it was about to burst. When I opened my eyes, I saw Gabriel staring at me. I giggled foolishly and quickly yelled, "We better make a run for it, G. I just rang the dinner bell for the undead. They'll be coming soon!!" 

     We hurried to the SUV, and Gabey locked the door as soon as we were inside. "We're safe now," I said. "This vehicle is impenetrable!"

     As we drove away, a profound sense of loss washed over me. I thought about the abandoned farm just a few miles outside of Yorkville, in the prairie state, in the middle of America, where my brother's dreams were buried. I whispered a prayer and said my goodbyes.

     Gabey listened to music as he stared out the window. Looking back, I saw the farm fading into the mist, and I realized this would be the last time I'd see Rest for the Weary. I was overcome by a flood of emotions and felt a lump in my throat. I caught my breath, my eyes filled with tears as I grunted, "I'll run over any undead that gets in our way." I cranked the radio and bellowed, "Let's rock and roll!" Gabey chuckled as I turned onto the main road, and we prepared to do some zombie ass-kicking.