Barney McGhee
After a long, fitful night, Barney McGhee got out of bed without making it. His white, unkempt hair stuck out on the sides, and his scraggly beard framed his weathered face. He threw on some old, stale clothes, walked down the hill, and slipped into the Better Days Tavern. He was relieved that the bar was almost empty on this melancholy morning. His favorite barstool beckoned, and he slid into it like an aging home-plate runner. “The usual,” he sighed. The barkeep gave him a once-over and asked, “How’s it goin’, Barney?” “Well, Mary,” he whispered, “life feels real hard right now.” “What’s troublin’ you, my friend?” “Last night, my ex-wife called to say that our daughter died.” Mary reached across the counter, touched Barney’s shoulder, and gave him a little squeeze. What could she say? She heard the front door open and turned to greet the newcomer. “Have a seat, sir.” The newcomer ordered a drink and looked at Barney with a big grin. “How are you this fine morning, chum?” “I’ve had better days.” “Oh! I’m so sorry to hear that.” |
Although Barney wasn’t in the mood to talk, he decided to confide in this stranger. “Maybe it’s true that some people are just made the way they are made, and there is nothing anyone can say or do to change them. I threw my life away. I had so much. No one could have loved his family more. I guess I never knew how to show it, even though I treasured each and every sunrise, sunset, star, and moon I ever saw.” The newcomer’s smile was gone now. “Another round?” Mary asked him. “No, thanks,” the newcomer replied as he headed for the door. Barney thought about the day ahead. What would he do? He had no passion. He had no close friends. He didn’t know how to be the person he had always wanted to be. He wished that he had learned how to have a happy life. He had so much love to give, but now he felt empty, discouraged, and alone. “Another round, Mary. Barney sipped and sighed. “Sorry to hear about your daughter,” Mary said gently. “So … um … what do you have planned for today?” He gave her an old-man shrug and walked outside. As Barney watched the store owners sweep their sidewalks, preparing for a new day, he looked at the sign above the door: Better Days Tavern. He hoped that it was true. From Carpet Creatures: Tales from the Deep Pile To join the Carpet Creatures project, please visit our TAE Gallery website. |
