Once, Through A Window
by
Harvey Connors
Many older universities and colleges harbor memories that are passed from generation to generation in ways and methods not easily understood by teachers or students. This story relates to the perpetuation of a memory of young love. It will bring tears to your eyes as it tugs on your heart. Just because some have referred to this love story as a ghost story. It’s not a scary story. because: Memories of young love are never forgotten. They cannot be........
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.............an Excerpt...............
“Oh hi, Vince. You finished your floor?”
“No. Thought I’d take a break and have some java.”
“And you?”
“Oh, I heard that Danny Kelly is gonna run for a senate seat from New York ”
“Who?”
“Danny Kelly. He was a student here some twenty or so years ago.”
“Oh,” Vince said and sipped slowly. He yawned as Carl poured his cup, black, and returned to the
lunch table. “Before my time, Carl. I’ve only worked here a week.”
“This room has a lot of memories for me. All the years I put in here, twenty by last count, at this
college.”
“What?” Vince leaned back in his chair. “This janitor’s room in Mount College holds memories for
you? This smelly storeroom and poor substitute for us the janitors’ lounge?”
“Yeah.” He nodded and touched his tongue to the coffee. “Boy, it’s really hot.” He set his cup on
the table.
“In what way are you taken with this room, Carl?”
“Oh,” he said, glancing out the wide window. “Something happened some time ago after my wife
died. Right out there in the alley behind this building. It was something I saw I’ll never forget. It
sticks right here in me heart, as they say.”
“Oh, it’s very personal then.” Vince sipped and smacked his lips. “It’s not sad is it?” He wiped his
mouth. “You look kinda down.”
“It’s a memory: my memory. At the time, I thought it was, well, beautiful. All these years, I’ve never told a soul about it.”
The men looked at each other. Vince wanted Carl to tell his story. Carl sipped. Before Danny got
completely out of his life, he wanted to tell someone about what happened. He knew Vince would
keep his mouth shut. He patted Vince’s shoulder as he got up from the table and walked to the first
window. He looked outside at the trees, their green leaves now golden, red and brown. The afternoon
winds plucked some and carried them to the ground. He watched the leaves scurry up the alley. “It
was fall; this time of year. School was in session. Some of the frosh had been in school for a month
for football and track training. The young guys had picked up their track and football gear and there
was this one young guy ”
“Danny?”
“Yeah, Danny Kelly.”
End of the Excerpt from Once, Through A Window
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