Tyler looked at him for a long time.
Then he said, “You still have to pay the ticket on this, you know.”
Craig blinked. “What?”
“Equipment violation,” Tyler said. “Brake light out. Showing no red to the rear.”
For one second, Craig just stared at him.
Then he laughed.
A real laugh. The kind that comes up out of a man when he’s been holding his breath for too long. He put his hand over his face.
“Yeah,” he said. “Yeah. I guess I do.”
“I paid mine,” Tyler said. “I didn’t want you to tear it up.”
Craig dropped his hand.
He looked at Tyler like he was seeing him for the very first time. This tall boy with grease to his elbows and a scrape across his knuckles.
“I wouldn’t have,” Craig said. “That’s the one thing my dad did that I’m never going to do. I would never tear up your ticket.”
He shook his head slowly.
“Pay your own tickets. Fix your own lights. That’s all I ever wanted you to know, Tyler. I just didn’t know how to say it.”
And right then, the church bell started ringing.
I turned around.
The bell tower door was open. I could see Pastor Ron’s arm going up and down on the rope. Up and down. His whole body leaning into it.
That bell was cast in 1912. On a still day, you can hear it four miles out into the country.
It rang and rang.
People came out of the café across the street to look. A man standing on the corner took his cap off without even knowing why.
Hailey was counting under her breath.
After a while, I realized she was counting the rings. Her lips were moving.
Sixty-two.
Sixty-three.
Sixty-four.
And then it stopped.
The last note hung there over the parking lot. Over the river. Over the whole little town.
And then it went quiet.
Pastor Ron came out of the tower a minute later. Red in the face. Wiping his forehead with his sleeve.
“Told you you’d know the number,” he said to me.
I couldn’t answer him. I had my hand over my mouth.
Hailey’s mom was crying. Dale was blowing his nose into a shop rag.
Tyler was standing by the back of that squad car with his eyes shut.
And Craig was standing right next to him with his hat in his hand. He must’ve gotten it off the seat without anybody seeing.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.