As the Sun Sinks into the Sea

18” X 24” X 1.5”

Acrylic on Canvas 

Rick had been our class president for about a hundred years and was one of the most popular kids in school, he was also the only guy I knew who would cut off his pimples while shaving, on purpose. Although I was simply an average fish in the social pool, Rick was always good to me despite his social position in this circle of adolescent life.

Early in the morning after graduation, as the sun begins to rise, I start to cross the road as I head home. I see two strange shapes whizzing down the street straight for me. When I get to the other side, the dark shapes come into focus – Its two guys in wheelchairs.

“Hey Rick,” I say a bit bewildered. “What are you and Jack doing?”

“We’re having a wheelchair race – What does it look like?” he explains.

“Well, where did you get them?” I ask him.

“From the church,” Rick says, pointing back up the street.

“You mean you stole them!?” I exclaim.

“No, no”, Jack quips.

“We’re going to return them”, Rick assures me. “Why don’t you come with us”, he persuades. “We’ll have great fun!”

“I don’t know”, I say reluctantly. “I’m on my way home. It’s after 5:00 and I haven’t gotten to bed yet.”

“Neither have we!” Jack states.

“Yeah!” Rick insists. “You can sleep anytime”.

I paused for a moment... Okay, what do you have in mind?”

“Ida-know.” Rick says. “Let’s just see what happens.”

So, we make our way up the dim lit street to return the wheelchairs to the community church as the sun continues to rise. Little did I know what they had instore for me.