Essay Camp 2025 day #4

 Write a series of questions intended for someone or something that cannot respond.

I have questions, Tommy, so many questions....

When I went into the office last week, I heard the long, plaintive whistle of a train as I got out of the car.  I froze, transfixed, tears stinging my eyes.  Did you hear that train whistle, 'o son 'o mine?  Did you see the train slowing and then see your door?  

I was told you heard me sing to you that last time, that as I sang your lullaby, a tear ran down your cheek even though the doctor had said you were in a light coma.  Did you hear me tell you that I was sorry I wasn't there, but that you weren't to wait for me if you heard the train and saw your door?

We were talking about kids being picky eaters in the Discord family chat you created, and your sister said they actually were eating salads now.  Raven answered:  "... but do they like chocolate milkshakes?"   You always said you were never going to live that one down - that and the time I told you not to take the shortcut over the stream because with your luck, you would fall and break your leg - but did you realize that even after you were gone, we would still be talking about it?

Are there seasons at the Boardwalk?  Or is it always summer?  Are there holidays?  Will you be decorating the Arcade for Christmas?  I have to decorate again this year because family will actually be coming over, you knew the only reason I decorated last year was because you came home.  We all knew it might be your last trip home, didn't we?  

Do you still worry about how we are coping with the hole in our lives that you left us behind?  We are trying very hard to support each other, but some days it's harder than others and two of us are in Maryland and the other two in the same house that you left in Nashville, and long distance relationships are difficult at times.  But we are trying....  

Do you stop and listen too when you hear that long plaintive whistle of the train, Tommy?  

So many questions, Tommy, so many.....