Uncle Hale's Thanksgiving Dinner (F)

Jack could hear the crunch of snow under the car's tires as he pulled slowly into the yard. Stepping out into the cold, he called to his uncle.

"Back here, Jack."

The teenager slowly padded around the house. His uncle was chopping the heads off whitefish and flipping them with his cleaver to his dogs.

"You've been fishing a lot."

"Nope. Bought these from the women down at the inlet."

The dogs snapped and snarled as they tore at the fish heads.

"The dogs are going crazy."

"These dogs are more wolf than dog."

"I've got your dinner stuff."

"Thanks. You can take it inside."

Jack returned his uncle's side after getting the food put away.

"I made my decision."

"I heard."

"Going to State for the mining program."

"Maybe that will work out."

"Sure it will. I'll be able to stay in the area after that. They're always hiring."

"Maybe so." His uncle began to fillet the fish.

"You don't think so?"

"I couldn't say."

"Do you think I'm wrong?"

"Nothing wrong with having a plan, Jack. Just trying to predict the future."

"You're always so negative. Just like Mom says."

"Maybe so."

Jack rubbed his hands together as the wind came up. "Laura and I have talked about getting married after I graduate from State."

"Oh?"

"Guess you think that's a mistake too, huh?"

"No opinion."

"Didn't you and Aunt Nancy get married when you were in college?"

"Did."

Jack kept quiet for a moment. "Did she hate turkey like you?"

"Liked it okay. But she came from a ham family."

"I guess you miss her. A lot."

The dogs now were curled up on the snow, backs to the wind. 

"Yes, nephew." He looked out across the river.  "Still, it's a pain deep inside that never goes away."

Jack touched his uncle's shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"Fact of life now.  You need to get going. Road home will be dark soon."

"Yes sir. I know. Oh, extra dressing and the sweet potato pie is in the fridge."

"Thank your mother. Here, take this sack of fish. Tell her fresh caught this morning."

"Should I give some to Laurie Hanson? She always asks about you."

The older man picked up his knife again. "If your mother wants to share, fine with me. But otherwise, no."

Jack chuckled. "Okay, Uncle Hale, just asking."

"Be safe."

"I will. See you when I see you."

"Yep. See you if I see you."

Lyman 2024