Short Stories Temporary Tattoo

Temporary Tattoo

White flakes the size of navy beans stick in his sandy hair, limp with sweat

Brennan's Dad

Hey

Brennan's Dad

This weekend, me and you will go down to the park and go over some maneuvers

Brennan's Dad

Maybe I can get John to come with us

Brennan's Dad

You know, he used to play when he was your age

Brennan

Sure, Dad, that sounds alright

Brennan's Dad

How about this

he begins as they near the ’95 Camry

Brennan's Dad

Let’s go get pizza

Brennan's Dad

At your favorite place

Brennan smirks

Brennan

Why? I did terrible

Brennan's Dad

Don’t say that

Brennan's Dad

It’s a reward

Brennan's Dad

For all you did tonight

His dad grins as he unlocks the car

With the remaining strength he has, Brennan throws his bag into the backseat

His eyes sweep the parking lot

Across the lot, a thin woman stands next to a Kia with her hand affixed to the door handle, strangely still

Though it’s hard to tell through the snow and dark, it seems like she is watching him

Somehow, she looks familiar, but he’s almost sure he’s never seen her before

Brennan's Dad

Ready?

Brennan closes the back door, still staring out at the Kia in the darkness

Brennan's Dad

What is it? It’s cold, Brennan

He slips into the passenger’s seat and fastens his seatbelt

Brennan

Sorry. I just thought I saw someone

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