Free Flesh and Feathers by Danielle Hylton, April Fifer

privilege.
    “So what are you doing after work?” she asked.
    “Well, Kale called and said I don’t have to work at the bar tonight. He said something came up, and he was closing early.” He seemed confused by this, but now with Jen here that would mean he would have better plans anyway.
    “Great, so you want to pick me up later?” Jen was still Jen–she batted her eyes a couple of times, and of course he said yes. She moved in, wrapping her arms around his neck.  
    “Ah, you don’t want to do that. You look so beautiful–I’ll get you all dirty.”
    Her voice was playful and teasing. “I don’t mind, besides it’s just a shirt. I’d rather have you close.”
    He squeezed her, lifting her off the ground. Then he leaned down to kiss her.
    “So you’re working on a car? Thought this was a bike shop?” She poked him in the ribs, joking.
    “It’s a favor,” he said, looking back at the car.
    “Who’s the lucky girl?” Jen pretended to be jealous.
    Mitch just smiled, knowing this was merely a game that she liked to play.
    “I guess I had better leave. See you tonight?” Jen asked.
    “I’ll be there,” he said, loosening his grip on her, which took a lot of effort.
    Jen was almost out the door when Mitch called to her. “Jen!” She turned and stared at him from the open garage door. “Love you,” he said, just like he always did when she left. Jen blew him a kiss and disappeared around the corner.
    After she was gone, Mitch sat there thinking. He pulled a small velvet covered jewelry box from his pants pocket. He had kept it there every day for the past week. Although he wasn’t shy about his feelings, he had waited to give her this. Jen was the greatest thing that had happened to him, and he wanted that moment to be one she would never forget. He didn’t have much to offer her–he worked two jobs just to support himself. He had planned to use what little money he had saved up to start a life with her. Even though in his mind she deserved better, the one thing he could do was love her more than any person could love another. That he was sure of. He opened the box to look at its contents–a single diamond ring. Then he closed it again, placing it back in his pocket.

Chapter 7
    Remember

    I t took a while, but I was able to slip back into my daily routine, which was basically working and going home. I hadn’t had the chance to catch up with Mr. Parker yet, and I was feeling a little neglectful. I know Tannah had informed him of my accident, but I still wanted to see him. I missed our occasional dinners and weekly visits. Besides, if I didn’t check on him, then no one would since he had no family.
    Leaving work, I noticed how truly lovely it was outside. The sun was glowing on my skin, and I was thoroughly enjoying its warmth. As I crossed the street, I noticed some kids playing ball in the newly reconstructed park. Tannah had told me during my stay in the hospital that there had been an earthquake, and the park had suffered dramatically. This was the first time I had noticed the drastic change in its appearance.
    The children seemed to be having so much fun that it forced a smile on my face. All of them were in cut-off jeans and old baseball uniforms with last names embroidered on the back. They couldn’t have been more than nine years old, but watching how well they played, they could have easily been mistaken as older.  
    I leaned against the fence, watching in wonder at these well organized miniature replicas of Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle when I noticed one of them waving at me. He began running in my direction. The brim of his hat caught the wind and shifted back as he ran, showing his bright orange hair and dark brown eyes.
    He stopped directly in front of me. I knelt down so that my eyes were level with his. My hair fell and rested on my knees.  
    “What’s up little guy?” I asked, unable to control my adoration.  
    “Where's your friend?” he asked, bouncing up and down in