Free Awake Asleep Dreaming Dead by John Siwicki Page A

at school, Sam thought. Maybe he’s thinking about a girl.
    What’s the occasion? What are you celebrating?
    I told you, I’m old, and celebrating being old because time’s running out. This could be my last hoorah. After this day I may be on my way out, and . . . it’s my birthday. You ready to take my picture?
    Yeah, just about ready, hold on. I’ll have the camera loaded in a second.
    Sam stood. Okay done, then motioned for Tom to go by the tree. He aimed the camera, and said, Hold it right there, one-two-three. The camera shutter clicked away. Got it. One more, good, hold it. One-two-three.
    Tom began to wobble; the booze was kicking in. Sam wasn’t sure how much he’d had, so he grabbed the bottle and checked.
    Man—you put a lot of this away, he said looking at the half empty bottle. It was full!
    Did you get the whole tree in the picture? Tom asked, his voice, low, soft, and friendly.
    Tom’s tone surprised Sam. What?
    Did you get the tree in the picture? he asked once more.
    Oh, yeah, got the whole thing in some shots, but if you want me to keep shooting, I’ll take more.
    No, that’s fine, just fine, Tom said as he stood next to the tree just looking at it, then he walked around it, touching it, and stroking it—like a pet.
    Sam burned up the rest of the roll shooting close up shots, odd and low angle shots, and talking a lot to make Tom feel more comfortable. Do you live around here?
    No, just passing through. What about you?
    Me, too, Sam said. Do you need a ride somewhere?
    Yeah, I need a ride. See a car anywhere around here? Tom said. Where are you going?
    Did I just make a mistake, Sam thought. I shouldn’t have asked if he needed a ride. I’m—heading down the highway on my way to Ellsworth. I can drop you off at the next town if you like.
    Sure, nothing going on here. Let’s go, Tom said, and took one last look at the old oak. Bye tree, he whispered, and walked toward the path to the bottom of the hill.
    You have a small bag there, Sam said.
    Got everything I need in here.
    Traveling light is the way to go, I guess, Sam said, and grabbed the cooler. Tom carried the whisky, and took an occasional swig as they made their way down the hill. They looked back at the tree several times watching its branches wave on the horizon like a brush painting the sky canvas.
    Tom stopped when he reached the road. That’s a nice car you have.
    I like it. Had it for a long time, and feels like it’s part of me, and I’m part of it.
    Yes sir, a nice looking machine you’ve got here. Can I drive?
    Sam looked at Tom, hesitated, then asked, You got a license?
    Sure, he said nodding. Had one for years.
    Cheese? Sam asked to get Tom’s mind off of driving the car.
    Cheese?
    Sam opened the cooler and grabbed a hunk of cheese. Here, go ahead and try this, Sam said, and handed Tom a piece of cheese.
    Tom raised it to his nose, Smells nice, he said, and took a bite, then remarked, This is good stuff, thanks, very nice. Got anymore?
    Sure, here, Sam said. It’s left over from my birthday party yesterday, and nothing but the best on my birthday. Not planning to ever let him drive, Sam said, Maybe, I should drive for a while to start, and let you give it a try later. Okay?
    You’re the boss, Tom said, and looked into the backseat, and around the car as they headed down the highway. When did you get this car?
    Had it since I was eighteen. It was a dream of mine to get it.
    Yeah, I’ve had dreams, too, he said. A lot of them have come true, but some never will, then he choked up. Well, no use thinking about that anymore. Got any more beer? Tom asked.
    In the cooler, Sam said.
    Tom opened the cooler, took out a beer and said, Here’s to dreams that come true! You want a beer?
    I can’t drink anymore. I’m driving.
    Tom looked around, pointed at the trees, then at Sam. Are you kidding? No one’s here. We’re in the middle of nowhere. This place is like the Garden of Eden. One more won’t hurt. Com’on—like having