My Short Short for the Day

 “That’s it!  I’m done with you.  Get out of my sight!”  Uncle John yelled and pointed.

Evan stared in disbelief until his cheeks flamed red.  He glared at his uncle then stormed out of the room.  He could hear his uncle still yelling.  “I want you out of my house today!”

Evan stomped up the staircase, cussing under his breath more emphatically with every step.  He shoved open the door to his bedroom letting it slam shut behind him.  He didn’t care anymore.  His uncle was so ridiculous.  He wouldn’t even let him explain.  He pulled out a suitcase and threw his clothes in.  He had been so loyal and kind to his uncle ever since he was a little boy.  His mother had instilled a sense of family loyalty and he always did his best to honor that.  She had also taught him to be kind, especially towards his uncle who required a “delicate touch” as his mother called it.  His uncle was gruff and demanding.  Complaining about this and that, never happy.  But Evan had learned to be patient with his uncle, to be thoughtful and considerate when dealing with him.  Everything was fine until today, when all of sudden, this…this absurdity.  His uncle accused him of stealing his antique pipe.  He would never dream of it. 

Evan slammed his suitcase shut then pulled out another.  He stopped to look around.  Most of the stuff here belonged to his uncle.  He had very few possessions of his own.  He hadn’t really thought about that before.  His clothes belonged to him as did some books, a camera, and a few family photos that he kept after his mom died.  The frames were gaudy, but his mom had loved how unusual they were.  Now he couldn’t bear to part with them.  He carefully placed the pictures into his suitcase along with his other belongings.  Once he had packed all his items, the room felt cold.  Had it always been that way?  Maybe this was a good thing.  Maybe it was time for him to break away from this tired, dull life and find one of his own.

He carried his suitcases downstairs where Stanley was waiting.  Stanley had been Uncle John’s butler for decades but had never succumb to the dreariness his uncle exuded.  Stanley had always been formal with his uncle but quite friendly and fatherly with him.  He could see a tear threatening in Stanley’s eye.  Evan set down his bags and hugged Stanley.

“Thank you Stanley, for everything.”  Evan struggled to keep the tears from coming.

“It has been an honor Master Evan.”  Stanley let the tear flow freely down his cheek.  “You will be sorely missed.”

Evan smiled, picked up his bags and walked out into the warm sunshine.  The chauffeur was waiting by the car.  “Where would you like to go Master Evan?”