The Veteran's Fish Fry

Every once in awhile, a short story will appear here. Fiction and made up characters that come from life experiences that we all share in one way or another. They will attempt to capture the stories that everyone has and that everyone is a part of as we travel around together.  JW

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He entered the restaurant first, followed by his wife, his son and daughter-in-law. He was an older gentleman and a veteran - early Vietnam or perhaps even Korea. His cap was emblazoned with the bright yellow letters of his outfit, with various pins and ribbons added, cocked to one side. His camouflage pants and shirt weren't military issue at this point but more like a Bass Pro hunting and fishing catalog version. His walker was spanking new and new fangled and he was obviously not endeared to the damn thing. It had brake handles, big wheels, a basket and was a shiny maroon. He surveyed the place and acted a bit confused. Things seemed different. His wife took charge and asked if he wanted to sit in the booth down at the end against the wall. He started to move toward a different booth but she prevailed by pulling the walker in the direction she wanted to go.

Getting to the booth was one thing, knocking and bumping people in chairs along the way. "You get in and he's going to take your walker", she said. "Well thanks buddy", he said as he leaned on the table of the man sitting by himself having a fish fry. "Not him", said the wife. "The waiter behind you." "Oh ok. Sorry bud."

He moved slowly into the booth and he seemed to be aware of the slight oder coming from his two bandaged legs. Things seemed different to him plus he was having a hard time hearing. Damned hearing things hadn't worked for months. The pretty, young waitress got everyone water and took drink orders and said she'd be back in a minute.

It became clear that this was a return to a familiar place after many years. "it's been at least three years since you were out for a fish fry. You want your usual?"

"Yea. I'll tell her. Where is she?"

The waitress was good but obviously a bit frazzled by the onslaught that seemed to all appear at once. She asked the old man what he wanted.

"You got chowder? The white kind?"

"Yes, we have New England Clam Chowder. Would you like a cup?"

"No, a bowl. A big bowl."

"Tell her about the fish fry", chimed in the wife. "Do you want the fries or a baked potato?"

"We only have fries ma'am."

The old man forged ahead not hearing any of the previous discussion. "I'll have the fish fry with mashed potatoes and gravy" he said confidently. "We don't have any mashed potatoes" said the waitress. "Well get some", said the old vet with a little laugh and a smile. "Fine, I'll have the fries with gravy". The waitress, becoming more flustered delivered the news that there was no gravy to be had. She thought she was going to be able to move on to others at the table but the old man's wife had more ideas for the love of her life. "Do you want a salad?", she asked. "Ma'am, a salad is extra. The fish fry comes with cole slaw, said the now impatient waitress.

Finally she was able to take all the orders and she scurried off to put them in and wait on two other full booths.

"When do you think all these things changed" asked the wife to no one in particular. The son looked around and said "I think there may be new owners. When were you and Dad in here last?"

"Oh it's been years. This is the first time he's been out of the house in two years. His legs just can't do the job any more and I can't get around much myself."

"Well I'm enjoyin' it", piped in the old man. And he did. He enjoyed the whole damn meal. He enjoyed the pretty young waitress and he enjoyed sitting next to Ma with his hand on her knee giving it a squeeze every time he winked at the waitress. All of it helped him forget the dreams that still haunted him. The visions and sounds of a war so far away.

As he left that night, feeling good, feeling happier then he had in a long time, he found the waitress. He tapped her on the arm and said softly and sincerely, "Thank you for your service". She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and said, "You too Pops."