Charlie's Story

CHARLIE'S STORY

Raymond Wong

Suddenly, Charlie awoke up at 330am. He was in full sweat. "Huh?" he said. "What happened?" He turned to Cathy, his wife and sighed with relief. "Cathy, you're still there?" "Are you alright, honey?" Yeah, I'm fine. I'll just tell you the story in the morning.

As morning came, Charlie was refreshed by the especially "dewy" morning. He did a devotion and was refreshed by the words of the author. It was one of those days that birds would chirp with joy, although not too many of those days did Charlie experience.

"So, what happened last night, dear?" Cathy inquisitively asked, as she started to prepare breakfast. "Oh, just a funny dream...I can't remember the whole thing...you were on a train in New York-no, Calgary, no, Ottawa. Anyways you were in my dream, anyhow."

"Hmmm...dear, this doesn't always happen to you does it?"

"Oh no, Cathy. I think I've been really thinking about that game on Monday against the StingRays. It'll be my debut." "Oh honey, I'm proud of you. I'm very grateful for your perseverance in baseball. And even though you are with the Trappers, I believe you have a call in baseball."

"Hey, maybe you're right. But hon, I'm turning 30 this year. If I don't get into the bigs, when will I?" "Hon, what ever blessings come your way."

As Charlie leaves his house, he starts to think about his professional career as a baseball player. He hops in his car to head on Whyte Ave. to head for the stadium to practise with the guys.

"Great hit, kid!"

"Thanks coach."

"You know son, I'm proud of you going to the biggies. Friday's your big day. Get some more rest. Will fly you on Thursday. Maybe they'll play you on Friday."

"Yeah, sure."

Charlie gets changed out of his uniform and starts heading home, still thinking about Friday. Suddenly, out from nowhere, three police officers suddenly jump out from the corner.

"Freeze! Don't move!"

Charlie, without a word freezes and they arrest him.

"Hey, let me go, what have I done wrong?" "Be quiet, buddy. We'll talk in the police station." "What?" "Okay, one more word outta you and were going to give you the IUA7".

So Charlie sat quietly in the cruiser. They arrived at the station. It felt really hot outside for some reason.

"Okay, boss-is this the guy that you were looking for?" "Well, close, but it'll do." "What?" Charlie replied? "Ah, now you see." They started to change into the regular street clothes. This was not the police station, rather a right wing-fascist Cuban party. Charlie noticed that it was the accent of the people and the fact that they had a lot of Cuban cigars lined up along the window of the office.

"Put him inside!" the boss replied. Charlie found him in an cell, just like a penetentiary. He was locked there for a full night. They fed him dog food. With disgrace, he ate it.

Early in the morning, about 5am, Charlie was abruptly awoken. They took him out of his cell, brought him to the cruiser and a few men drove him off. He knew that he could escape. They were stupid enough not to put cuffs on him. They started to head downtown onto 51ave. Charlie looked at the three men in the front. He was sitting in the back. They seemed to be concentrated at their own projects.

At an opportune time, Charlie quickly unlocked the door to the back. He opened the door as the car was still in motion. Then he jumped out of the car. The Cubans in the car suddenly stopped and took their pistols and fired at Charlie.

Charlie ran towards the bushes, hoping that they would be dazed and confused but a stray bullet hit him in the hind leg. As Charlie hobbled into the bushes, he wondered what he should do, and thought about his career--will he start in his baseball game against the Rays? Will he survive?

On to Chapter 9

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