Summer Day

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It’s hot, the kind of hot that makes the tar patches on the road soft and gooey, and dogs crawl under front porches to rut in the cool dampness of the earth. The kind of hot that makes Mama cranky and Grandpa lazy.

 Dawna June wishes she had fifty cents so she could buy an ice cold coke at the corner market. She sits on the top step of the peeling wooden front porch, absently scratching at a mosquito bite. She’s already ridden her bike through the sprinkler, steam rising as it sizzled off her shoulders. She wishes she lived closer to the creek. Her head tilted slightly she thinks longingly of the cool water trickling over rocks made slippery and smooth by the constant flow. She knows the perfect spot to wade in. Under a tall Elm tree, with a grassy knoll and a sandy strip of beach. She’s been there many times with her older brother Jake. But Jake is working in the fields with Papa and Mama won’t let Dawna June go to the creek by herself. But she might let her ride her bike to the corner market for a coke.

The screen door creaks and Dawna June glances up. Mama steps out, her plump cheeks rosy and glistening. She holds a shallow pan in one hand and Dawna June catches a glimpse of the green beans that will undoubtedly make an appearance at supper tonight. Mama’s gaze settles on Dawna June and a tired smile graces her face.

“Child, help me snap these beans.” Mama’s voice is soft; she never yells. Dawna June recognizes an opportunity to gain favor. She accepts the pan and a scoopful of beans and begins snapping.

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 “Mama, when I’m done with the beans could I ride over to Eli’s and get a coke?”

“May I and I reckon that’d be alright. You got money?”

“Um… no Ma’am…” Dejected, Dawna June sighs resignedly. Grandpa, who has been dozing on the sofa on the other end of the porch, his straw hat covering his face, mumbles something.

“What’s that Pa?” Mama speaks without turning to look. Dawna June looks hopefully at the overall clad figure, now swinging his legs over the cushions to upright himself.

“Said I reckon I can cough up a couple quarters for the girl. Providing she brings me back one too.” He fans his face with the hat and winks at his granddaughter.

Dawna June grins, her snapping picking up speed. Done with her portion she looks expectantly at both adults. Mama takes the proffered bowl of beans and adds them to her own. Grandpa struggles to fish the change out of his pocket, his ample girth making it all the more challenging. Dawna June has already mounted her bike by the time her grandfather has come down the stairs and places the warm coins in her eager hand.

“Come right back, y’hear?” Mama instructs. “And mind you watch for cars!” This last bit of instruction shouted as Dawna June’s short legs are already pumping her down the driveway.

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She picks up just enough speed to create a breeze and delights in the cool refreshment as it lifts her damp bangs off her forehead. She dips her head back slightly and grins. The road to Eli’s Corner Market is mostly straight and the traffic is nil. She experiments with riding one handed, then, recklessly outstretches both arms at her sides and whoops as the bike wavers. Three seconds. She’s improving.

Pretending she’s riding a horse, as she approaches the store she dismounts while the bike is still moving, nearly wiping out when she miscalculates her speed. Mrs. Finney, who has just left the store lets out a cry of alarm as the two nearly collide. Some fussing from Mrs. Finney makes Dawna June slow down, but just barely. 

Dawna June can almost taste that cold liquid gliding down her parched throat. She hurries to the deep chest located at the front of the store and plunks her money down on the counter with one hand, lifting the squeaky hinged lid with the other. Mr. Eli palms the coins and nods as Dawna June wrestles two green coke bottles out of the icy cavern. One she tucks carefully into the back pocket of her shorts, the cold wetness making her draw in a quick breath. The other bottle is immediately angled at the side of the cold chest, where the bottle cap is popped off by the built in opener.

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She walks outside and stands on the wooden porch, and lifts the bottle to her lips. The dark caramel liquid bites slightly, the peppery taste always a shock to her taste buds in that first sip. A hiccup breaks free and she wipes her mouth on the back of her hand. Finding a seat on the empty bench outside the store, Dawna June enjoys the soda while watching nothing. 

It is a perfect afternoon.