Mystery in the Mist novel (Chap. 4)

CHAPTER FOUR

Troy placed eggs, bacon and toast at each table setting. Forks, knives and napkins were organized just right. Three sets of cutlery were set on the table, not just two. It was a ritual Troy and Dad agreed on. There would always be a spot at the table for Mom. 

The table came from the old family before Troy was born. Dad said it was a wedding gift he and Mom decided on together. However, four oak mesh chairs were no longer needed. One was for a guest and the other for you know whom.

Sitting, eating and watching through the huge picture window provided a super view. Troy's bird-friends could easily be seen, flitting and flying from tree to feeder and back. In the evening, picturesque sunsets lit up the sky.

“Would you like to get close enough to touch the beautiful colors, Troy?” Dad asked recently. During those moments he felt closest to his father, and they were able to speak about their loss. Somehow Troy knew Dad held something back. “Let’s talk about something else,” Dad would finally say.

            Troy remembered beautiful sunsets the three of them shared. He wished he had taken up painting, same as mom. Then some of the scenes hanging on their living room wall would not just be from mom’s work. 

            Dad said 'grace' before they ate. Troy enjoyed the delicious meal.

            “You forgot the coffee. You know I can't start off the day without my caffeine.”

            Troy's face registered anger. He made his upset sounds again. “RURR. RURR,” he mumbled, unsure if he should yell or just run into the next room.

            “Kidding. Just kidding,” Dad said sheepishly. “A man can't even say anything around here, without someone I know getting upset,” he added.

            A knot began in the pit of Troy's stomach. Sometimes it was hard to figure when Dad was teasing, or being grumpy. Troy couldn’t handle another 'word' fight. Not now.

            Why, when everything was going smooth, Dad would get on Troy's case? Another question popped into the boy’s head. Why did Troy get upset so easily?

            “Dad, I need to go to my room. I have a tummy ache.” Come on Dad, please don't argue with me now.

            “When you feel better, come back and finish your breakfast. Remember, your turn for the dishes. Ha, Ha.”

            Sure Dad. I'll end up doing them, same as everyday. Troy slowly climbed the stairs to his room and sat in front of his desk. He wished they could afford a computer, instead of this dumb old Nintendo.

            At least it was something to help pass the time, especially since their TV was on the blink. When it did work, deciding what to watch was always a challenge.

            Troy played a couple of games of Super Mario and Lola. Really old stuff, but at least he had these games. Troy looked around his room. He noticed his Boy Scout shirt and some loose badges on the dresser.

            When they lived in Truro, he enjoyed camping out with the 1^st Valley Boy Scout troop. Dad was an Assistant Scoutmasters and taught Troy how to take care of himself in the woods. Someday, Troy thought, I’d like to go out in the woods myself.

Little did he know the chance would come sooner than later.

            Troy worked hard earning his badges. And quite proud of being promoted to a Patrol Leader rather quickly. In fact, he was one of the youngest to ever attain that position in the troop. But that was 'before'.

            Mom even taught Troy to sew on his own badges. He didn't have any interest in joining scouts here. It reminded him too much of the fun he used to have. And right now, he still had things to work out.

            Their old apartment was nice and tidy, instead of dust balls racing each other across the kitchen floor. Troy didn't have to do all the cooking, either. Mom did it, with Troy’s help. She taught him how to handle himself around the kitchen, not Dad.

            He had lots of fun in Truro, with his school chums James and Paul. They came to his house often, and they spent much time in Victoria Park. There was also a great baseball field there. But, he hardly saw them since moving here. 

Troy’s time was now spent helping Dad fix things. Measuring, sawing and carrying lumber were new duties, since so many cabins needed repairs.

            “Don’t forget to put away the empty beer bottles,” Dad mumbled often. It was an added chore for Troy, and the back shed was full of them. He was really ashamed to bring anyone here. Imagine if his friends went home and said his dad was just a drunk.

            He didn’t want them to have a lot more to talk about than just JC.

            Troy took the picture of Dad, Mom and himself from the wall. It was taken during a trip to Niagara Falls, such a great time. 'Awesome' could hardly describe the moment when the Maid of the Mist boat approached the misty falls.

            Troy dreamed often about that scene.

            When the boat was rocking in the Niagara River, Troy was afraid and held tightly to both parents. He wished he could return to that piece of time, just the three of them, with Boots too.

            Troy held the precious picture to his chest as he sat on the bed looking out the window. What if the boat had kept on going right through the mist? The falling spray was so peaceful, almost like warm droplets of sun. There could easily have been another world hiding behind the rocks.

And they could have all stayed together, without this pain he now felt. Forever.

            His imagination lived and relived the possibilities. It would have been so peaceful, to return to a special place like that.

Oh, to live under a bright sun, with light rainfall, and colorful rainbows. Where fish leaped from the water, then dancing across the surface. And birds race each other across a blue sky.

            Troy moved to the window when he noticed two chickadees and a Pine Siskin descend on the feeders. “JC…look,” he said. “They’re back.”

            Sparrows followed and others Troy wasn't sure about. Good thing they couldn't see tears falling down his cheeks.

            “It’s okay Troy,” he was sure JC said. “I know you miss Mom.”

            Dad said only babies cried. Troy wiped away his tears before they got out of control and became a flood. He sure didn’t want to be a baby.

            He had to focus. Tears don't do anything for you, even if your mom did die. Sometimes his mind tried to play tricks on him.

            What if Mom didn't die? What if it was just a big lie Dad made up? Maybe some spaceship came down and took her away.

            Troy reached for his Birds of Nova Scotia book. He pushed away these silly thoughts his mind created. JC wasn’t saying much. He usually didn’t when Troy was thinking. And worrying.

            Suddenly, from his window, Troy noticed a glow on the far side of the campground. It must be near the river. It could barely be seen over the trees. Yet it seemed to spread across the edge of sky like a summer sunset. What was going on? 

            There was no smoke as from a fire.

            He stood up, leaned on the windowsill and tried to focus. That's strange, he thought. From the front of their house to the woods, thick snowflakes fell. Yet beyond the woods there was this bright yellow tinge.

Almost like the glow of campfire embers at night.

            Thinking about fishing wasn't important right now. “Dad?” he called downstairs. “Come and see something.” Troy rubbed his eyes and shook his head. Just to make sure he wasn't imagining the scene.

            “QUIIICK! DAAD!” Troy began to yell.

            However, Dad wasn't budging from the couch.

            "What's the big deal? A little sunset gets you all excited?" came from inside his head.

            “Go away, JC,” Troy exclaimed. “This isn't the time for funny jokes.” Thankfully, JC kept quiet.

            Troy ran downstairs to share his news. The racket he made on the stairs would have awakened any vampires hiding in the basement.

            When he got to his dad, it was a different situation. It wasn't funny. In fact, it was quite pitiful. Troy watched his father snoring rather loudly. As if he had put in a busy morning working. Ha, fat chance.

            Should Troy wake Dad up? Maybe he really is tired and might be angry. Why spoil this exciting feeling that warmed Troy’s chest?

            The glow over the trees was really mysterious. He knew he had to check it out first. No sense making something out of nothing.

            First thing Dad would say would be, “Troy, your imagination's on overdrive again.”

            Then Troy had an idea. Phone his friend Andrew. He'll know what to do. His dad might drive him over. Better still, maybe his friend could stay overnight and help Troy figure this out.

            Andrew was one of the few people at school who even looked in Troy's direction. His imagination almost matched Troy’s. He was always making up stories about Martians. Troy figured he watched too many science fiction movies. But, he was still a good friend.

            What if this was an alien spaceship landing, or a plane crash? Andrew would love to help him find out.

       No answer after ten rings. Maybe Andrew's on his way over to visit today. Stop dreaming Troy. But it would be neat. Troy was restless and couldn't wait. He had to do something. Now.

            Besides, if Andrew wasn't around, then Troy and JC could plan something. Troy looked around. It wasn't the same though. JC was so quiet he was almost like a shadow.

            "I'm here, Troy. You sent me away, remember?"

            Troy said, “Look, there. A glow just behind the trees.” It was turning into a colorful sunset, like a brilliant smile.

            Warmth traveled from his forehead, down both arms to his toes. It felt so good. Closing his eyes, he absorbed the aroma of flowers that seemed to drift in under his partly raised window.

            Opening his eyes he saw a beautiful rainbow in the distance. It had to be huge and kept changing colors, almost alive with movement. And it ended right over the spot where he knew the man and boy had gone fishing.

            He was sure the glow was a sign meant for him. “Come and check this out. If you have the courage,” it said.

            "Do you believe in a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow?"

            If only JC would stop interrupting. Troy was memorizing every detail in the distance. Maybe there was a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow?

            "How do you really know?"

            “If I went there right now, I just might find one,” Troy answered himself.

            "Don't be so childish."

            “Oh, right.” Troy was impatient with this crazy conversation. “Buzz off, JC.” And his imaginary friend did.   

Dad could remain on the couch. But Troy had to see what caused that glow.

            The weather outside looked cold and nasty. This called for dressing up special.

            Yes, his camouflage outfit. He couldn't allow himself to be seen, in case there were aliens. His mission would be to seek out any strange inhabitants. And tell Dad about his adventure after he returned.

            Troy quickly changed, then stood in front of the mirror. He looked like a little soldier in his green camouflage pants and jacket. And the mottled green hat from Mom and Dad for his tenth birthday still fit.

Who said he was getting a big head? Dad did. Now he’d show him.

            Yes sir, Troy was ready for action. He didn’t forget his silver whistle either.

            He also brought along his pellet gun, just in case. Loud noises might chase away any scary creatures. Troy hoped they didn't have ray guns.

            Tiptoeing downstairs almost made him laugh. As if Dad's snoring from the couch might be interrupted. Troy wished he had a feather to tickle his father’s nose. But then, he might want to come along too.

Troy decided he wanted to see for himself what was going on.

            At the foot of the stairs Troy put on rubber boots and his heaviest jacket. He made sure gloves were in the pockets.

Troy was silent as a night crawler as he opened the door. The cool air was like a smack of icy crystals against the side of his cheek. Being outside was quite unpleasant at first. He wind milled both arms to get his circulation moving.

The blood in his veins began to warm him up.

            Good thing he told JC to stay behind. Troy really wanted to go by himself. He was the man of the house. Troy, not JC.  

            Sometimes JC could be a nuisance with his nosey comments and suggestions.

            It was much better being alone on this trip.

            Then Troy stepped into the adventure of his young life.