Tommy kept walking
Tommy kept walking, trying not to let his limp show. It made his leg hurt even more, but it was important not to stand out. Not in this neighborhood, and not on a day when Bart was coming home.
Bart was Tommy’s older brother. Bart was known for his physical prowess, he played almost every game better than anyone else. If there was a ball involved Bart could dominate any competitor. After joining the military and serving in the pacific theater Bart had become the neighborhood hero. A fact Tommy was all to aware of.
Tommy had contracted polio as a child and was left limping for the rest of his life. Tommy didn’t like feeling less than others so he continuously worked at hiding his limp. But when the military health assessment came, he and his limp were kept him out of joining the fight. Tommy was only a year and two months younger than Bart. Growing up many people would mistake the two brothers for twins. They wear nearly identical.
Tommy walked down the streets toward the train station. Several people calling out asking if Bart was coming home today. Tommy cringed a bit he knew they didn’t look down on him for not going, but he could help but feel a little dishonor.
Standing at the station, Tommy watched as soldier after soldier left the train.
“Where’s Bart,” Tommy thought to himself.
Just then he saw him. Slowly moving with the help of another soldier. Bart was clumsily walking with crutches; they were obviously new to him. Tommy in an instant saw why, he was striding with the crutches and one leg. The remaining void where his left leg had once been was filled by a rolled up pant leg and the remaining stump.
Bart was Tommy’s older brother. Bart was known for his physical prowess, he played almost every game better than anyone else. If there was a ball involved Bart could dominate any competitor. After joining the military and serving in the pacific theater Bart had become the neighborhood hero. A fact Tommy was all to aware of.
Tommy had contracted polio as a child and was left limping for the rest of his life. Tommy didn’t like feeling less than others so he continuously worked at hiding his limp. But when the military health assessment came, he and his limp were kept him out of joining the fight. Tommy was only a year and two months younger than Bart. Growing up many people would mistake the two brothers for twins. They wear nearly identical.
Tommy walked down the streets toward the train station. Several people calling out asking if Bart was coming home today. Tommy cringed a bit he knew they didn’t look down on him for not going, but he could help but feel a little dishonor.
Standing at the station, Tommy watched as soldier after soldier left the train.
“Where’s Bart,” Tommy thought to himself.
Just then he saw him. Slowly moving with the help of another soldier. Bart was clumsily walking with crutches; they were obviously new to him. Tommy in an instant saw why, he was striding with the crutches and one leg. The remaining void where his left leg had once been was filled by a rolled up pant leg and the remaining stump.
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