August Makes an Exit: Flash Fiction Friday

August was ready to go.  We knew it couldn't last forever.  Why were so surprised?

There were good points and bad points to August, but overall, we enjoyed August's company.  August could be hot, enough to make you sweat uncomfortably.  August could thunder and rage, a deluge of anger. 

August could also be kind and touching, a gentle spirit that could breeze across your soul.  Walking with August at night was a real treat.  The sounds of August blended with the sounds of nature. 

I could sit underneath the oak with August, and August would quietly listen to everything I had to say, and then I would experience the reassurances.  I was a good person.  I had positive qualities.  August said so.  Every touch, every smile, every radiant warmth August would emanate would tell me that.

August was a welcome guest in our house.  When Augst was packed and ready to go, we were not ready for August to go.  But nothing lasts forever.  To everything, there is a season.

August gave us one last hug.  I was reluctant to let go.  Eventually, I did.

August, bags in hand, proceeded down our driveway.  At the end of the street, August's family was there to greet him.  August embraced his beloved spouse, January,  And then he was hugged by his precious daughters - March, April, May, and June.  July, his rebellious young son, hung back sullenly at their van.

The van side door opened and out from the back seat popped out August's two youngest daughters, September and October.  September was dressed chaotically, blue jean shorts with holes in them and a burgundy jacket.  She had a crazed look in her eye, like she was not sure what direction she was going to take from one minute to the next.  October hung back with July, dressed in goth style, with a black dress, black hair, and thick black eyeshadow.

"Would you mind watching September for us?  Just for a while?" asked January. "She needs a little time away from the family, maybe even experience public school, if that's all right?"

We looked at each other, a little anxious about taking in this surly looking teenager.  Who were we kidding?  We had become addicted to August and his wonderful family.  We had gotten used to spending time with each and every one of them.  Well, except for maybe December.  That boy liked to party, but he could be one cold dude.

We nodded our approval.  We opened our arms to greet September, but she just walked past us, shoulders slumped, listening to music on her earphones.

Ah, September!  How volatile you can be!

August and his clan clambered into their van. August cracked open a window and waved goodbye to us.  We returned the gesture, waving goodbye to August.

Time to make September feel at home.