CHAPTER TWO
Grey Skies Clear
After all the hoopla finally died down and the urn was placed on the table in the living room, TJ pored himself a stiff drink. Sitting on the comfortable sofa and looking across the room he started to talk to no one in particular. Time to have that talk he said out loud speaking to his dead mother as if she was standing in the room.
“Why did you tell me I was in the will? You got my hopes up in thinking that part of the inheritance was for me.
The anger came out slowly and built with each drink he poured. He pulled out of the stray corners of his mind, the memories of many things he blamed on his parents. Those things that he considered to have negatively changed his life. The choices his parents had made were laid bare for introspection. Could he have changed their decisions? No matter what he did they had affected the life that he now lived. Acceptance came to him like a flash of lightning. Nothing he could do would change what had already occurred. He realized that he had to take life easy and remove the focus from the many mistakes already made. Emotional scars slowly began to heal over in the memories of his injured mind.
A balance was struck, and he recognized that from here on in, a new beginning had started. He would change the way he lived his life. Choosing to continue without regrets and forgetting past regrets already made. And so it was that TJ was finally on the mend. The same process of introspection was repeated for all the thoughts he had held in anger. The next day he removed his mother’s urn from his house and handed the ashes held in the wooden box to his brother. “Take good care of her”, he said. “I’m going to take her ashes to Germany on the next family vacation”, Peter said while shuffling his feet. “I know that’s what she wanted. She needs to be with her sisters and next to Karsten”, Peter said. Karsten had a plot in a famous cemetery in Berlin. Putting her ashes next to his was not high up on the to do list in TJ opinion.
TJ wondered if there was more to that sentence than what was said. Was there some other reason that his brothers’ children had inherited millions? TJ and his brother seemed at odds about everything discussed. Sibling rivalry? Or just a lack of agreement in general. Even his father held no views in common with his first-born son.
Time was passing by without the constant cravings or late-night phone calls from his former girlfriends. His father Joe called from Panama and invited TJ for a visit. Time to see what all the talk from his father down south was about, he told himself. He booked a ticket and packed a small bag. Within a few weeks he was on a south bound plane. On final approach and landing after a long flight, the plane made a gently descending gliding pattern over the ocean. The view was alternating between endless blue ocean and glittering office towers, where a very modern city scape was seen through the small window of the plane. The scenic skyline looked inviting and exotic. Coming out of the airport terminal after customs, TJ left the lifeless Canadian winter behind to walk into the bright sunshine in the tropics.
The heat was radiating off the cement sidewalk and paved road next to them. The scenery had changed from mostly white snow and gray skies to bright colors of summer, and rich shades of green. He saw his father waving in the distance and walked towards them with a look of shyness toward the housekeeper.
She was in her late thirties with long greasy dark hair and eyes. A solid woman with strong legs and arms well-tanned in the sun. Divorced a few years after her daughter was born, she was concerned with food on the table types of thoughts. Smiling just enough to look pleasant her overall appearance was of strong blood ties to the African continent. Joe introduced her as Terisa. Nothing more than his live-in housekeeper.
While walking a few steps outside with his father and the housekeeper, TJ felt the humidity slap him in the face like a wet dish rag. The tropical climate was intense after the dry air and freezing temperature left behind in Canada. They had a taxi drive them to the main bus terminal. The short ride gave him a chance to see many towering buildings on the skyline and the steady stream of city traffic down the beach highway.
As TJ got out of the rear passenger door of the bright red taxi, he glanced around the large lot and saw every size and description of travel bus ever imagined. There were smaller buses going to nearby communities, but the terminal had several buses with seating on top in a second level arrangement. Three or four Double decker buses heading for the other side of the small country were parked in numbered stalls. Large windows, comfortable seats and air conditioning made these models ideal for extended distances. Destination signs hung with chains at each stall naming the town and province with the departure time and bus number. Colorful crowds of men, women and children were briskly walking towards their chosen bus stall. Some were just starting their journey and others were eager to get home after time spent away from family and friends. Bathrooms and restaurants were inside the long narrow building alongside all types of small open front shops with items for sale. He noticed the smell of fresh bread and coffee, mixed with spices and a variety of meats cooking on open flames in a barbecue grill. Food was being prepared for the large lunch crowd coming into the terminal from all directions while working nearby. Some passengers stopped to eat first then moved toward the ticket counter. Temperatures in these parts made for comfortable clothing. Young girls wore skirts and bright tops. Men wore short sleeve shirts in light colors made of cotton with khaki pants. Everyone was dressed clean and was well groomed. Many types of aftershave and perfume could be smelled in the air mixed with diesel fumes from the idling engines nearby. The sheer size of the compound was massive, and a count would have ended in around a hundred different buses heading into different directions in the country.
Bus travel was expensive in Canada but also, extremely limited in locations and ease of travel. A few times TJ had taken the bus to Vancouver while cramped in a small seat for many hours. Infrequent stops at gas stations for snacks and bathroom facilities made the trips tiresome. The system was much more economical and user friendly in Latin America. Large buses were equipped with toilets and offered snacks and beverages for a small price. They stopped every four hours at buffet style sit down restaurants where your plate was loaded with home cooked food. Movies were displayed on overhead screens to pass the time. A person could travel large distances for a much lower price when compared to Canada.
They found a smaller bus with the name of San Carlos displayed above it and climbed aboard. Everyone took a seat, and the bus slowly made its way to the compound exit toward the main street. Spending an hour and a half going down the highway with the heat and exhaustion, they arrived in a small town called San Carlos. The bus stopped and left them on the darkened side of the road at a large tree lit by a lone streetlight. Walking down a quiet and somewhat rural residential street, they made their way to Joe’s house. It was hard to see much without the day light. Shadows made the house look small and without features. To get a better look would have to wait till morning. Everyone had a quick drink and called it an early night. That night was dark and dreamless, but the morning was filled with promise and possibilities. Upon awakening and having generous refills of fresh coffee in his mug, TJ looked around the property and neighborhood.
It was a bright blue sky promising plenty of heat early in the day. There were many palm trees and large leaf shrubs, as well as many other tropical plants filling the yard and roadway leading into town. Joe pointed out the improvements on the house he had made. He had added a large swimming pool to the backyard and landscaped the lot with Panama grass, as it was known. “This field used to grow coffee, but look at it now”, Joe said with a smile. Later they walked to the beach and looked around the town, stopping in for a beer and some food at a restaurant on the beach.
Except for some surfers, San Carlos was a laid-back small town that most tourists passed by. TJ liked the town and the feel of Panamanian culture. They seemed to be happy and boisterous people who enjoyed national holidays and fiestas and just about any reason to get together and party.
One thing TJ noticed immediately was how the housekeeper was hesitant and reserved towards him. She was not overly friendly in any way, and TJ dismissed her as nothing more than the hired help. The woman’s daughter lived with her in the house and had her own bedroom. TJ stayed at the end of the hall in the third bedroom.
A few days passed, and TJ was comfortable enough to go to the beach by himself. He found a beautiful cove with bright blue waters where he spent the afternoon contemplating his thoughts. Deeper waters in the distance changed the shade to a deeper blue. The tops of the waves were a foamy brilliant white. Seagulls were screeching and gliding in the air. Some small boats could be seen cruising on the distant horizon. The smell of sea salt and wet sand hit his nostrils as he took deep breaths of fresh salty air. Turning his head away from the beach and the rocky shoreline his thoughts began to drift.
He felt after all that had happened in the last few years, that he had spent that time punishing himself. He knew something within himself was starting to come alive after many years. Something had changed within him, of that, he was sure. It felt like his Soul was awakening after years of heavy sleep. With his thoughts on his mind, he walked back and told his father about the heavy stress and responsibilities that were weighing him down. He realized he was feeling burnt-out and needed to change his life.
Joe was surprised to have his son start to become open about his problems. He knew his son was unhappy since the time of the will reading. Had pulled away from the family and started to change in a negative manner towards everyone, but this was the first sign that his son was coming to understand his actions had hurt everyone. Only able feel sympathy towards his son, he took a deep breath and thought what needed to be said. Finally, after debating what to say, he gave him some advice: Better to be a slave to yourself, than be enslaved by someone else. He could see that his father was sincere as he spoke to him. Those thoughts stayed inside his head as he weighed the importance of his career and bank account balance.
How much credit was available to be his own man? Did having more things make him happier?
Was life experience more important than his financial security?
Intensively happy by enjoying each day of the three-week vacation, TJ arrived back in the same dull place of existence he despised.
He had a conversation with his employer about getting some more time off and was told to continue working as usual or to find another company to work for. There was no getting away from the job to go and find another adventure or pursuit when the mood struck, and he realized the change he needed would and could only be granted by himself. He vowed as soon as fall arrived, he would give notice and start the next chapter in his life. Meanwhile he enrolled in a basic Spanish course and started class on a cold spring day in March.
He heard rumors about Allie cat still trying to give up the drugs and going into different rehab locations. Allie cat made friends with the other group members, only to relapse as those members broke down in will power or gave up on the twelve-step program. Stress was high for everyone who learned to solve problems with drinking or drugs. The relapse rate was not very hopeful to the relatives who came to visit, but they enjoyed the time together. She tried her best to use as little dope as possible but binged on drugs when there was money and familiar faces to pass the time.
From Sharon there was no word or sign received, but TJ knew she was still active somewhere on a part time basis. Years later and with the help of social media, he discovered she had given birth to a son, but he had been taken away from her because of her drug use and lifestyle. The timeline showed her last entry to be a comment about packing and heading for rehab yet again. TJ had then heard that Sharon had tragically died of a drug overdose. No one really knew if it was accidental or a suicide.
On the first day of his Spanish class TJ picked up his textbook and choose a seat near the front of the class. A tall round bellied man closed the door and began by inviting everyone to introduce themselves and tell the other students why they wanted to learn Spanish.
TJ told everyone he hated the harsh Canadian winters and wished to retire early on his father’s property in Panama. The instructor began the course just as a late arrival appeared at the door. She walked in on crutches with a cast around her foot and ankle. When she told the class her name was Athena and that she despised winter, the class gave out a small laugh. She asked what was so funny and TJ was told to explain why he was there. It seemed everyone thought of them as a match. The two shared a thoughtful look towards each other and decided to find out what else they might have in common.
Athena was close in age to TJ. Reddish brown shoulder length hair and green eyes full of curiosity that gave her a gentle, almost fragile look. But she was far from someone fragile. Working in a Parts Department for Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Sales for many years, she now taught adult education classes. She had owned her own graphic design company and was an Artist and old Hippie at heart. More than anything else, she wanted to travel and see the world. She was divorced and with her three children becoming adults, put herself first for the first time in her life. Growing up under her strict father’s roof had taken the fun out of her life. Now on her own feet, she wanted to embrace a life of adventure and meaning.
They got to know each other after a few classes and decided to try a little study time together. After a short while they moved on to dating and planning out their first trip to Joe’s house in Panama. TJ was relieved to find out Athena had already traveled to Panama. She had spent the previous winter on the Osa Peninsula in the neighboring country of Costa Rica and wished to return there each year. They both worked hard through the summer and fall and finally the day arrived when they were back in Panama around Joel’s pool.
Looking like a couple of sun-soaked lizards they spent the next few weeks lounging around the pool and beach gratefully living in the moment.
No one really noticed the angry looks coming from the housekeeper each time that father and son spent time together.
Things went well, and time was passing quickly. They decided to rent a small house just down the street from Joe. It gave them some needed privacy and play time. The days were spent around Joe’s pool, day trips to nearby towns and a car rental to explore Boca del Toro on the Caribbean side. They became comfortable traveling together and with each other. Together TJ and Athena explored most of the country by local bus and rental car. Success brought confidence in life and each other. Travel became a new form of addiction that the two became caught up in. The next step they chose, was a trip north and across the border into Costa Rica.
For such small sized countries, they had noticed very distinct and separate cultures, and people far different than in Panama which was part of the charm of travel. They were eager to experience that change in culture to the max. Once across the border the first stop was Drake Bay and thoughts of old-time pirates and lusty local girls mixed with warm sandy beaches. The areas on the southern peninsula of the country were as green and unspoiled as possible. They paid for a jeep to take them to a secluded beach area for the day. Feeling as if they were the only two lost lovers to have found this area of paradise they swam and explored everything available. They walked along the beach with the sound of the calm Ocean waves acting as a heartbeat. Sitting together they embraced each other. Skin became excited by the others touch. Tender love was made on the sand. Afterwards the soft sun rays warmed their skin. There was a marked trail next to the beach they followed for hours. Massive trees stood with large roots snaking in the ground, incredibly thick trunks and wide leaf covered crowns towering over the forest floor. Green moss and ferns divided the sand running along the path between the forest of trees and the blue ocean. Screams came from the treetops from the many different birds sitting high up on the branches. Howler monkeys, small Lizards and bright colored Toucans sang out. They were amazed by the mixture of buzzing insects, animal noises and the wonderful symphony of sounds that nature can produce as they stopped to listen and gaze into tropical jungle scenery on their walk.
Coming off the beach, the path led them into town. They found a lively beach restaurant for dinner and dined with the sound of the waves and music playing in the background. There was an old steel sailing ship in the harbor with its anchor dropped, and lights reflected on the shimmering calm water.
When they left the cove and were ready to move on, they followed a trail to the road and caught a bus. Coming out of the area into a smaller town, a decision was made to purchase two backpacks and join the younger kids and older surfers on what is known as the backpacker’s trail.
They had decided to make traveling a way of life for as long as the rush remained. Waking up in a new town and bed, with a full day open to explore endless possibilities was the new Mantra!
Heading in a northern direction, each town, community, and beach was explored for the best each had to offer. Food, lodging, and entertainment was available and waiting every day. Nothing was planned out. Public transportation was cheap, and they rode nothing more than local buses going from town to town. It only cost a few dollars to travel along the Coastal highway stretch, where passengers passed by every day. Panama and Joe’s house were far to the south of them by then. They were moving towards the northern part of the coastline along the national parks of the country.
Searching out the best sights and points of interest in the different areas made them feel like two wide eyed kids on a private adventure. Weeks of travel led them to the northern Peninsula and a car ferry took them to the hamlet of Santa Teresa and Montezuma. Arriving late in the evening by local bus and panicked without having a night’s lodging, they followed an elderly Tico lady to a small lot at the end of a dirt road. Athena had struck up a short conversation with the woman. Asked her where there might be available lodging for the night. With charm and a smile, she invited them to her residence in town. The charge was twenty dollars American to sleep in a rough wooden structure almost reminiscent of a tree house. It was a ramshackle wooden four room building, built on stilts next to a large tree. The room rented was small with a nonfunctional TV but put there for effect only. A single light bulb on a string hung from the wooden ceiling. An old mattress with two lumpy pillows finished off the décor.
The town was close by and after eating dinner in a small chicken and burger joint, they headed back for the nights rest. The air was fresh, and a light mist came over the area for the night. Stars were shinning on and off in the distance of the vast sky. They lay on their backs and looked up at the stars shimmering in the night sky. The constellations laid out before them as if they had a front seat to the cosmos.
TJ pointed up and said, look there is the big dipper and Orion. Athena pointed to the sign of Aries and asked, “Do you think that every human on the planet has some star dust in their body?”. TJ answered back in deep thought, “I think everything on this planet is made from star dust and we are of the stars. So that makes us like the gods before with tiny atoms from every direction in the universe inside ourselves and others”. “I agree”, she said, “Every super nova sprinkle’s particles onto this planet in a shower of dust over the ages. We are children born of the light from the destruction of other suns”. Smiling at each other they fell asleep clasped together as one.
Waking up to the sounds of wild birds and music playing on someone’s radio they went to the main house on the property where they received steaming cups of coffee and pleasant chit chat with the lady residing in the house. She asked about their plans and was interested in providing Spanish lessons for each at a steep price. They looked and found a language school online for a much lower cost, but it was in the neighboring country of Nicaragua. They went for a stroll around town to think things over.
In the morning with the sun shining brightly, they noticed a small hotel which sat just down the road of where they had slept. Their interest lay not in a form of luxury travel, which is often displayed in the glossy travel magazines, but a bare bottom dollar for a safe place to sleep each night. Happy with the choice they had made, even if it was a little like rough camping in the old days. Nothing modern or fancy was needed for the memories they had made the night before. This was a low budget price for two lovers to pass the days together.
It was at that point they decided to go to the neighboring country of Nicaragua for some much-needed Spanish lessons. Checking out prices on the internet and calculating three to four weeks of lessons would be sufficient to solve the language barrier. The school would welcome them when they arrived and was located in the center of a historic city by the lake. Early morning caught them on the highway waiting for the Tika Express Bus to Granada, Nicaragua.
The bus stopped with the sound of brakes groaning and a cloud of dust. Getting on and looking around, they noticed the bus was nearly full, and seating was limited. TJ looked around and found a man dressed in black robes probably impersonating a priest, taking up an extra seat with paperwork and documents, unwilling to offer the empty seat. He felt the man was impersonating a priest because there was no kindness or look of compassion in his eyes.
Another passenger solved the dilemma when he offered up his seat and moved himself next to the rude priest by simply sitting on top of all the paperwork. Problem solved TJ thought to himself while the long trip unwound. After many hours of driving spent down the highway they came to a secure fenced area. Several buildings stood on the sides of the road. In the distance was the national flag of Nicaragua. The border crossing procedure included waiting what seemed like hours beside a large baggage rack which held each person’s luggage as the customs agents checked for signs of nervousness. Passports were inspected and stamped. It was always a simple interaction to enter countries by land. Looking the agents in the eye guaranteed smooth passage. Any sign of avoiding direct eye contact was an invitation to having the baggage checked. Signaling to the bus driver from the guard building, the immigration officer gave the signal to load the bus. With everyone on the bus, the driver cleared the compound and made for the open road. On the right side was a lake so large it took them hours to move to the north side of the shore and the town of Granada. A late afternoon arrival in the city of Granada found them checking into a backpacker’s hostel in the downtown core.
This was their first experience with true colonial style Architecture. Granada had been built in the seventeenth century next to Lake Nicaragua and had a strong Spanish influence. Swimming in the lake were sharks which had adapted to the fresh water. They had gained entry to the lake by the river flowing west from the Caribbean side. The Spanish school was located and checked over. They agreed to a month of intense lessons provided by a young attractive Nicaraguan woman. Open air markets, restaurants and the townsite were explored, and both TJ and Athena were ecstatic with pleasure as the world opened to their eyes. So much to see and do with no routine or boredom to experience. Each day four hours of classes were spent together consisting of conversation and interaction to form the basic sentences needed for practice. Homework was given each day. They interacted with the locals in the shops and stores whenever possible. The city had an art museum in the main square, filled with portraits of very humble looking men and woman. These were not paintings of rich and powerful celebrities, but rather the artist intended to show the humanity of the Nicaraguan culture and society. Outside were dozens of paintings neatly displayed. Many the local artists offered to sell their work to the tourists at a decent price. In the square below the shade trees stood a man with a hot dog cart colorfully painted red and blue. TJ walked up to the cart and talked to the pleasant man. Buen dia, how much for a hot dog with everything? For you friend I charge only one dollar. The man took a bun and added a small wiener which looked unlike the kind that is sold in Canadian stores. Covered in a thin and runny tomato paste, he handed TJ the hot dog. “Athena, would you like one too?”, TJ asked. Athena looked at the unappetizing food and shook her head. “Umm no thanks, I’ll pass. It sort of looks like a hot dog but resembles a cut off penis from a small male poodle.” She was right, the meat and the color of the ketchup gave it a frightening lack of appeal. “Well, more for me”, as TJ chewed and swallowed the last bite. I hope the local dogs have all their body parts intact and attached TJ said with a laugh.
Across the square sat a Tobacco shop with a welcome sign. Talking and holding hands, they walked toward the entrance. A small man wearing a straw hat, sat on a chair in front of a pile of dried leaves and was rolling the leaves into hand crafted cigars. For a dollar TJ was able to pick out the four best leaves from the rest and had the man produce a perfect cigar. The cigars were full of aroma, and of the highest quality. TJ decided to light one up while they sat on the steps by the square and watched people come and go. “This is the BEST cigar of my life! And better than any overpriced Cuban my friends at home smoke”, he commented.
With four weeks of language studies behind them, they started off to the Volcanic Island of Ometepe, on a decrepit old ferry that had been donated by Germany some years prior.
The ferry had been donated to Nicaragua as a more modern ship replaced the old boat back home. Repainted and filled with fresh metal in the most needed parts, she spent her days going back and forth to the island. Carrying cargo and locals beneath on the lower decks, the tourists however paid double price and had far more room on the top deck of the small ferry.
The morning was stormy with high winds and a 50-50 chance of the crossing being put off until the next day. By noon the captain finally gave the all-clear signal, while people in line had luggage checked and the sail was set, so to speak. The ferry was of decent size but could not overpower the huge swells and waves it was fighting against, to make any forward progress. Athena was seasick and pale faced as hours passed, and the darkness of evening fell across the huge lake. Lifted several meters by the large swells, the ferry quickly dropped like a rock in the spinning dips. Athena had taken the floatation vests and put them on the floor so that she could lay on them, but the Ferry Security quickly made her put them all back on the shelf above the passengers and she was forced to sit on the horribly hard wooden bench, while being tossed from side to side and forward and backward by the force of the waves. They made the island in complete darkness and spent the night in a nearby hostel.
The next morning, they awoke to the twin volcanos and explored part of the island by bus and on foot. Along the beach was a funky restaurant with decent food and drink. It was amazing to see the perfect twin cones of the volcanos rising into the sky and covered in vegetation and greenery. The sky was a deep blue with light winds blowing the palm trees in a tranquil back and forth motion. Few people were on the beach as they greeted other couples as they walked by. They took the time to get acquainted with the restaurant owner and staff. Best way to ask questions when traveling was while drinking a cold beer and listening to good advice. Locals gave information about the best areas to visit. Someone told them about the natural pools close by. They searched for the freshwater lagoons in the jungle and came upon them following a sign down a trail through someone’s cow pasture, after walking down a steep hill.
Other worldly, when seen in the afternoon shade and mist of the jungle trees, the two exceptionally large pools that were fed by underground spring water were truly spectacular. The light was filtered through the trees to give the appearance of an underwater world. Little fish swam around in the water adding to the charm. One side was deep enough to dive into and had an underwater tunnel to connect with the other pool. It was a perfect day placed with care into permanent memories. Children splashed in delight and played in the pools until fading light when they returned with their parents to their hostel for the night. Everyone slept well that night.
Nicaragua was a wonderful experience, and TJ thought to himself how he would recommend it to any person looking to get away from life’s daily grind. Life was still lived honestly in the market stalls of many Pueblos; you could see it in the street vender’s eyes when selling their wears among the old church ruins. In total six weeks was spent visiting and exploring the country.
Packed up and waiting on the dock, they signed a document with immigration stating they were leaving the country. The officer charged a five-dollar tax to pay his wages and buy the exit stamp. They took a long-nosed speed boat down the jungle covered river, to cross the border back into Costa Rica. A strange thing happened that night. TJ had a strange dream about his father calling out to him in pain, asking where he was, and to return immediately. So, the next day after telling Athena all the details of his premonition, they decided to make for a fast return to San Carlos in Panama. It took 3 days of rushed travel until they found themselves in Joes back yard by the pool. Recounting to his father the dream he had a few nights before, he couldn’t help but stare at the bruising on his father’s face.
A break-in had occurred while the housekeeper was in town. Joe had been caught by two men in his own house, who wrestled him to the ground, pulled his t-shirt up over his head, and helped themselves to his wallet and possessions. Joe tried to fight them off and was beaten for his troubles. The housekeeper had a strange look on her face as the story was told and questions were asked. Afterwards, TJ and Athena spoke in private to each other, about how things had not added up with the hired help. Joe was shaky for the next few weeks and TJ stayed close by. They enjoyed the pool and fresh food prepared by Athena. They took little excursions to the mall for needed supplies and beer. They walked to the beach in the mornings to buy fresh fish from the local fishermen. The catch was sold right out of the wooden boats. The Fish went in less than an hour from the blue waters to the frying pan.
TJ read magazines and talked with Joe about his childhood and family in Germany. They heard stories about Joes brothers and sister and what became of them as they reached adulthood. Drinking heavy that night, maybe to relieve some of the pain from the robbery, he said “You know TJ that I was starting to date your mother back then. One day my father told me he had seen her with another boy. She had a brief fling and we forgot about it. Soon after she told me she was pregnant. I was happy to be a father and asked her to marry me. Yes, she replied with a smile. We went to the townhall to finalize the documents and celebrated that night. Sitting on a Rocking chair gently rolling back and forth he asked the housekeeper to get him another drink.
Fireflies made little pinpoints of light as they hovered in the treetops. A large flying beetle crashed its way onto the patio, spun around and headed back out into the night. Behind them hanging upside down on the wall, a gecko was catching mosquitos with its tongue.
“Here you go, I’m off to bed, said the tired looking Panamanian. With a fresh drink in his hand, Joe came out of his thoughts and cleared his throat. “I’m not sure that Peter is my son. He took a sip of the drink in his hand. “I asked my father to tell me who he saw with Irma that night. He wouldn’t tell me directly. Just said someone I knew personally.
Being an avid reader for a large part of his life, he now had plenty of time to enjoy reading. “Hey dad, you mind me barrowing one of your books?
TJ remembered his father having many older hardcover books on the shelf in the Livingroom. The house had a wooden wall unit filled with over a hundred different Titles. One book piqued his interest when he was young and was filled with tales about traveling to distant Ecuador. TJ never imagined having the opportunity to visit the country when he was reading the book in his teenage years. To him it was a far away and distant land filled with wonder and awe. He picked up the book and had the thought of taking the book with him on the next leg of travel.
Eventually, as things seemed to go back to a normal routine for his father, TJ and Athena decided to visit Ecuador. The jungle animals and fauna in that part of the world were explored in the book and for TJ this would be a dream come true, to finally be able to experience it all in real life.
Flights were cheap when checked online. With a credit card and computer, the transaction was completed in less than ten minutes. Two tickets with return flight also including onboard meals cost less than four hundred dollars. Back packs loaded with cloths and personal items sat waiting for the morning light. As an afterthought TJ placed the book in one of the side pockets.