I also found the picture in question, not the best photo I've ever taken, but it was on my phone. We'd started by having to ad-lib a really quick story about it for five minutes with a partner.
For once I was the last one to our gathering. I offered a nod for an apology and took my usual place at the table. As the door swung closed behind me the last of the sunlight fled the room, leaving the solitary lightbulb covered by smoky haze from a single cigar. We couldn’t really be called friends, we only meet once a year in this small shack, just for our game. Yet it’s something more than that.
I’ve never had much interest in the game, or the spoils, just the people. I remember when we found this place two years ago. It was an accident for all of us, a single event uniting us here at this beach. A storm struck, and struck is the right word indeed. I was hit by a bolt of lightning, which left me with extensive burns and loss of hearing. I lost a lot more after that, friends, job, but more than that, you see I lost my memory as well, and it took a while to regain. That’s what I get for not carrying ID huh?
Oh? They’re waving at me, it’s my turn to deal now. I get distracted with the past, and I’m afraid it’s harder to get the attention of a deaf man. Seems I’m all apologies tonight, but that’s no matter. They smile as if it’s no big deal. Oh yes, dealing.
To my left, John Winters. A rather heavyset and greying man. He was the one who brought me to this shack, along with his ex-wife, Caroline, somewhat tall and regal, it was she who called the ambulance. They were a married couple at the time, but that changed as time went by, yet they still both come here. For me. He’s the one smoking, despite the amount of doctors in the room.
Heh, he always was a bit of a rogue. Maybe that’s why they separated? Hm.
Then to their left, Edward Walton, a rather spritely blond fellow, he’s the paramedic who I’m told kept me alive, and took me to the hospital that did the rest. He always was a charming fellow, but in his line of work I should think he would have to be. He has a child on the way this year, he’s a lucky man, you can see it in his smile.
Clara Jennings, ah, Clara. A lovely vision, she was part of the program to deal with deaf patients at the hospital, she was my guide for a long time when I was in there. These meetings were her idea, I think she has certain youthful ideas of romance about meeting here. I wish I had that outlook on life, maybe I did?
Finally, to my right is Kevin Miller, one of the doctors at the burns clinic. Needless to say he did all he could for me, so perhaps he is the most adjusted to my appearance. He’s a very serious man, particularly about his job. Normally he is the last here, obligations you see.
Well the cards are all down, and the Winters’ have folded, along with Clara. I can’t see Kevin giving up, he usually stays in till the end regardless of his hand, but Edward has the ability to bluff well. My hand is pretty strong, three of a kind- Kings, I might as well raise. Oh, Edward just folded.
Kevin stares at me, and scratches the back of his neck. Time seems to pass very slowly before he sets down his cards, and laughs heartily. A rare occasion. Two pair- Ace and Queen. A good hand.
“You beat me boy.” I read on his lips, “A first. Clara said you’d be able to.” I glanced at her and saw her smile. “Now come, I know you’ve been dying to these past two years. Just ask her on a date and get it over and done with whilst you’re still young.”
I smile for the first in a long time, as does the rest of the table. They motion for me to close my eyes, and I do. A tap on the shoulder moments later, and a cake is on the table, with candles. It’s no surprise they remembered it’s my 21st birthday. I turn, to the person who tapped me, Clara, and she leans in for a kiss.
“Happy Birthday Nick” she signs. And I think, she’s right.
We should do this more often.
Afterwards we had to edit it down to the length of a text message, without using abbreviations. Unfortunately that has disappeared into the ether, so I can't quite remember what I put, but it was an interesting exercise nonetheless!
