Brother Broken

Alf Reads about a night walk...

By late March 1990, the sun was rising earlier and bedding later, like a candle burning brighter at both ends. The boost of extra daylight was unmistakable, promising the return of warmer weather. Evenings still had a bite to them, though. Stargazing wasn’t tolerable for extended periods. It was best to stay inside, guarded against the cold, and safe, until winter’s sting lost its punch.

Uncle Emil wandered still. Nights were too quiet and too long to spend alone. Better to find a home where he was welcome to sit for a while. Uncle wasn’t a bother. He was a straight-up kind of guy who didn’t impose himself on others. He was happy to be in the midst of friends or family. A hot cup of coffee was all Emil asked of his host, but most were quick to offer him a slice of pie, a cookie, or even a meal. Emil was happy to accept.

One night, he opted to trek a little further up the highway. He ventured west about a quarter of a mile out of town to visit his sister at her home. It was on an acreage, surrounded by a small forest of tall evergreens.

There was always risk walking along highway in the dark, but if Emil kept to the shoulder, essentially in the ditch, he was safe enough. Headlights from oncoming vehicles blinded him momentarily, but traffic was rarely heavy. Most times, he could plug along, enjoying the view of the night sky by himself, unless a stray dog decided to keep him company.

It was an easy hike up the hill. The night air was crisp but pleasant. Emil slogged onward, hoofing it up the highway, turning onto the driveway and making his way to the door. There was no need to knock or wait to be invited in—it was normal for him to simply enter.

He sat and drank his coffee, watched TV along with the family, and simply observed as they went about their routine. A couple lazy hours passed, with scant words exchanged, and then it was time to go. He went through the rigmarole of putting all his winter garb back on, and out the door he went, into the night.

Emil didn’t make it back home that night. Morning came, and his bed hadn’t been slept in. It wasn’t like him to be away for so long. An eerie calm settled in the empty space at the table, where he should have been downing his first cup of morning coffee. His absence prompted a search around town. Calls on neighbours amounted to naught. Emil had left no clues to indicate his whereabouts. Concerns mounted. Uncle Dan called the Mounties, requesting assistance.

Brother Broken

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