Janet Bolton

The Sketching Coincidence

She sat on her favorite rock looking out at the ocean. The cold air made her cheeks sting more than usual. Tear stained cheeks added to the biting air. She was frozen from the wind and with fear from losing her job. She stood up and made her way back to her little red car. Driving home, she kept going over in her mind what her boss said. You’re always behind, you’re not focused, You’re not quick enough! The girls at work would laugh and whisper. “I should be relieved to be out of there,” she said out loud to herself. As she pulled into the driveway she could see her father through the window sitting in his chair. Closing the door, she heard him say “Well, how did it go today?” “It didn’t go well, I was let go,” she said with a sigh. “It’s your hair…your mother always said people are jealous of your hair, He said pushing himself out of his chair. He walked over to her and gave her a hug. “Don’t worry…something will come along…we will be alright. He kissed her forehead. “I don’t think it’s my hair dad…I’m sorry”, she said quietly. “You’re a talented girl you should sell your ahht,” he said in a thick New England accent. He stirred the stew on the stove adding more pepper. “Tomorrow will be a new day and luck will be on your side!” he said with a wink. “I think the wine is talking”, she laughed pointing at his half empty glass. “Let’s cheers to you leaving that crappy job!! He held his glass up. “Grab the bottle, you’ll need a big glass of wine”, he said pouring the last of his glass in the stew.