The Rapture Of Pigeons

Activity was a high that afternoon at the Sunny Day Assisted Living as Margot waited for her grandson to take her out. When Jake drove up in a 1962 Buick Special convertible, the same marlin blue color that Margot adored, several residents stood up from their chairs to get a better look at the iconic set of wheels.

Jake was out of the car as she approached. “What do you think Nana? I rented this beauty. Mom told me it is one of your favorite cars!”

“You shouldn’t have spent your money!” Margot shook her head. “You are a sweet kid!” Margot gave him a kiss on the cheek as he held the door.

Jake put her walker covered with stickers of pigeons in the trunk and jumped in the driver’s seat. He looked at his grandmother who was running her hand over the smooth leather interior. “How about we drive to the waterfall before lunch?”

Margot nodded, “Yes that would be lovely dear. Tell me all about this new girl you are seeing.”

Jake talked about his new love, “who may be the one” as his grandmother listened, taking in the breeze that ran through her hair. She felt years disappear, a moment of youth return.

As he pulled into the parking space overlooking the waterfall, he asked, “Nana what is it with the pigeons? You have pictures of them in your room and on your walker.”

Margot opened her eyes “Well, my dad was a big believer in being good to the animals, especially birds, as they see everything, they are your friends. They were part of my life growing up.” She decided not to mention how they spoke to her.

“Did I ever tell you about Larry Dooley?” Her grandson shook his head.

“Larry’s dad owned a car dealership which was significant in this small town.” Margot paused remembering. “Larry was a hot shot and he knew it. All the girls at my high school wanted a date with Larry. He had this very same car which he drove around town. Back then I had a job at the ice cream parlor and Larry came in one night before closing. He asked me to take a ride with him to this waterfall. I didn’t have any feelings for Larry, but I wanted to ride in that car, this car, so I said yes.” Margot smiled.

The early summer air felt inviting around them “Let’s go over there,” Margot pointed to the park bench. Her grandson obliged and helped her out. She let out a sigh as they sat down. She pulled out a slice of bread wrapped in wax paper she had saved as pigeons started to appear. She became engaged with saying hello to her feathered friends that came over to pick at the crumbs she threw on the ground.

“So, what happened with Larry, Nana?” As this name was never brought up before.

“Well, I finished my shift. I put on lipstick one of the girls gave me. Larry was waiting right outside the door.” Margot looked down at her hands, an old woman now, but that night stayed with her all these years.

“We drove to the cliff right in this parking area, it was rugged then and there weren’t any barriers as there are now, just rocks.” Margot looked over at her grandson.

“Once he parked the car, Larry told me how pretty I looked. He stroked my hair and pulled me in to kiss him. I admit I did not resist, but then his hand went up my thigh. I tried to push him off. I yelled No! He pushed himself on top of me. He pulled at the front of my uniform and broke several buttons. The lipstick smeared across my face as I moved my head from side to side. He was laughing. I screamed again, No Larry! He called me some awful names.” Margot shook her head.

"Just then there was this loud splat sound that came from the front windshield. Larry stopped cold as white drippings scattered across the glass.” Margot’s expression became something that her grandson had not seen before.

“Larry took a pistol from the glove compartment and jumped out of the car!” Margot’s voice was more intense. “He started shooting, yelling for the birds! He grinned as the feathers came through the air. My heart sank as I got out of the car. He started to walk back when a flock of pigeons descended on him. He dropped the gun as they pecked at every part of him. He screamed for me to shoot them. I picked up a large stone which I threw in the direction of Larry at the end of cliff. I watched as the large piece of granite hurled straight towards his head. His eyes became wide as he moved away. The rock missed him but he lost his balance and toppled over as the birds let him go “

Margot then recounted, “I walked to the edge and watched Larry’s lifeless body slip, hitting more rocks until he reached the river. I cleaned the windshield with a torn off piece of my uniform. I picked up the gun which I threw over the falls. I wore my jacket covering the missing buttons. I must admit I felt a feeling of freedom as I drove away. I explained how Larry was shooting at the pigeons for pooping on his car and he fell over edge. No one was surprised. Larry had a temper.”

Margot turned and looked at her grandson whose jaw was hanging open. “How about we go for a fish sandwich? The place off Main St. has a nice haddock.”

“Ah, yeah sure Nana,” Jake nodded. He watched still in shock as she said goodbye to the pigeons, each and every one. His eyes became wider as he heard the birds reply, “Thank you Margot.”