The Merchant Marines

Section Four- All aboard!

*If you’re new to this short story, you might wanna go back and start at Section One before continuing below.

Section Four

Joe stood on the platform at the Macon C-of-G Railway Station. It was just before dark, on June the 30th, 1942. A small cloth sack was hanging from his left shoulder, and a little boy was hanging from his right leg. His mother and father were there too, along with his three other brothers. The Conductor called, “All aboard!”

Joe knelt down and peeled Bubba from his leg and passed him over to Bill. “You’re in charge now when Pop’s at work Billy.” Bill wiped a tear from his eye and tried to stand up a little taller. “I’ll be back soon, okay little brother?” Bill just nodded his head solemnly, unable to get a word out.

Joe beckoned Ed and Frank over and wrapped his arms around his four little brothers. He kissed each of them on the forehead and stood to tell his parents goodbye. His Mama’s face was buried in Pop’s chest.

“Now now Sara,” Pop said. “Joe’s going to be just fine. He’ll be home before you even miss him.”

“I already miss him!” His mother cried, but was able to gather herself just enough to embrace her son. “You’d better come back to your Mama, Charlie Joe.”

Joe himself fought back tears, “Okay, Mama.”

He stuck out his hand to his father. Pop took it and pulled his son close to him. “I’m proud of you son.”

“Thanks Pop,” he said, blinking away the liquid that threatened to escape.