It was a cool day. The sky was clear and bright with the sun smiling down from between the clouds. Its glorious rays warming our bodies without being harsh. Children could be seen playing happily at the park. They cared less for anything save for their fun.
Mr Joe was seen packing up some stuff and putting it into the back of his truck. He was probably either going to the city to get supplies, sell some leftover farm produce or he was going to visit his cornfield.
Mr Joe was always grumpy. No one had ever seen him smile. He had one of the best lawns in the county but he would scowl at anyone who tried to step on it….even children. I heard from the old neighbours that he was not always like this. The tragic death of his wife and daughter had made him to become grouchy.
He was also known to distrust people a lot, especially newcomers. As I watched him get into his truck and drive off to wherever, I released a breadth I never knew I was holding. No one likes to encounter Mr Joe.
I walked back into my apartment having fed my eyes enough of the beautiful scenery. It was a weekend and I was set to enjoy myself to the fullest. I had made plans with my girls to go out for a picnic later in the day. All that was left was for me to prepare some food which would be eaten at the picnic.
I was strutting around my place, trying to get ready for the 4pm get together with my friends when Janiyah popped into my house without knocking. She's our drama queen and we're all used to her. She walked to my sitting room like she owned the place and switched on my television.
I ignored her shenanigans but something said on the TV stopped me in my tracks. The news read ..
*”A major motor accident on Savage lane, involving a truck driver colliding with a tree. Fortunately, the truck driver was able to crawl out of his vehicle before it caught fire. He's been taken to the County high Medical centre and is currently receiving treatment. Anyone with information on his family should contact the police.
I stood frozen. That truck driver was definitely Mr Joe. He had no family members, at least none that I know of. I quickly placed a call to the police, giving them all the information I had on him. Mr Joe might be grouchy and mean but he is human and so am I.
Thank you all for reading.
Images used were imagined with Meta Ai.