Last Call for Mr. Johnny Price

"All aboard! Last call! All aboard! Last call!" The train conductor bellowed loudly.

Smoke escaping from the train stack seemed to match the cadence of the train conductor's urgency. People rushing everywhere with their bags and hats, some dragging cedar chests. Women were crying and kissing their men goodbye. Mothers embraced children. With a 'stand up straight,' and a 'fix your bow,' and a 'mind your manners with Nana,' clause.

Fathers looking in the face of older sons, in tight embrace, eyes trying to hide fear, masked by words of wisdom. 'If you can't get out, find a place to hide,' and a 'listen to your sergeant.'

It was 1941 and the world was changing. Some folks going. Others, staying. Some were sad. Some filled with hope. But all of them answered that last call.

Except for Mr. Johnny Price. As the folks moved fast around him. Mr. Price was thinking twice. He should go, but remained frozen. Knuckles white with anticipation, he clasped his case with a steady gaze, but was gripped by indecision.

Suddenly the words spilled out, "By the Heavens, I am prevented."

With a sigh, he wiped some sweat, with a finger, from his nose. Just like that, Ole Johnny Price turned around, with ease. With this decision, he unfroze. He took off his traveling hat, his yarmulke exposed. Mr. Price's ancestors, they all came from Germany. Their last name used to be Preis, until they immigrated to America more than a 100 years ago. And with this, war going on, he was glad for that.

He headed toward the depot, and as he walked, he filtered his thoughts, maybe he would call a public service car.

But, Mr. Price was a little tight when it came to spending money. With a name, like that, he knew that he must be loyal to his inner urge. A worthy soul, He heard the words echoing inside him.

"On second thought,' he said out loud, 'I think I'll call my girl."

See, Mr. Johnny Price was not a soul who needed salvaging. He did not want to be tucked away, hiding from the wartime terror. He was fortunate enough to reside in the United States, and the rural, rugged terrain of Florida's panhandle, felt like home. He recognized that his children feared for his wellbeing and his safety. But, Mr. Johnny knew his price was worth more than costly pearls.

He found the phone inside the station, pulled out a coin to call the Widow Frazier. She looked pretty. Johnny loved her. Even more, now, since her husband died. The Frazier's family and the Price's had been friends, partners and neighbors for over 40 years. And Johnny knew, deep down, no one gets no extra time to fashion bonds, like the ties of old friends.

To him, his farm was worth more than the highest market price. Had his adult children reduced him to someone who needed saving? He would not let fear decide his worth. He knew who he was. He could get a guard dog, he thought. Johnny dialed the phone.

The call, connected, the line trilling.

The phone rang at the widow's home, she answered pretty quickly. "Of course I'll come collect you, from that filthy station! Mr. Price!" She said in a ginger tone. "I thought you were leaving here and going to see the city. I am glad you changed your mind. But, what happened, Johnny? Tell me."

"Come get me, Betty." Was all he said. With few words, the line went dead.

And with this last call, Betty came. Directly!

She picked up Mr. Price. In her regent blue, sparkling new '41 Chevrolet. Surprised and quietly relieved, She wore a smile. It brightening her face.

"Fancy Ride!" Said Mr. Price, as he pried the large door open. "Did Sear's & Roebuck's send you this?" He laughed at his own joke.

She looked at Johnny. She rolled her eyes.

"10 and 2, eyes on the road!" Mr. Johnny ordered as she pulled away from the station.

The two of them settled in, a quiet drive through their own country. Mr. Johnny taking in what he almost sold, in haste. He felt peace and a huge relief. He thought, not one dog, he decided, maybe two.

His thoughts shifted to his children, in the city. I definitely do not want to live in a city apartment. I'm in love with my legacy, the timber farm and the old cow barn hold too many memories.

His contemplation was interrupted by a soft, sweet touch. Betty reached over and took his hand "You're my best friend, Johnny, I am glad you stayed."

As they held hands, Betty reminded him of his value and his worth, to her.

"I almost lost you," she continued. "So why don't we... maybe merge our farms, and families. It just makes sense, don't ya think so, hon?"

Johnny turned toward her and didn't blink.

"Well, Mrs. Price," he said, "I thought you'd never ask!"

Johnny reached into a hidden pocket and withdrew a ring. "I've been wanting to call on you, and since you asked, let's make me the last!"

He slid the ring on her finger. "Oh, Johnny, of course I will! What a lovely pearl!"

"Of course my dear. The pleasure is mine." Johnny said. "You are more precious to me than any pearl, gold or silver It's your wisdom I value most. You truly are a treasure."

Betty gazed over. Her eyes were glazed and moist.

Just then Johnny pointed toward the windshield. "And dear, remember! 10 and 2!"

Betty laughed, returned both hands to the wheel, and carried them home.

***

Johnny might have missed his train, but he refuses to let fear decide his journey or his value. He makes this one last call to find the treasure, buried and birthed, in love.