On The Corner

The bike spokes glimmered in the sun rays that peaked between the tree shadows and the spanish moss that hung over the city. The newly pumped tires glided around the lush garden filled squares in town and maneuvered the cobblestone streets with ease. The large tree roots that broke through the concrete streets like miniature volcanoes were no match for this skilled rider. It's tourist season, meaning you must be ready at any time to dodge a slow-moving tour trolley or a gaggle of giddy bachelorettes at a moment's notice. The bike whizzed by all the additional people on the streets as the wheels swirled fast past the brick storefronts and street merchants trying to make an extra buck.

The streets felt packed but JJ felt alone, not lonely, but alone like the world had fallen away and it was just him, the bike ride and, his newly acquired audiobook playing into his headphones. That's all that existed. The only noise that slightly crept past the author's voice telling the story was the sound of the street bands and musicians that stood like rod iron lamp posts that adorned what seemed like every corner. Some played violins, others trumpet, and some five-piece bands on occasion. The sound of music only made the book and story better, like a soundtrack. Everyone was out in full force today, the music vibrated together almost as if they were all playing the same song. The music hummed and swelled to fill all the cracks in town from alleyways to rooftops, the sound flowed like the river does through the city.

The tires squealed to a halt as JJ drifted the bike to a stop at the corner of Lincoln Street and E Broughton he gazed up at the street sign. This corner in particular didn't seem as busy. The crowds were behind him and the music seemed to fade into the background. This corner was modest and simple. There was an intimate coffee shop on one edge of the road, and a locals' bar, and a small city history museum across the street. Completing the corner was one of JJ's favorite buildings. It was a light blue stucco, with dark blue trim that framed the windows and ornate frieze details that looked like crowns on top of each window. A total of 32 windows, 16 on each side. The building had tall sturdy wooden doors and painted matching blue columns that held up the concrete frame.

JJ preferred this corner and sturdy blue building because his father played here, sometimes before dinner on Saturdays or after church on Sundays, whenever he could find just a little bit of time. JJ closed his eyes, still listening to his book, but could easily imagine his father with a saxophone in hand standing only a few feet away. His dad played with effortless motion, even though he only managed to learn about 8 songs since picking up the instrument. He played with such enthusiasm, his desire outweighed his skills. JJ pictured his father dancing around the living room as they danced to music, smiles beaming across their faces. He remembered how he'd always hum loudly to himself as he washed the dishes after dinner, and how he would tap his foot to the beat in church on the back of the pews. He wasn't the best dancer and nowhere close to being on key, but it brought him to life.

Most never find that craving or fascination for another thing. The bike wheels began to turn and JJ continued down the street to his home. He pulled into the driveway of a modest ranch home, he pushed through the front door and into the kitchen, past the living room and into his room, which was lined with bookcases and what seemed like endless composition notebooks. JJ scribbled a few notes down in a journal as new ideas raced to his mind after his bike ride. His thirst for writing and reading was palpable, he flipped through a few books and quickly jotted down his fleeting thoughts again.

JJ moved to the living room, notebook still in hand as he picked a record from his father's collection. He put it on and sank into the recliner. The music filled the silence as he tapped his pencil to his chin and looked up to the mantel where his father's urn stood. JJ thought about his father, his love for music, and also how he loved family dinners, bad dad jokes, and his dedication to his job. He was the epitome of a family man. His father did his best to be a role model for his children because he knew how it felt growing up without someone to look up to. JJ wavered as his thoughts sunk in and he soon became fearful of never achieving his dreams. He couldn't imagine loving something more than writing. He couldn't imagine only ever doing it on the weekends or whenever he could find just a little bit of time. JJ knew he was the man of the house now, but he hesitated on navigating the new responsibility.

JJ exhaled deeply and moved to the record player to change the song. He noticed his father's saxophone case tucked away between the record shelves. He quickly picked it up and paused briefly before opening it. JJ brushed the worn black leather case with his hand removing the dust that had accumulated. He flicked the golden latches open and he could still smell the faint scent of his father linger. He pulled out the saxophone and held it tight, almost hugging it.

Out of the corner of his eye, JJ saw what seemed to be a little black book inside the instrument case. JJ scooped it up and flipped through the pages, it was difficult to tell at first what the notes were about. He saw many dates and what looked like the tallying up of money. JJ saw the first page in the book was dated on his very first birthday, January 11th, 2003 under the date was written 22.00 dollars. The next date entered was January 18th, 2003 with the number 25.00 dollars below it. He carefully began to add up the numbers and eventually turned to the last page, 4 days before his father's death, the date listed was February 27th, 2021 written next to it was 23.00 dollars. JJ hummed with intrigue, he knew all these tips from over the years playing weekends on the corner would add up to be $20,000, maybe even more. He flipped to the next page and there was a note, not of numbers or dates but a message that read, "For your passion JJ. - Love Dad"