The unusual one way sign instructive

Upon arrival to the rest area the hour was very late. In fact, dawn was less than two hours away. That is why Jamal chose now for the rest stop. They would be in their new town about an hour from now. The moving truck is one of the big freight carriers. Therefore, it is going to be a spectacle for the small mid west town.

Although he wants to get an early start, he doesn’t want to get off on the wrong foot. Not in their new neighborhood. If they were moving into the suburbs of the big city, it wouldn’t matter. However, the town of Dannbury is small. Very small, when compared to where Jamal and April are moving from. They are big city people, through and through. To say this will be a lifestyle adjustment for them, is an understatement.

With this in mind, they need to hurry. It is their last chance to have everything prepared. The idea is to begin the moment they arrive in Dannbury. Jamal gently nudges April. She sleeps snuggled up warmly in the passenger’s seat of the large work truck. When she doesn’t respond, he tugs at her elbow. The last few days have been nonstop for them. He wishes he didn’t have to wake her.

The Unusual One Way Sign

Just before they get back on the road, Jamal confers with the movers. They want to get the truck unloaded before noon. Then they can begin their journey back before dark. It’s a good plan he thinks, as he gets back in the truck with April. Although April is wide awake now, she sits quietly in the seat. She doesn’t turn her head when Jamal gets in the truck. Instead she sits quietly and waits until he is buckled and ready. When he starts the truck, then she speaks.

“Do you think we’re doing the right thing?” She barely pauses before continuing. “I mean with everything Jamal. Was this really the best thing for us?” Now she turns her face toward his, and he can see the tears. He gently takes her hand and lightly kisses her forehead. This isn’t the first time they’ve had second thoughts. Therefore his answer is the same as before.

“This is the right thing for us. Furthermore, we both decided this. Together. We agreed we were done with the big city life. This gives us a chance to start again, to rebuild and try to carry on…” His voice trails off, and he pauses. Then he looks into her eyes, and very softly he says, “It’s going to be okay. Our new home is amazing and we are going to be extremely happy.” Then he winks at her and rolls his eyes as he adds, “After we get the truck unloaded.”

The Instructive

Leon pushes the last bolt through to the back of the sign. From there he secures all six of them. Another thirty minutes and he will be done. He steps back and looks at the one way sign. It is slightly crooked but it will do. Besides there’s only one house on this street. The old Baker place. In fact that is why the city manager has Leon installing this sign. City ordinance, he says.

Leon begins tightening the bolts on the back of the sign. He still can’t believe someone actually bought the old Baker place. Leon hears they are not locals. They would have to be from out of town to buy the old Baker place. It’s the only house on Cedar street, which is also a loop. Around the back of the loop, opposite the house property, is the old cemetery. That’s why this street gets the one way sign, as per the city ordinance.

Leon tightens the last bolt. He’s pretty sure the new owners of 9633 Cedar Lane were from out of town. Because everyone within fifty miles of Dannbury knows about the old Baker place. Even Leon’s own grandpa had stories about this place. He glances further up the road at the old house. Instinctively, he feels like it’s watching him. Then he quickly packs up his equipment and beats a hasty exit. Twelve hours later, a large moving truck turns onto Cedar Lane. Let the story begin.

---

Thank you for reading! Like, follow and share The Frog Journal on X @1finja1 – and on The Frog Journal Facebook page click here. Subscribe to the free newsletter to stay up to date on new content and updates.