The Last Ride
The next morning, he made the call.
“Granger’s Classic Motorcycles? This is Walter Hayes. I’m selling a 1985 Harley Heritage.”
He didn’t look back. But before handing over the keys, he took one final ride.
Down the empty streets of Ridgefield.
Past the diner where he and Elaine shared coffee every Sunday.
Past the river bend where she once threw her arms wide, shouting into the wind.
At Granger’s, the owner offered $16,000 — enough to cover Emma’s treatments. Walter shook his hand like a soldier saluting goodbye.
When the trailer pulled away, the silence left behind felt like the end of a lifetime.
