Short Stories: Volume One

By Fred Silvio

I would like to thank you for being interested in reading my First Volume of Short Stories. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing them.

All the stories are fictional and come from my imagination and daily experiences. The characters are fictional also.

I try to show in my stories how I feel it is wrong to treat people badly just because they are different from you.

I feel the world would be a better place is we could all learn how to get along.

I hope my stories will help people to understand that just because you are different doesn't make you a bad person. They may be feeling the same way towards you as you do to them. Take time to get to know people and you will have a happier life.

To understand and learn is the beginning to a life of love and happiness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639852062

Book preview

Short Stories

—Volume One—

Fred Silvio

Copyright © 2022 Fred Silvio

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 978-1-63985-205-5 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63985-206-2 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

What Wings

This story is about a young man with a wonderful life. That is till, for some reason, he begins to grow wings.

Ferddy

Ferddy is a story about two aliens from another galaxy who are here to study planet Earth. They meet two teenagers through which they learn more than they expected.

Another Time

A young man is born different from his family and his peers. His life changes when he discovers a world where being different does not matter.

Pony

Here we have a story of a young American man with a strong Native American ancestry. His life changes when he is asked to do a task by a squaw who died over a thousand years ago.

Sara

A woman police officer seeks revenge against the man who caused the death of her mother. She becomes a vigilante.

Frank

This is a story of a man who is looking for a better way of life. Not only does he find a better way but also finds true love.

Terri

A child is born into a wealthy family who does not take the time to show her love. She becomes a businesswoman who gives birth to a child through rape. Child creates miracles.

Dan

He is a man who is a loner, grows up to be a dull person, plays an adult arcade machine, and gets pulled into the machine.

Doors Open / Doors Close

This is a story of a family who drastically changes because of alcohol and a stretch in the military.

Search for Home

An orphan is adopted by a mean man so he can work the man’s farm. He befriends an alien. Through helping the alien, he finds home.

How It Was Then

This is a look of how life was for Native Americans during the Ice Age.

Sergio

Man finds out his ancestors are witches. He must help to stop the dark side of witchery from coming back.

It Could Happen

A retired man finds a new life in a time that history has forgotten.

Puppy Love

Two young teenagers find a love that their parents say is wrong and will never last.

Wolf

A Native American woman and a White man find true love. The mother of the woman shows strong prejudice and danger.

What Wings

A taxi pulled up in front of a large office building. Tall, well-dressed young man exited the taxi, stood there for a moment, looking up at the tall building. Took a big breath as he adjusted his tie. Had a big smile, as if to say, "Wow, life is good. Walked over to the front of the building and entered through the large glass doors. Went over to a half-circle-shaped desk where a guard was standing. They high-fived as he said, Morning, Mr. Brown."

Guard replied, Morning, Mr. Franks.

Turned to his left and walked over to an elevator.

While standing in front of the elevator, two young ladies walked up behind him. Elevator door opened. He moved to the side and said, Ladies, as he bowed and made a hand gesture to say, Please enter. They entered, and the door closed. Pushed buttons for the eighth and tenth floor.

Ladies said, Morning, Mr. Franks.

He replied, Morning, ladies.

Elevator stopped at the eighth floor, and the door opened. As the ladies exited, they turned toward him and said, Have a nice day.

He replied, Thank you, and you ladies do the same.

Door closed, and the elevator rose and stopped at the tenth floor. As the door opened, he stepped out and stood there for a moment. Looked down the long corridor with desks on both sides and said, "Wow, life is great. Said good morning and high-fived some of the people along the long corridor. At the end of the corridor, he turned left and headed toward an office. On the door it said, Assistant Graphic Arts Manager. Below was the name, Anthony J. Franks."

Opened the door and entered into his office. Shut the door and stood there, looking around the room at the graphic art designs he had created. Went over to behind his desk. Looked out through a wall of windows at a city of tall buildings and people going from one place to another. Nodded his head up and down as a gesture to say, Oh yes, then said, Thank you, Grandpa. Turned around and sat at his desk.

At lunchtime, he went to the elevator and stopped it at the eighth floor. As the door opened, a beautiful young lady entered.

He smiled and said, Donna. Four ladies entered behind her. As the other ladies entered, he and Donna moved to the rear of the elevator. They turned toward one another, smiled, held hands, and kissed.

They left the building and entered a taxi. Taxi took them to a restaurant. They entered, and the hostess said, Welcome, and took them to a table. They waved and said hello to their friends before sitting at the table. Waiter brought them each a glass of red wine and took their order.

While waiting for the meal, Donna asked, I know you are very much talented, but what caused you to be this way?

He began by telling her how he was always interested in graphic art. My other interest was in auto mechanics. I almost decide to give up graphic art when someone had a long talk with me.

She asked, What does auto mechanics have to do with graphic art?

There is graphic art in auto mechanics. But I wasn’t thinking of it in that way. Was explained to me, you know when you are a teenager, you feel you know everything. Nothing can ever go wrong. Your life will always be the way you plan it. A smart man once told me it does not always tun out the way you plan it. As you go through life and you go through life’s different situations, your way of thought sometimes changes. It is a good practice to have a backup plan in case your way of thought changes or your thoughts get changed for you. I listened to what he had to say, and I give him much credit for the way I am today. He showed me how to enjoy both of my interests and how to enjoy life while doing so.

She looked at him in awe. That was a wonderful story. I have never heard you talk about anyone like that. That smart man is very wise. People would most likely do better in life if they, too, listened to someone who has already been through some of life’s experiences.

During lunch, Anthony started squirming and rolling his shoulders as if he wanted to rub his back on the back of the chair.

She asked, Are you all right?

Yes, but I seemed to have developed an itch on both sides of my back.

With a seductive smile, Donna said, I’ll take care of that tonight.

When they finished eating, Anthony raised his wineglass and said, To us.

Donna raised her glass. As the two glasses touched, she said, Forever.

They went back to work. They kissed, and she exited the elevator. She turned to look at him, gave him that seductive look, and said, Tonight, bird man. He smiled like a child getting kissed on his first date.

After work, they went home to their apartment. As soon as the door closed, they started kissing passionately. Anthony was moving backward as they were undressing each other. Still kissing, she took off his suit jacket, let it just fall to the floor, then his tie as she flung it to the side. Next was his shirt, which she tossed over her shoulders. He took off her blouse and let it fall to the floor. She dropped her skirt and kicked it away as it fell to the floor. They were still kissing as they were getting closer to the bedroom.

She undid his pants, and they fell to the floor. He unhooked and removed her bra. They stopped kissing. Anthony looked at her with a childish smile as he placed the palms of his hands under her breast. Slowly moved his hands to the side of her breast as he softly rubbed them. She pulled down his underwear, and he stepped out of them. She then did the same with her panties.

He said to her, Making love with you is always as if it is the first time.

She smiled and gave him a look that could only mean, I love you, then pulled him against her. They stood there in the nude, kissing and hugging. By the time they arrived at the foot of the bed, there was a trail of clothing from the front door to the bedroom.

Stood at the foot of the bed, kissing passionately. He placed his right arm around her back and reached down with his left grasping her legs. Picked her up, and she flung her arms around his shoulders. She kept kissing his neck and lips as they moved over to the side of the bed. Gently placed her on the bed. She was still holding on to him as they lay on the bed without parting.

Anthony extended his arms as he was positioned above her while kissing her lips, breast, then down to her stomach. She raised her knees so they would be on both sides of him. They began making love. She had a look of ecstasy as she reached up and wrapped her arms around his back to pull him closer to her. It was very passionate until she yelled out, Ouch! Something bit me. Anthony jumped out of bed and stood there at the side.

Excitedly, he asked, What is it?

Donna, still in the bed, got on her knees to get a better look at his back. The only thing I see is two small stick-looking things sticking out from your scapula bones. Did you at one time fall on a woodpile?

No, I have no idea how something could have stuck me in my back.

She looked closer and said, Maybe I can pull them out. She tried, but nothing happened.

Anthony said, Wow, that stings.

It’s as if they are attached to you. Was there a time before you met me when you use to fly around?

Ha! Ha! That’s funny.

Well, I’m sorry to tell you, darling, but you are growing wings.

He turned around and said in a sarcastic tone, Really, you think.

She grabbed him by his arms and pulled him onto the bed. Climbed on top of him and said, Hey, bird man, let’s finish what we started.

Next morning, as Anthony was getting ready for work, he could see two nub-like items protruding out from his back. Said to himself, This just isn’t right. Stuck his head out from the bathroom and said, Donna, come here for a moment please. She went over to him. As she neared him, he turned around with his back toward her. Can you see anything strange?

She looked at his back and said, Keep your coat on when you are around others.

You’re saying it is noticeable.

Yes, very noticeable.

They went to work. When the elevator opened on the eighth floor, she exited. Had a big smile which looked as if she was about to start laughing. Anthony went to the tenth floor and straight to his office. Said hello to others, yet in a hurried way. They all seemed to notice there was something wrong with Anthony. One of the ladies went to his office and knocked on the door.

He said, Come in please. She asked him if he needed anything. He said, Helen, I am sorry for going by everyone in a hurry. I’m just tired. Was up most of the night on a project I am working on. She told him, if he needed anything, to just call them. I appreciate all the concern, and thank you.

Helen left the office. Itch became worse. He called his doctor to make an appointment. When the nurse asked what the appointment was for, he told her it was personal. The appointment was made for later on that day. Told Donna he had an appointment with his doctor and he would see her later at the apartment.

Later that day, Anthony was sitting in the waiting room, waiting to see the doctor. Women were looking at him, smiling. After all, he was a very good-looking man and very well dressed. Smiled at the women and started to read a magazine. While reding, he started to squirm. His shoulders started moving back and forth as if he wanted to rub his back against something. Women started looking at him in a different way. He noticed the way they were looking at him and raised the magazine as to hide his face while he peeked over the top.

Door to the hallway leading to the examination rooms opened. A nurse said, Mister She stopped as he watched him squirming then said, Franks.

Anthony placed the magazine down and walked over to the nurse. She looked as if she was puzzled. Looked at her as if to say, Well!

Oh! Oh! Yes, this way please. She turned and started down the hallway. Showed him to a room and told him to have a seat on the exam table. Asked him what he was there to see the doctor for. He told her it was personal and he would explain to the doctor. She started to take his vitals. Looked at him in a funny way and said, The doctor will be in to see you soon. She giggled in a low voice as she walked out of the room. He thought to himself, she most likely felt his personal matter had something to do with a sexual matter.

As the doctor entered the room, he said, Hello, Mr. Franks. Looked over his chart and said, Good, your vital signs are excellent. Says here your problem is a personal one. Well, we will need a blood test. But for now, please drop your drawers. Anthony stood up as he was taking off his suit jacket, shirt, and tie.

No! No! It is not that type of personal. It is an itch on my back that is becoming worse.

Doctor replied, Sorry. Usually, when a patient says it is personal, it means a problem in a different area of the body. Sit on the table, and I will take a look. He looked and began touching the area where Anthony said was bothering him. You seem to have some kind of what might look like a tiny bone protruding from both of your scapula bones.

Anthony said, My fiancé tried to pull them out but could not. Said the seem to be attached to me.

He looked again and then looked at Anthony with a puzzled look. Placed a headband type of device with a light and magnifying mirror on the top of his head. It feels and looks like bone. I think your fiancé is right. Does seem to be attached. Although I do not know why or how. I’m not sure just what this is. I’ll take a sample and send it to the lab.

Anthony put his shirt, tie, and suit jacket back on. Asked the doctor, What do you think it is?

Doctor told him, To tell you the truth, I just do not know. I will contact you as soon as I get the results back from the lab. But don’t you have some kind of opinion. If I was to make a bet, I would say you are growing wings.

Anthony said, Ha! Ha! Come on, Doc, what is it?

I will be able to tell you with certainty as soon as I get the lab report. Now, if I see you flying around town, I will not be surprised.

You and Donna are really funny.

He was given lotion to help with the itch.

Anthony left the room and went to the front lobby. Stood in front of the nurse’s window. As he was signing an insurance form, he could hear the ladies giggling. He half-heartedly smiled and told them to have a nice day. They replied, Thank you, Mr. Franks.

Arriving at the apartment, Donna came over to him and wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big kiss. What did the doctor say?

Nothing much.

You are not telling me everything.

He has no idea what it is. Took a sample and will contact me as soon as the results come back. He also has your humor. Said he would not be surprised if he seen me flying around.

She smiled and said, I like that doctor.

Gave me a tube of lotion to help with the itch.

Donna said, That will be my job.

Turned to her and said with a half-hearted smile, This must be some kind of a joke. Asked her how she set this up and started looking to see if he could see where the cameras were.

Donna placed her hands on his shoulders and said, Love, listen to me. This is not candid camera. I did not set this up. Have no answer or know why you are growing wings. She grabbed both of his hands and said, Come on, let’s go back to the couch. Sat there for a few minutes while she applied the cream to his back.

Anthony got up and started pacing back and forth. After a while, she asked if there was anything she could do. Told her, No, I wish there was. I just need to clear my mind to try to understand why this is happening to me. And if there is something I can do about it.

With a puzzled look, he said, I’m sure when the results come back from the lab, Doctor will know what to do. He’ll most likely just remove them.

Donna gave him a kiss and said, I am going to bed. Wake me up if you need anything.

All night he paced back and forth. Sometimes would sit on the couch for a while. Did this many times before he fell asleep.

Next morning, he received a call from the doctor’s office. Donna heard him say, Why? Okay, I will be there. She asked, Is everything okay?

He told her the doctor wanted him to get an MRI. Called his work and told them he needed to see a doctor and would be in after the visit. She asked if he wanted her to go with him.

Told her, There is no reason for both of us to miss work. I’ll meet you after the MRI is over.

Donna kissed him and said, We will deal with whatever happens together. Placed her arms on his shoulders and said, I love you very much.

He went to have the MRI. X-ray technician asked him to remove his coat, tie, and shirt, then lie facedown on the table. When the X-ray technician saw what seemed to be two wings protruding from the scapula bones, he stood there in awe. After a few moments, Anthony could see the technician was just standing there, looking at his wings.

Told him, I am sure this is strange to you. I would imagine you have never seen this before. Well, I can tell you very honestly, it is strange to me too. But then, hey, let’s get this over with.

Oh, oh, yes, sir. It was as if the technician had been awakened.

After the X-ray, Anthony got up and dressed. Looked at the man and said, Have a nice day. Technician looked as if he was still in awe. Don’t believe he heard anything, Anthony said.

Went back to work. Donna came into his office. Gave him a hug and kiss. Asked how it went.

Told her, Weird. Now we have to wait to hear from the doctor.

Donna saw a pigeon land on the ledge outside the window. She grabbed the chair he was sitting in and turned it to face the window. Leaned over, placed her arm on his shoulders, and kissed him on the cheek. Then she said, Look, a relative came to visit you.

He looked at the pigeon and said, That is not funny.

She said, Okay, I’m sorry.

Donna said she needed to get back to work. Please let me know what the doctor says as soon as you find out. Kissed him, and as she was walking out the door, she turned and said, Love ya, bird man.

He looked at her with a look as to say, You are so funny. Sat there for a while, trying to think of what the doctor might say. Decided to just concentrate on his work to keep the thoughts of what might happen next.

Lunchtime Donna came to his office and said, I am sorry about kidding you. You know I love you more than anything in this world. Just thought it might help to lighten the situation a little.

He looked at her and said, Yes, I know. I feel the same way about you. It is just that the wings are driving me crazy. They hugged, kissed, and went to lunch.

At the restaurant and ready to sit at the table, Anthony begun to take his coat off. Donna looked at him and thought to herself, This is odd. I have never seen him take his coat off at the table. Perhaps the wings are very uncomfortable with the coat on while sitting.

Soon as he took off the coat, a man yelled, Hey, Anthony.

Turned to see who it was, waved, and said, Hi, Joe.

As he turned to say hi, Donna’s eyes grew wide, and her jaw dropped. Could see where the wings were making an impression on his shirt. He placed his coat on the back of the chair and sat down. Could see she was in awe.

You okay? he asked.

She sat speechless for a moment then said, You usually do not take your coat off when we go out to eat.

Oh, that. You’re right. It’s just the wings are so uncomfortable. Could see she was drinking her wine faster than usual.

Picked up the menu and started to read it. Peeked over the top of the menu. She still had a look as if something was wrong. Placed the menu on the table and said, You must tell me why you are acting the way you are.

She sipped her wine then said, When you took off your coat and turned to Joe, I could definitely see the impressions of your wings.

Oh well, that’s definitely a reason for you to act that way. I guess after we eat, we will have to figure something out.

They ate their meal. Donna got up and went over to Anthony. Stood behind him while he put his coat on. Smiled and hurried out of the restaurant.

When they arrived at work, the doctor had already called. He called to talk to the doctor.

Doctor said, Well, you are growing wings.

Anthony said, Then you can remove them.

No. They are attached to your scapula bones and your nerves. Removing them would be dangerous and could cause permanent paralysis. I’m sorry, but any attempt to remove them would be way too dangerous. I could refer you to a medical university where they might be able to come up with some other solution.

Thank you, but no. If anyone else finds out about my wings, my life will become a freak show. I prefer we keep this between you and I.

Arriving at home, he went in and walked over to the couch. Took off his coat and placed it on the back of the couch, and it slid off and on the floor. Flopped himself onto the couch. It was easy for Donna to see how miserable he was feeling. First of all, he always hangs his coat up, and he always kissed her before he did anything else. She knew it had to be the news from the doctor.

She went over and picked up his coat then hung it in the closet. Then went over and sat next to him. I have never seen you this down. I’m sure it must have to do with what the doctor had to say.

Yes, he said. There is no doubt that I am growing wings. He cannot remove them for fear of it causing me permanent paralysis.

She sat there feeling bad and was trying to think of something she could say which would make him feel better. Tonight we will get a good night sleep, and tomorrow we can go to the restaurant down by the park for breakfast. After breakfast, we can walk along the inlet at the park. That seems to make both of us feel better. Maybe it will help us understand our problem.

Looked at her and said, Our problem!

Yes, your problems are my problems.

He smiled and said, You’re right. That is one of the reasons I love you so much.

She smiled and said, And the other reasons?

Well, you have to let me think about that.

She smiled and gently nudged her body against him. They sat there and hugged tightly.

Next day they went down to the diner by the park for breakfast. It was cold that day, so he wore a large trench coat, not only because of the coldness but because the wings grew a little bit larger overnight. While eating, Anthony noticed a man a few tables away from theirs who seemed to keep looking over at them. When Anthony looked at him, the man turned his head to look out the window.

After breakfast, they went walking in the park. Liked walking in the area where the inlet flowed in from the ocean. There they could see the city on the other side and cars crossing the ball bridge. Also liked to see the occasional boat going by.

They were standing at the railing when he said, I think we are being followed.

She replied, Why would anyone follow us?

I don’t know. Maybe the doctor said something to someone about my wings.

What makes you think he is following us?

When we were in the diner, I saw him at a table a few tables down from us. He would look at us till I looked at him. Then he started looking out the window. Did this a few times. Now, there he is.

Donna said, Maybe he is enjoying the park as we are.

Anthony shook his head and said, I have a feeling that’s not the reason. I’m going to walk towards him slowly.

Don’t. He might be dangerous.

Looked at her and said, Do not worry. If he tries anything, I’ll just fly away. Began walking toward where the man was sitting. As he became closer, man looked at him and turned the other way quickly. Anthony stopped in front of the man. He turned and looked up at him. Anthony said, Why?

Man said, Why what?

Why are you following me?

Again, he looked up at Anthony. This time he said, I am sorry. Please sit down. I have something to talk to you about. It will explain why I am here. Anthony sat down next to him. My name is Gino Silvanti. Need to talk to you about your problem. Just wasn’t sure how I should approach you.

Anthony started thinking of what Gino had said. Then asked, Just what is my problem?

Gino said, Why, your wings, of course.

Who told you about my wings?

Gino smiled and said, I knew about them before you did.

He looked at Gino with a puzzling look and said, Wait a minute. You are telling me you knew about my wings before I did.

Gino said, Yes, that is true.

Anthony said, Well, then I would appreciate you explaining how to me.

Gino said, I understand if you find what I am about to tell you is strange or even unbelievable. But I assure you, it is the truth. I am an angel.

He chuckled and said, You really want me to believe you are an angel. Still chuckling, he turned to face the waterway. As he turned to say something to Gino, he was gone. Looked in different directions, and Gino was not there. He got up and went over to Donna. Asked her if she had seen anyone run by her.

She told him, The only people I have seen are you and the man.

As he talked to her, he looked around and saw Gino sitting on a bench in the other direction from Donna. Gino waved. Anthony thought to himself, No one is that fast. Tried to think how he did that. Unless he was telling me the truth.

He told me he knows about my wings. When I asked him how he knows, he said he is an angel. Thought he was pulling my leg. But he disappeared. Then showed up at the bench over there. Anthony pointed to a bench within a few yards of Donna. When they looked, he was not there. They slowly turned and looked at the bench where Gino was first sitting at. He was there. Gino waved at them. They looked back at the other bench then back at the bench where Gino was sitting.

Gino waved again and stood up and said, I would be pleased if you would sit with me and allow me to try to explain.

Anthony and Donna went over to Gino. He said, I am Gino.

Anthony said, This is Donna.

Please, both of you, sit. They sat down, and Gino sat next to them.

Donna said, I might be wrong, but I have always been told angels are not to be seen.

Gino said, You are right. Yet sometimes we need to be seen to be able to do what we are here for. It is rare though to let others know we are angels.

Gino started by saying Anthony was not supposed to grow wings. They were supposed to go to another man. He pointed up to the sky and said, Up there.

Anthony and Donna looked up to the sky and then to each other and said, Oh!

This was a mistake which has never happened before. Man who was to receive the wings is named Anthony Franks. Of course, that is your name. The other Anthony Franks has been up there for many years.

They hugged and Donna said, I told you everything would turn out all right.

Gino said, Not really.

What? Anthony said quickly.

Gino said, To be truthful, we are not sure what to do to change this situation. Believe me, the other Anthony is feeling just as bad.

Yes, but he is up there where it is normal to have wings. Here it is looked upon as being very freakish.

Gino said, Again, we are very sorry. Will let you know when we can change your situation. Then he was gone.

They sat there, looking at the inlet. Anthony said, Well, now I know why I am growing wings. Sure will be nice when they can come up with a solution.

Donna looked at him and said, That’s good. Everything will work out for the better. The only thing at this time that we are not sure about is how big will the wings grow.

For the next week, they did not go anywhere but to work and back to the apartment. Brought their lunches to work to help possibly having his wings being noticed. People thought they were just trying to save money. Rumors were going around from them wanting to buy a home to Donna being pregnant.

That weekend, Anthony woke, turned, and sat at the edge of the bed. Bent over while rubbing his eyes, when he noticed a small white feather on the floor. Reached down and picked up the feather. Oh great, not only am I growing wings but now I am shedding. That would surely be an item for the news: Bird Man Shedding. Donna woke up. Her eyes became wide open. Placed her hands over her mouth as she started to chuckle. She watched him as he started to walk to the bathroom. Raised his arms in a motion to stretch. She chuckled a little louder. He turned to look at her.

She smiled and said, Morning, love.

Anthony stood in front of the sink. Opened the water faucet. Bent over and splashed water on his face and hair. As he stood up straight, he looked into the mirror. Oh shit, he said as he allowed his wings to open fully. Said, Oh shit, even louder. Walked out of the bathroom.

Donna was standing there. She said, What was the ‘oh shit’ about? His wings opened to their full size. She looked at him and said, Oh shit! She walked around him to look at his wings.

Now what am I supposed to do?

She replied, About what?

Shook his head and said, Ha! Ha! I have a large presentation at the convention center today.

She smiled as if she was ready to laugh and said, Fly there.

Looked at her with a serious look. This is no time for your jokes. Presentation means something very important to me, you, and the company we work for. If this goes well, it could mean you and I can start looking to buy a house.

Donna’s face went blank. Look for a house?

That is what I have been working so hard for. I want us to be happy in our own home.

She jumped up and wrapped her arms and legs around him.

They went early to the convention center. Anthony wore a trench coat to hide his wings. Donna dressed kind of sexy in hopes the people would pay more attention to her to draw attention away from Anthony. Their presentations were set up at the far end of the center. That meant they had to walk by many other displays before arriving at theirs. As they came closer to the displays, he could see his boss staring at him with a confused look.

Anthony mumbled to himself, This is going to be awkward.

Donna went over to Mr. Lee and hugged him as she said, Good morning.

Anthony went over to Mr. Lee and said, Good morning, sir.

Mr. Lee turned with a puzzled look and asked, Why the trench coat?

Anthony told him he woke up with a chill and was afraid he might be coming down with a cold. Mr. Lee looked at him in an unfavorable way and walked away. Mr. Lee thought to himself, I sure hope the potential clients understand his reason for the trench coat.

Anthony looked at Donna and said, So far so good.

Many people through the day came to see his displays. They seemed to be very interested in his style of presentation and his talent. Yet most seemed to be uncomfortable about his attire. One man kept trying to see to the back of Anthony.

Was staring when he said, I have been exceptionally satisfied with your work for many years.

Anthony said, Well, thank you, Mr. Wing.

I am still satisfied that you will do well for me. Yet I do not feel your attire is a look of professionalism for the convention. Makes me feel your talent will be somewhat less. Mr. Wing turned and walked away.

Anthony looked over to Donna and said, That ‘so far so good’ might have just taken a dive. Mr. Wing is one of our largest clients.

Anthony watched as Mr. Wing walked over to Mr. Lee. They shook hands and said hello. Mr. Lee told Mr. Wing he was glad he was able to come to the convention. I am sure you will be pleased with the presentations.

Mr. Wing said, That is yet to be seen.

Mr. Lee asked, Is there something wrong?

Your Mr. Franks is wearing a trench coat.

Mr. Lee said, Yes, he has a cold.

Mr. Wing said, All right, then come with me. I would like to show you something. They walked over to Anthony’s display.

As they stood at the display behind Anthony, Mr. Wing looked at Mr. Lee then down at the floor behind where Anthony was standing. Mr. Lee Looked at the floor. His eyes opened wide, and his mouth dropped as if he was stunned at what he was looking at. Donna noticed them looking at the floor