Jon Smith

by Richard Proctor

  Jon cocked his head to the side, took a moment and answered.

  “You are right in that they are beautiful. Nature provides us with beauty but life provides us with needs. We hunt in order to have food and when I kill such a beautiful creature, I thank the maker for creating such a beast and when I eat it I relish the meat and am thankful for every drop of blood. We only kill here what we need and while to some degree it is sporting, it is not sport. We hunt to feed ourselves and when we have extra, we give it to those in the valley that are in need.”

  “Well that I can understand.” said Catherine.

  “Shall we go in and put on some breakfast and wake the kids?” asked Catherine.

  “Good plan since we have a lot to do today. Chris and I have an early errand to run this morning then we will come back and get you two and go to the Saturday market. It will be a chance for you to get some appropriate clothing.” said Jon.

  Not much later, the family was at the table having eggs and toast and talking about the plans for the day. Presently they finished up and Jon and Chris departed for their early morning work. Fact was they were off to join some of the other men to cut down trees and gather the large amount of wood needed for the bonfire for the evening. They took saws and axes and well-worn gloves for the chore and were off to the early morning work of providing all the needed fuel for bonfires and cooking pits.

  While the men were away Catherine and Amanda refilled their coffee cups and sat down on the couch in front of the massive fireplace and began a conversation.

  “Mother, are you glad we are here?” asked Amanda.

  “Yes I am. I feel good here and safe.”

  “You know it is going to be a change of life and many of the things you believed back in the urban world will not fit here.” said Amanda.

  “I know that Amanda and I understand all of that but I still hold a fair amount of the idealism that drove the change in this country. But I also doubt my beliefs, particularly when I see your father and brother and what they have become. I also sense that we will meet a lot of nice and intelligent people in this valley and we will gain a whole new respect for them.”

  Amanda and Catherine stared into the fire place, each with a feeling of security and contentment. At once Amanda looked to the left and saw a closed door to a room that stood alone on the side of the house.

  “I had almost not noticed that door mother. What room do you suppose that is?”

  “I don’t know your father did not take us in that room. I don’t suspect though he would mind us seeing what is in there.” said Catherine.

  At once the two rose and proceeded to the shut door. Catherine grabbed the door handle and with a turn of the knob had the door open. She shook her head as she entered the room. The area was a five-sided room, in a pentagon shape. The floors were hard wooded and the walls, what there were, had wood panel. In the center of the room was a sturdy table that was surrounded by four chairs and had a lamp sitting on the middle of the table. Overhead was an electric lamp with four bulbs and the frame of the chandelier was made up of deer antlers. To the right was a comfortable leather chair with a leather foot stool and beside the chair was a table with a drawer and on the table sat another lamp and a book.

  What stunned the women was what covered all five walls of the room. All five walls had book cases that stretched almost to the height of the ten-foot ceiling. The cases were filled with books that were very neatly placed into their proper place. There were classics, science fiction books, books about presidents and politics. There were books about hunting and fishing, and books of grand adventure.

  “Mother, look at all these books. I have not even seen a book for almost eight years.” said Amanda

  “Yes, back in the new world books have been banned. They claimed we shouldn’t waste resource on paper and such. Also why read these old books that have no value in the new world. That is why they load our electronic tablets with new books about how we should be living.” said Catherine.

  Catherine walked along the book cases and noted that they were arranged not only by type, but in each type by alphabetical order by author.

  “Your father always loved books. Funny thing he told me that when he was young, he hated to read, but as he grew older, he became a voracious reader and a collector of books. Now I know where they all ended up.”

  Catherine saw a small cabinet imbedded into the book case and went over and opened the door. She chuckled at her findings.

  “What is it mother?” asked Amanda.

  “Your father’s soul.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Inside the cabinet were three shelves filled with old fashioned notebooks that were the old scientific ruled variety. Catherine reached in and pulled out the last one and looked at the date written on the cover. The date was July 2019.

  “Your father started keeping a daily journal back in 2001. He wrote in it every day. Some of his thoughts were very deep and some were simply about the weather. It seems he continues to do so.” said Catherine.

  “Let’s read some of them.” said Amanda.

  “No, your father never told me to read them. Not that I didn’t sneak a few peaks every now and then but he never gave them to me to read. Maybe one day he will, and then we shall read them.”

  Catherine closed the cabinet and then felt drawn toward the leather chair. She sat in the chair and briefly closed her eyes. She imagined her husband sitting in the chair. She looked over at the table and noted the circular water stain on the wood. No doubt from the numerous glasses of wine that Jon enjoyed while reading. Then she was drawn to the book on the table. She picked it up and noted the red leather binding. For its age it was in immaculate condition and upon looking at the title and the book mark roughly in the middle of the pages she let out a small chuckle.

  “What is so funny mother.” asked Amanda.

  “Your father, he is such a creature.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because of this book he is reading. Your father read this book about every three years and considered himself an expert on the subject. And of course, the fact is that he is an expert.” said Catherine.

  “What book is it?”

  “The Lord of the Rings.” Your father loves this story.”

  “Oh, I remember the movie; they play it every spring on the classic E channel.”

  “Yes, and one day you will actually read the book and understand what real entertainment is, said the tall figure standing in the doorway. I see you have found our fortress of solitude.” said Jon.

  “I hope you are not angry Jon; Amanda and I saw the closed door and became curious.” said Catherine.

  “No, I am not angry; I just haven’t gotten around to showing you all this room yet. It is where I find great peace and Chris and I spend time reading and studying.” said Jon.

  “That’s right, I never thought I would enjoy reading so much but dad has so many great books and when he explains them it is wonderful.” said Chris.

  “I consider this room the heart of the house. I understand in your urban world books cannot exist and as such this is my greatest act of defiance.” said Jon.

  Yes, I wonder what the bureaucrats would do if they ever came to your house. They would see the wood burning fireplaces, the animal heads on the walls and then this place. My, what would they do?” asked Catherine.

  “They would burn it down, claiming that it was blasphemy.” said Jon as he laughed

  “Father, can we join you and Chris here in your library and try to learn your books?” asked Amanda.

  “Oh no doubt you shall my daughter, for you have much to learn. This will be a place where the family will gather to share in knowledge. For knowledge and thought is something that I treasure.” said Jon.

  “And now girls, it is time to go to the market and get you some clothes.” said Jon.
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  The four of them were soon in the truck heading up the road toward the field that served as the Saturday market, Sunday football, and of course the festival that was to kick off that day. They parked the truck next to the other vehicles and walked over toward the tables and racks of clothing, food, hunting gear, and many other items.

  “So here is what is on the list. Ladies you need clothing for tonight, several pairs of shoes including boots, blue jeans, sweaters, winter jackets and I would guess under garments. That sounds about right?” asked Jon.

  “Oh, I think that does it for us.” said Catherine.

  “Chris, we need some more flour and rice and I think it is time for you to get a new coat for hunting. So here we split up. Catherine, you two get the clothing and let the ladies know to keep a tab and I will come over and pay them.” said Jon.

  The men headed toward the tables with food stuffs and soon were carrying a fifty-pound bag of flower and a fifty-pound bag of rice toward the truck. John had brought some elk skins to trade and threw in a ten-dollar gold piece to square the deal. Then the two headed toward the clothing and picked out a nice camouflage wool coat for Chris to go hunting in. Another ten-dollar gold piece covered the cost of the coat.

  The girls of course were taking their time. They had picked out undergarments and had them laid aside. Each had picked out a pair of blue jeans and an extra pair of pants. They were picking out warm sweaters and shirts and as the mound of clothing began to stack up and Chris and Jon marveled at the precision the two women had at shopping.

  “Son there are some things about women and shopping that all the socialist reconditioning just can’t teach away. And you know what, I am glad to see It.” said Jon.

  After the sweaters and blouses came heavy coats and then the girls picked out some nice boots that could stand up to the weather.

  “Well are we all done?” asked Jon

  “Oh no, we haven’t picked out outfits for tonight or shoes.’ said Amanda.

  “Oh, how could we go without that.” said Chris.

  Amanda picked out a short skirt that came to her knees and a blouse to match. For warmth she got another small cotton sweater and some dress flats to match. Catherine chose a longer skirt and matching blouse with some shorter heals. She then eyed a full brimmed hat with a black band. Placing it on her head she turned to Jon.

  “Well what do you think?”

  Jon eyed his wife with such a look that would send a doe running. Catherine stood there, her shoulder length blonder hair falling below the slightly tilted hat. And with her beautiful features and youthful body complementing her look.

  “Get the hat honey.” muttered Jon.

  Shopping completed and the bills paid, the four got back in the truck and headed for home. All content with their bounty and looking forward to the late afternoon events.

  Upon reaching home they went in and stowed away their clothes. Jon and Chris hauled the rice and flour into the food storage area and the four then prepared a small lunch.

  “No sense in eating a big meal because tonight the menu is going to be full.” said Jon.

  “So, what is on the menu at this shindig.” asked Catherine.

  “Well right about now a couple of folks have a fire going and shortly will have a whole hog cooking over that. Some of us will bring Elk meat and Venison. Several other folks will bring the fryers and fry up about five turkeys. There will be salads, rice plates, and pies and cakes. The beverages of course will be lots of wine and beer.” said Jon.

  “Well if the New Order bureaucrats ever found out about his party, they would arrest all of you.” said Catherine.

  “I am sure they would. But frankly I don’t give a damn about them or anything else in their world. Tonight, is our festival. It marks the end of summer, the beginning of the elk hunt, Halloween, and just the joy of living.” said Jon.

  “Wait till you hear all the music Amanda. You are going to never regret leaving your clubs after tonight.” said Chris.

  “Well as long as there are plenty of young men that want to dance, I will have a good time.” said Amanda.

  “Oh, there are plenty of those, and not like those things you call guys back in your world. Just wait you will see.” said Chris.

  “And I suppose there are plenty of young girls waiting to be swept off their feet by you my son.” said Catherine.

  “He won’t admit it but most of the girls in this valley are waiting for Chris to ask them out.” said Jon.

  Chris blushed and just looked down.

  “I will have a good time.” said Chris.

  Soon it was midafternoon and the family was in full preparation for the evening. The girls were primping and making themselves attractive for the evening. Jon and Chris were loading the truck up with meat, chairs, glasses, and other party accoutrements. It was about three thirty as they all loaded in the truck and headed toward the field.

  “We are a few minutes late getting going dad.” said Chris.

  “Well that is what happens when you introduce women into the mix son.” said Jon.

  The comment brought a wry smile from Catherine and a punch in the arm to Chris from Amanda.

  The truck pulled up beside the numerous others in the parking area and was briskly unloaded. The smoke from the pig roast fires was hanging in the cool late October air as was the sound of some country music being played by a sound system. The beer and wine were already flowing and the crowd, at least 250 strong, was beginning to get in the mood.

  “Jon, Amanda and I are going to introduce ourselves to some of the ladies over there. I think it would be good to get to know our neighbors.” said Catherine.

  “I think that would be great. Chris no doubt will be headed to his age friends. Amanda, come find him later so you can meet some of the people your own age. Me, I will go over with the men, have some drinks and no doubt end up talking politics.” said Jon.

  “And if you don’t mind, please don’t bring me into that conversation.” said Catherine.

  “Yes, when we men get going it can get down right salty.” laughed Jon.

  Catherine and Amanda walked over to where a group of the ladies were congregated and introduced themselves. They were warmly greeted and soon were engrossed in conversation. Jon looked over at his wife, noticing how good she looked in her skirt and her wide brimmed hat with her blonde hair. It brought back many memories and also some regret. He had been away from her for ten years and had missed much of her and Amanda’s life. Soon his thoughts brushed that away as he vowed to make the rest of their years the best they could be. Even of course if it was just one more year as the doctor’s had said.

  Jon grabbed a cup and made his way toward the refreshment area. He decided it was a good night to stick with wine and drew a healthy glass of white wine. He saw the men from the valley sitting around in discussion and promptly made his way in that direction.

  “Jon, good to see you.” said Mort.

  “Yes we missed you at our last football game.” said Riley.

  “Understand you have been busy getting your family up here and if we might say it is a damn good thing to have them here. Going to do wonders for you and Chris.” said Nick.

  “We are just talking about our Elk hunt and how good it is going to be. Even though we haven’t had a lot of snow down here it looks like up high they have. That ought to bring the herd down, don’t you think Jon?” said Mort.

  “Yes, I think it is going to be good, and of course Chris and I are joining your hunt camp this year.” said Jon.

  “Well we are going to know this Wednesday if the herd has come down when we all head up for the hunt.” said Riley.

  “Here’s to a great hunt men.” said Jon and they all raised their glasses and took a drink

  It wasn’t long then until the group turned their conversation back toward Jon and moved in the political di
rection.

  “So Jon, when you were in the city, did you have any regrets about not being there.” asked Nick

  “You have to be joking to ask me that. What, I want to be brainwashed and wear my grey green suit and mindlessly go off to my government job.” joked Jon.

  “So, no brain washing for you huh Jon?” quipped Mort.

  “You know guys, fact is the trip made me somewhat sad. It made me think a little about that maybe we should not have just given up and left. Maybe we should have stayed back and fought the changes, fought the New World Order. Are we really courageous in what we did? What about all the young people that we have doomed to a life of slight mediocrity? I think about if we are doing the right thing here, but could we have done the right thing there.” said Jon.

  “When you say fight, what do you mean? The ability to vote was gone, the ability to speak was gone, hell our entire way of life was gone.” said Mort.

  “Should we have taken up arms and rebelled?” asked Riley.

  “I don’t know. Didn’t our fore fathers do so against a repressive government? Wasn’t that the true meaning of the second amendment in the constitution?” said Jon.

  “And then they would have branded us as radicals, as terrorists.” said Riley.

  “In many ways weren’t the members of the colonial army during our revolution the same way. I am certain the English looked on them in that way.” said Jon.

  “Maybe so but there was not such a power of coercion from the state-controlled press back then as there is now.” said Nick.

  “And to that you are right. We were only able to get our message out when there was counter media. And that was destroyed with the Fairness Doctrine, Net Neutrality, and other countless regulations that were passed in the name of social justice. Anybody that had a counter message was demonized and destroyed. Their plans were if they could not fight the message then destroy the messenger” said Jon.

  “You know you are right Jon. You have always been right about most things and have helped all of us in this valley many times. I guess in a lot of ways you are sort of the leader here.” said Riley.