The Way to LA
James Rada, Jr. 1: The Woman on the Platform The black iron steam engine eased its persistent chug as it approached the Western Maryland Railway station in Thurmont from the east. When the wheels finally stilled, a riot of screeches and groans emanated from the trucks as they reluctantly slid along the cold, hard iron…
The Ghosts We Carry
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. THE CLASS OF ‘16 7.To Fallen Friends Brian Peyton first sensed the pain deep in his body—a searing, relentless throb on his right side that pulsed with every breath. Each inhalation sent sharp, hammer-like jabs of agony from his ribs, rippling outward until…
The Ghosts We Carry
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. THE CLASS OF ‘16 5: Domino Effect When Brian Peyton first heard the distant, mournful cry of the train whistle blend with Will VanSant’s frantic scream over the phone, his heart pounded with urgent resolve. Without a second thought, he snatched his keys…
The Ghosts We Carry
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. THE CLASS OF ‘16 4: Second to Fall Will VanSant pulled into the parking lot of the Sleep Inn & Suites in Emmitsburg with a heavy heart, the warming morning air punctuating the stark reality before him. Tucked amid half a dozen unoccupied…
The Ghosts We Carry
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. THE CLASS OF ‘16 3: The First To Fall Brian Peyton’s eyes followed his former classmate, Thomas Hardcastle, as he hurried from the 10-year reunion of the Catoctin High School Class of 2016. Thomas’ complexion was pale, and Brian couldn’t help but wonder…
The Ghosts We Carry
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. THE CLASS OF ‘16 1: The Reunion As the morning light filtered through the curtains of his hotel room, Brian Peyton slowly stirred awake. He groaned, his head pounding from the excess of whiskey he had consumed the night before. With a heavy…
The Ghosts We Carry
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 1: Returning Home As the sun began to set on Friday evening, cars started rolling into Thurmont, bringing with them alumni from all over who were returning for their anticipated Saturday reunion of the Catoctin High Class of 2016 at Thurmont Ambulance Company…
Capture Art in a Park
Art has been part of the history of national parks since the 1860s when Hudson River School painters captured the majestic Western landscapes that became our first iconic national parks. Their awe-inspiring works spurred Americans to preserve those lands for future generations. Artist George Catlin, during an 1832 trip to the Dakotas, was perhaps the…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. T h e C a t o c t i n B a n n e r b r i n g s y o u . . . 12: Second Chances Jack Lawrence asked Bobby Hennessey to drive him from Bobby’s farm…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. T h e C a t o c t i n B a n n e r b r i n g s y o u . . . 11: Happy Birthday Bobby Hennessey slowly opened his eyes, the bright morning light stabbing…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. T h e C a t o c t i n B a n n e r b r i n g s y o u . . . 10: A Night on the Town Stacy Lawrence had reluctantly allowed her ex-husband, Jack,…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. T h e C a t o c t i n B a n n e r b r i n g s y o u . . . 9 : The Unwanted Guest Stacy Lawrence sat behind the steering wheel of her…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 8: A Surprise Visitor Stacy Lawrence turned in her two weeks’ notice to Kevin Poland, the owner of the Thurmont tavern where she worked. He was disappointed she was leaving so soon, but he realized that her new job managing Bobby Hennessey’s farm…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 7: Making a Deal Stacy Lawrence and Bobby Hennessey set up a time to meet at the Kountry Kitchen restaurant the day following his job offer to her. Stacy had wanted time to think about the offer and think of any questions she…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 6: A Job Offer Bobby Hennessey and Peter Lawrence entered the bustling Thurmont tavern, their boots tapping against the wooden floorboards. The warm, inviting scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, mingling with the sound of glasses clinking and people chatting. Behind…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 5: Helping Out Peter Lawrence seemed to mature before his mother’s eyes, and she wasn’t sure if she was proud that he was growing into a fine man or sad that he was losing his childhood. Stacy Lawrence had reluctantly given her son…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 4: A Hard-Workin’ Man Stacy Lawrence liked life in Thurmont, mainly because there was little drama. The worst that she had to deal with was the occasional bar Romeo trying to pick her up while she was working. So far, they had all…
From May To December
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. 3: Job Hunting Saturday morning, Stacy Lawrence slowly woke from her slumber, feeling disoriented and unsure of her surroundings. She looked at the ceiling and then at the nightstand. She didn’t recognize them. With a jolt, she remembered that she and her son,…
Never the Wonder
by Christine Maccabee (Songbird) It feels like a fairytale a “once-upon-a time” my life with my children so long ago. At the store yesterday I saw a mother with a child upon her hip, and I saw myself as I once was……
From May To December
written by James Rada, Jr. 2: Age Old Issues Stacy Lawrence and her 12-year-old son, Peter, climbed out of the tow truck when it stopped in front of the Super 8 Hotel. They waved to Jack, the driver, who had a friendly smile on his face as he drove away. Stacy put her arm around…
