Jamesel G. Lighten
A lot of things happened in August of 1977. Elvis died, the Son of Sam was caught, gas was up to $.60 a gallon. For Tucker, Webb, and Hands, three friends living in the Las Vegas ghetto, August of ’77 is going to be more than just a month on the calendar.
Once a rich, successful architect, Tucker has lost everything to cancer, including his self respect. Blind since childhood, Webb has the patience of a saint, which he needs to deal with life in the ghetto. A scarred and bitter veteran of Vietnam, Hands has taken his delusions to a whole new level. Together the three of them are going to have to find a way to deal with endings, beginnings and friendships, or die trying.
Jamesel Lighten was born in August of '77, and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. When not writing, he attends college and spends time with his wife, Betty and their dogs. He is a co-host on the Internet Radio show Spankwagon.net and the author of Absolutely Shameless. (www.jameselsworld.com)
Webb had been about to go out the door to visit his girlfriend, Brenda, when Tucker started yelling. He sighed and moved across the living room and through the hallway with his cane tapping along the wall. He stopped exactly eight feet away from Tucker and folded his arms, displeased with Tucker’s behavior.
“You know what the doctors said. It’s terrible for you to be out. I have to follow their rules,” Webb said angrily. “You need to stay in and take your medicine. The longer you do that, the longer- well you know.”
“Just say it, Webb! The longer I live,” Tucker said, completing Webb’s sentence. “I don’t want to die cooped up in this house like a damn test mouse in a science lab. I need air. Haven’t you just ever needed air, Webb? Being stuck here is a cruel punishment I do not deserve.”
Webb rubbed his hand on the back of his head, trying to decide what to do. As much as Webb knew it would be wrong to take him out, he also knew Tucker deserved to breathe fresh air like everyone else. He had given in many times before, why should today be any different?
“Man, you’re going to make me late again. You do this every time I’m about to go over to see Brenda.”
“Then she should know every time you go to see her that you’ll be late,” Tucker said.
Webb looked up at the ceiling. “Lord, help me to deal with this man today. Help me please.”
“You gonna dump me off at the usual spot?” Tucker asked.
“What’s your problem?” Webb shook his head. “Goodness gracious.”
“Well that’s what it is. You dump me off in the usual spot and pick me up on your way back.” Tucker struggled to roll his wheelchair down the hall and stopped in front of Webb. “I’m like a bicycle that you roll down the street and chain to a light pole during school. Then after school you unchain me and roll me back home for storage.”
“That’s a terrible way to think of it. Also that’s very disrespectful towards me, brotha’. Can’t believe the things you say sometimes Tuck,” Webb said, clearly hurt.
