Joe Gribble - Darkest Edge

“I like your attitude, Mark. It’s good to have you back.”

Mark got up to leave. “I’ll get the final story to you by tonight.”

“Yes. Yes, you will,” Art said as Mark walked out of the office. “And close the friggin’ door!”

Mark walked out, leaving Art’s door wide open.

Mark sat in his parked car near the school. He noticed another school bus pass by, but his attention was on his phone. He listened to a voice mail on speaker.

“Hey, Mark. Here’s the final,” Ellen said. “It turned out great. I heard they’re airing it on the evening news in a couple of hours. Congratulations.”

Mark pushed the play icon. His image behind the anchor desk came up as the story played. He watched it, smiling, all the way to the end: “The Edges Psychiatric Hospital ends a legacy of helping thousands of patients. Though they used what some have called ‘barbaric’ techniques, it was all done with the very best of intentions. This is Mark Wilcox, Chicago Channel Seven News.”

As another yellow school bus passed by, he watched it stop ahead of him behind a line of other busses.

Children started to come out of the building and head for the buses.

He got out of his car and walked toward the school. He was standing just outside the front, along with a dozen or so other parents, when Rachel came out, backpack slung over her shoulders.

Rachel squealed when she saw him. She ran to him and jumped in his arms. “Daddy,” she squealed.

Mark squatted down as Rachel flung her arms around him.

Mark reveled in the touch of his daughter, the tight hug. After they hugged, Mark and Rachel walked away toward his car, holding hands.

“Do I really get to stay the whole weekend with you, Daddy?” Rachel asked.

“Sure do. Mommy said it’s okay. She even gave me some clothes for you.”

“Can we go to the park?” Rachel asked.

“Sure, we can,” Mark said. “But there’s something special I’d like to do.”

“What?” Rachel asked.

“I’d kind of like you to meet someone,” Mark said. “But it’s a few hours away. You wanna’ go on a little trip? “

“Yay! Who is it?” Rachel asked.

Mark looked down at her. “Your grandpa,” he said.

Rachel looked up at him. Her expression gave her away — she was both surprised, and thrilled.

And so was Mark.