Destiny

The sea is calm now. Heavy rains and high winds racked this beach as the storm Sandy mercilessly passed through the eastern seaboard. Don's life also has calmed down. A few years back his life was suddenly thrown into turmoil, as if his family was in a boat that battled against a raging storm; everybody thrown out to sea, and each struggled to save their lives. Was it his destiny to become a doctor only to wind up in prison? He sacrificed to become a doctor, not only for his ideals to help the sufferings of others, but also to improve his life. And then temptation is dumped into his lap. He ponders and vows to wait it out, to see how this life drama unfolds. He has finally accepted the futility of the situation. He had taken a long time telling her, trying to find the right words. "Why did you do it? Norma kept asking him. Did you not even think of your son who has been a youth leader in high school advocating against drugs? And now his father is going to be indicted for distributing drugs". Norma stormed out of the house. She went to her mother's house to tell them what is happening. They were all startled and disheartened of the news. Her mother sympathized with Don knowing that her own husband has also strayed away at one time. She forgives him for the sake of the children. Her aunt and her sister, both spinsters, started castigating all men. They cannot be trusted. Norma should divorce Don. Norma found no solace from them. She left the house and started driving on Hylan Blvd towards Midland Ave. She park on South Beach. She got out of the car. She got up on the boardwalk and started walking slowly; meditating. She has walked the whole length of the boardwalk without being aware of it. The sun has started to come down and she felt a cold chill. She drove back home.