We wept
Driving from LA to Seattle, my cousin Jim announced that we had to detour to Newort on the Oregon coast. Recently graduated from the USAF Academy, Jim's roommmate, John, had taken his new bride on his first cross-country solo flight to John's parents. They became lost in a storm over the Cascade Mts. We were to deliver John's personal effects.

Upon arrival, the teenage siblings split without a word. The mother cornered me in the living room and asked about divorce. The father took Jim into the dining room, where the table was covered with maps. Seventy days later, he was still searching for his son.

After four hours, we left. We were asked to stay but begged off and bugged out. The grief had descended into madness.

PS. Three others perished while searching the mountains.

Jim drove.
(Lister, Fri 15 Apr 2005, 12:51, Reply)