Work Text:
Two stunning houses were nestled next to each other on Long Beach. The one on the right was home to an acclaimed author, Jeffery Robbins, whose best friend and wife lived next door.
Edward "Hudson" Rockford was a war veteran like his best friend. They'd been best friends their entire lives, and both earned a Purple Heart in the war that blinded Jeffery.
Nowadays, Hudson (who got his nickname for falling in the river as a child) enjoys spending time with Jeffery. However, Jeffrey did envy his brother-in-arms, who had a wife and son.
Jeffery has never been fortunate in love. It certainly wasn't because of his personality. On the contrary, Jeffery was relatively easy to get along with. Hudson's wife, Deborah, insisted everyone discovers love in some form or another. It's not always romantic love. Nevertheless, everyone will find love one way or another in their lifetime.
Deb Rockford was undeniably a beauty. She has abundant cascading golden hair, brilliant aquamarine eyes, and a fit, curvy figure. Any man would be lucky to have her on his arm, given that he treated her right. Hudson's pet name for Deb was "Angel of the Sea," given that they met by the sea. Deb had been studying marine biology when Hudson first joined the armed forces.
They'd been married for sixteen years, with a fourteen-year-old son named William, or Bill, as he preferred to be called. Currently, their son was at school, and his parents and next-door neighbor were savoring the magnificent sea before them.
"Pleasant day, don't you think?" she sipped her lemonade.
"I agree, Deb, quite pleasant. So, how are things at the university?" inquired Robbins.
"Well, I've been offered a promotion I'll accept next semester. I'll be part of the administration once the new semester begins. What about you? Any new ideas for novels?"
"Right now? I'm in deep writer's block, plus Gilly has been looking for more company in the house," he replied, though it was apparent it wasn't just the canine that needed someone.
"Well, now that I think about it? I do have a freshman in my class who requires accommodations. Her name is Ella Lakewater. Unfortunately, she recently got unjustly evicted from her apartment."
"Well, I don't mind letting her stay with me. But, again, some company would be welcomed on the long nights."
"I'll let her know. I wonder what's taking Hudson so long to return with our drinks? How long can it take to make a fresh pitcher of lemonade?" she questioned, to which Jeffery shrugged.
Truth be told? It wasn't the lemonade that kept Hudson from returning outside. He'd gotten a call from his son's school and didn't look particularly happy. Finally, the call ended, and he returned to his wife and friend. "Thank you, darling," as she took her fruit drink graciously.
"What's the matter, old friend? You seem distressed," Jeffery noted. They'd been friends for so long. Even his blindness didn't leave him blind regarding his friend's mood.
"I just received a call from my boy's school."
"What? Please tell me Bill and his friends didn't get detention again!" his wife demanded. Moreover, her son and his best friends, Jeff Brooks and Lex Thomas, were known to get into mischief from time to time.
"Relax, Angel of the Sea. Our son has not landed another detention. The principal wanted to know if Jeffery and I would attend an assembly in two weeks. They'd like essential people of various backgrounds to talk with the kids about their futures—or other essential life skills. I'm a little put-off. They asked so late, it's all."
"Hmm, well, I'd love to talk about my military service or career as a writer. So, which are they asking for?"
"They told me it was the latter for you. They asked me to talk about the importance of serving one's country. They'll give us until the weekend to make up our minds."
"I'm all for it! It'd be nice to inspire the next generation to have a brighter future. Also, show them that no disability can truly stop you from what you're seeking to do with your life."
"I agree with Jeffery, love. You should do it. Heaven knows this generation could do with a good lesson from their elders!"
"Well, its a changing and demanding world. Do you think they want to hear from old warhorses like me?"
"It can't hurt any, honey. Also, Bill is very proud of his father for stepping up.
"She's correct, Hudson. I loved to do this, so what do you say?"
"Well, I'll call them back and let them know we agree. I might also get my uniform cleaned and pressed for the occasion."
"I'm sure you'll do great. Hmm? Mind asking them if I might speak as well? I'd love to talk about the importance of environmental science and how important it is to take care of the planet."
Hudson agreed to talk to the school. Two weeks later, several people attended the afternoon assembly. Hudson was surprised that a young man he'd tutored years ago, Goliath David, had been called to help promote literacy with Jeffery.
The assembly went quite well. The fact that the students paid attention, asked questions, and shut off their devices demonstrated the success of the guest speakers' job. All in all, a perfect day's work!