They had rented the cabin for two weeks every summer for the thirty years of their marriage, so it held many memories, but it was also a place he could be alone, now that she was gone.
She had passed away nine months ago, and he hadn't taken any time to grieve. He just couldn't with the relatives around.
So, when Harry called to ask if he wanted it again this year, he mentioned it to the kids. Kevin had started a new job and couldn't get off. Rose was having a difficult pregnancy, leaving only Allison. She being the youngest and a junior in college, would have no interest in spending a week or two in the sticks, without cable TV, or Internet, with her Dad.
But Jake decided to take the time off anyway. He could do some writing, maybe get some closure, and probably finish off a few cases of Bud and some fine Scotch.
He made the announcement at their weekly Sunday dinner, which wasn't so weekly anymore, with all feeling the effects of Mom's passing. All three were there, with two spouses included and they all seemed to think it was great that he would get up on the lake, away from civilization, back to the place he loved.
All except Allison. She seemed disturbed by it. She was back in her old room for the summer, and after the others left, she helped clean up.
"Why didn't you tell me before?"
"Huh? I figured I'd tell the whole lot of you at once."
"Dad, I've been home for two weeks now. I know you didn't decide today, so why couldn't you give me a heads up?"
"Alli, why are you upset? Did you want to come?"
"What if I did? It's too late now."
"Honey, I remember how you hated it up there once you were grown. You said you'd rather be home with your friends."
"Yeah, I know."
"And do you really want to be stuck on the lake, three miles from the Post with nothing but that little boat and a radio?"
She found herself lying in bed that night, thinking the same thing. Dad still hadn't come to terms about Mom. He shouldn't be left alone. Didn't anybody else see how hurt he was?
No, of course not, they weren't sleeping under the same roof, didn't hear him at night when he drank, and would play those old songs that reminded him of Mom.
At breakfast, she announced, "We'll take both cars. If I get tired of the place, just take me back to the Post and I can drive from there."
Jake sipped his coffee, knowing to argue was futile. After all, she was her mother's daughter. The same strong will. He had begun looking forward to being alone, but it was nice that she wanted to look after him, and recall some fond memories.
The seven hour drive passed with occasional calls to each other on their cells, which would be useless at the lake, with no cell towers for miles.
They arrived at the Post, got the key from Old Joe at the desk, who offered his condolences about Mom. The sun had set, and they loaded their bags as the wind picked up.
"Some storms in the area. You better get to the cabin before one hits. The basics are there from the Collins family. You can come by tomorrow to stock up."
So they set out in the 12 foot row boat with an Evin-rude slapped on the back, and made their way into the night. The winds were stronger, and the overcast skies allowed no moon light, but they stayed close to the shore to keep their bearings.
"I think I felt a drop," Alli said.
Mountain storms came over the trees with little warning, since they were almost like in a bowl, limited skies. And so did this one. In two minutes, they had their parkas on, in five, they were soaked through. The lake was rough and the small boat barely inched along. Jake remembered the old Summer Camp a short distance on the right side. It had been abandoned last summer and hadn't been reopened.
"Honey, they have a pier, we could tie up there and wait for this to blow over. All the buildings seemed solid?"
They made their way to the pier, with Alli jumping up and expertly tying them in. They grabbed their bags and raced up the muddy path, to the first building. It was more a shed and was locked, but next was a Day room, for the smaller kids. Jake tried the door but it was locked and used his elbow to pop a small window in the door, allowing his hand to open it.
Once inside they stood staring at each other like drowned rats, and Jake couldn't help but smiling.
"What?" she asked. This happened one other time, before you were born, just Kevin, and your mother was furious at me for bringing them up here. She swore she'd never come back again!"
Alli smiled. "I can just hear Mom screaming at you, in that voice: 'Jake? Have you lost your mind? I know you had it once, you married me!"
Jake marveled how she sounded just like Mom, and his smile felt forced.
The room was pretty clean, considering. No obvious sign of creatures, and since the place was abandoned in mid-session, it was left in a hurry, meaning like they planned to be back. In the cupboard were old food stuff, all crackers and bread far from edible, but a few cans of Chef Boyardee raviolis, and the pot belly stove actually had dry wood inside it!
Jake made sure the flue was open, then got a small fire going, and it lit the room, too. There were blankets for the kids at nap time, and they were extra soft.
"Come on, before we get pneumonia, lets get out of these wet clothes." He had removed his parka and tore his shirt over his head. The Blanket felt dry, and his body heat immediately provided warmth.
Alli hadn't move, just stared at him.
"It's okay, Honey, nobody will see, and no sense opening our bags in here."
She turned her back and began to unbutton when Jake understood her hesitance. He said, "There's another room over there, I'll go explore," leaving her alone.
"Thanks Dad."
