Snow In August

Part 8: The Death of Silas Brown, Jr.

CHAPTER 1: THE END IS NIGH

Silas Brown, Jr. Barber. Father. Son. Husband. Brother.

He had held on for as long as he could during his cancer battle. He was also happy he could see his kids one last time. One of them, Charlie Brown, coming back to Sparkyville, despite the bad memories he had there. His father's illness outweighed any grievances he had towards the town that caused him so much pain and suffering. In fact, because of his coming back, he was able to deal with his own issues, make peace with his sworn enemy, Violet, especially after it was revealed that she was abused by a trusted family member, and even start over as friends, finally find true love with one of his dearest friends who had always carried a torch for him in Marcie, and reuniting with the ones who always had his back, including best friend Linus, his closest friends Schroeder, Franklin, and Shermy. And a returning Lucy also helped in rekindling the ties once severed. Charlie Brown was considering staying in Sparkyville once more and calling it home.

Sally, who had settled in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, had also carved out her own niche. Following in Silas's footsteps she became a salon owner and dating the aide to the mayor. She had also rekindled her friendship with Linus, though on a platonic basis. She no longer considered him her Sweet Babboo like she did when they were kids, and even carried some bitterness towards him until they started talking it out and he apologizing for how he treated her when they were little. She had come a long way from when she was having her brother do her homework for her. It turned out she was dyslexic and she finally had someone work with her and she had finally improved on her grades.

This particular day was a good one for Silas. He was able to come out from his bed and join the family and friends. He was still wheelchair-bound, but it was like the old Silas was back, at least for the day. He was cracking some of his usual jokes for his former staff from the barber shop, and they all were having a good laugh. Charlie Brown and Sally was happy that their father was feeling good this particular day. They knew he wouldn't be around much longer. Legend had it that when someone is terminally ill or about to pass on, they have one last "good day" before they ultimately die. They put it in the back of their minds and enjoyed this rare occasion while it would last, as did Maureen, their mother.

After the get-together at the Brown's home, Charlie Brown helped his father into bed. Before he went to sleep, Charlie wanted to have a chat with his father.

"Enjoy the day, dad?" he asked.

"I did, son," said Silas. "It was good to see the guys from the shop at least one last time." Charlie Brown knew the end was getting closer, so he took this opportunity to speak to him.

"Dad," he began, "ever since coming back because of your illness, what's been happening to you, bad as it is, actually got me remembering why I loved this town in the first place. Marcie has been my rock since coming back, Linus and I have picked up where we left off, Violet and I have finally buried the hatchet, it's like my coming back has had an effect on everyone. Which brings me to what I want to ask you."

"And what would that be, Charlie?"

"Would you want me to take over the shop for you?"

Silas sat for a moment. Then he said, "About time you asked me that." Then he opened his drawer by the bed and pulled out a set of keys and handed them to Charlie Brown. "I've already talked to the guys, and they're on board. The shop is yours now, Charlie. You'll still have some papers to sign, but I've already willed the shop to you, as well as other things which you will find out about soon enough."

"Thanks, dad." And he hugged his father. He could feel his skeletal frame poking through his pajamas. "I'll let you get some sleep. Mom should be in soon."

"Okay, son. Good night. I love you."

"I love you too, dad."

NEXT CHAPTER: PROPOSITION