Braxton and I were/are just alike. We both want to run things. And we were both mistaken by the people who thought they were better than us. Virgil and I are alike. We both have no idea what we’re doing and try to avoid trouble. B A Ruler Virgil
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Tale 250 ~B A Ruler Virgil~
1131 Days Without B III, Day 572 of Virgil’s Arrival
Just Me, Baby B,
Did you have a good day? You were always thinking about my days. These last three… The Second time I’m crying…
I can laugh too when I remember one of the rules you gave me. Or was it more advice, B?
The best legs, breasts, and thighs come in a bucket of chicken.
Braxton Barks Bradford
I told myself I needed to start asking for your advice more often. But we’ll get to that B III.
Do you remember the four rules I gave you while you were here? There was a fifth one after we had “The Talk” about you and your Aunt Carolina or Augusta, wherever she is now. But there was, don’t go #2 in the house, don’t steal, and respond whenever I call. Braxton, the oldest, was don’t bite the hand that feeds you. You’re a Smooth Criminal. Braxton, your Daddy’s not.
That’s what brings me to you now. Uh, every Thursday. Every day, with today being Wednesday, March 6, 2024. I’m still reeling from the Day Job. And a part of me doesn’t want to talk about this. But I would. But my indifference led to our… separation, B III. Death…
I continue to think of the critic and the Day Job. Confusion, Madness, and Humiliation.
So, as I told Inspector Echo this morning, at the Day Job, a new rule appeared, much like the one about “my” wearing earbuds, or how I wrote to that coworker or the one about wearing a jacket around my waist. Only this new rule was about food, Little B.
Already, I can hear your voice, Braxton. You and food…
QUIT! Isn’t that right, Braxton?
But that was both of us every day. You never got to see my Day Job. Can you smell it? Eww! That’s the reason I washed my hands before holding you. That place is gross!
Anyway, I’m pretty gross. That’s why I’m not mad at the rule—because I’m guilty. It’s this: the necessity, implementation, and humiliation—everything that comes with the rule, B. Your Daddy’s foolish pride, you know.
Things would have been so much simpler if I had listened to you, Braxton Barks.
Inevitable. I could exist or rather live as you would want. I could quit. And there is always writing, which was our path out, Braxton. If I’d let you run things. Like getting steak for dinner? B A Ruler Virgil
“It feels like I’m dying. I’m so scared all the time.” ― Mara, Spontaneous (2020)
Always and Forever,
Your Dad