Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip

CHAPTER 48: A LISTENING PARTY

“…again, thank you for listening & goodnight from The Old Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight Illinois. I will talk to you again soon here on WSM from the road….”

& with those words from the youngest sibling, a round of cheers & applause erupted in the family business.

“Now that’s how ya do a radio broadcast,” the shopkeeper, trying to make himself heard over the roar, half-yelled to the middle sibling.

“Yes,” was all the middle sibling could muster. She was happy for her younger brother, but wistful because she wanted to be with her brothers on their trip. She knew, however, she was in the right place for her.

While the cheers & clapping subsided, the middle sibling glanced at the clock & exclaimed to nobody in particular, “My goodness, I need to be getting back to my family!”

Her husband & children were not with her because the now-near-capacity gathering at the family’s business had not been planned. Throughout the prior 2 broadcasts, people had arrived to visit the business & see the brothers’ sister. This led to a fairly sizable gathering for the just-ended 3rd & final broadcast.

“Why don’t you go on home, then?” the shopkeeper’s wife suggested. “We can lock up here after everybody leaves.”

The middle sibling glanced around. While some people had started to file out, others were still lingering. She briefly considered the offer.

“OK, thank you, but don’t let people stay here too late,” she said, adding & glancing towards the shopkeeper: “I know how grumpy he gets when he’s not in bed by a certain time.”

The shopkeeper chuckled: “Yeah, well, just you wait until you get our bill!”

The middle sibling smiled, gathered up her things & dashed out the door….