The Ambulance Truck, by Tony Covatta

8/12/2022

Ray got custody of son Joe, age 6, in time for his Christmas wish list: bicycle, Legos, matchbox cars, basketball, football, bat, pony, flippers, Reds uniform, ambulance truck.

Pony? Forget it. Other stuff? Some, not all. “Ambulance truck?” Boxy emergency vans were supplanting the older station wagon ambulance. Ray located a toy ambulance truck. Bed check Christmas night found Joe asleep, hugging this favorite present tight.

How cute. Not really. Custody to Ray followed erratic mom’s drugs, hospitalizations, manic blazing highs and bottomless lows. Joe last saw her jumping from a NYC taxi, abandoning him.

Joe needed his ambulance truck.

david croll

8/12/2022 08:15:54 pm

That was so sad. Nicely told

anthony covatta

9/12/2022 01:33:50 pm

Thank you David

Jennifer Duncan

8/12/2022 08:34:56 pm

The very real, very sad reality for some kids. Sensitively written.

anthony covatta

9/12/2022 01:34:23 pm

Thanks Jennifer

Sue Clayton

9/12/2022 01:28:05 am

The sight of an ambulance can bring instant relief. Perhaps Joe found some respite when he hugged his.

anthony covatta

9/12/2022 01:35:33 pm

Thanks Sue. Your usual perceptive, sensitive comments. You are a great reader.

Jacqui Wiley

9/12/2022 07:14:33 am

Such a sad but beautifully told sorry. That ambulance was definitely a comfort present.

Cindy Patrick

9/12/2022 01:34:02 pm

A true to life kind of tale. Well told, Tony. It gripped me.

anthony covatta

9/12/2022 01:40:13 pm

Thank you Cindy. I appreciate your comments.

anthony covatta

9/12/2022 01:36:38 pm

Thank you Jacqui. I enjoyed your story very much as well.

Jacqui Wiley

9/12/2022 10:07:02 pm

Thank you Anthony

Peggy Gerber

9/12/2022 04:55:12 pm

Ray has his work cut out for him. Glad he was able to bring his son some comfort.

Padmini

10/12/2022 07:59:05 am

This story has depicted the reality of society. Brilliant.

tony covatta

10/12/2022 11:34:22 pm

Thanks Padmini. I appreciate your generous comment.

Comments are closed.

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