New Moon: The Last Gas Station

Tonight's Episode

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Antler is alone on the roof of the fire house. He’s operating his makeshift observatory. The desk kit with the spotting scope is on the folding table, the nice one with the 10-inch lens set up off to the side.

It’s a new moon, it’s still early, the last signs of dusk are on the horizon. He’ll wait with a cigar and a scotch. It won’t be long at all before the fullness of a dark sky is in effect and the stars will dominate the sky. Coming out early is the best way to let the eyes adjust.

He can hear the guys over at the Gas Station. They’re listening to it loud while they close up. He’s heard those songs a million times and has no idea what it is. He knows the playlist though, and they’ll be wrapped up soon after the next song finishes.

Antler wants to lie low so they don’t know he’s up here. They like to visit, and he usually likes it when they visit, but he’s not up for a visit. He wants some alone time. Antler likes a lot of alone time.

Venus and Saturn are already strong in the sky. Won’t be long till Mars pops through. He pours another finger of scotch and hovers over the desk scope. There’s not a lot going on up there tonight. No events to speak of, but the dark is closing fast now.

He has expended a lot with the kids from Stellar Gas in the last few days. They always come to him for solace, and advice. He’s the last male figure they have since their dads. He gets that, and he’s proud of them. Antler can see them growing into their manhood, and he knows that is a different thing in these times. He figures their intuition and sense of self and others is kicking in about this age.

This town has been good for them. It’s been good to them. He’s helped see to that. As he promised their parents. He sees the lights killed across the road at the old pumps, and the sign goes dark. The night is in full effect, and here come the stars in their opulence. The doors of the truck slam across the road and the truck starts up.

“Good night Antler!” Paul yells.

“Night Antler!” From Mint.

“Good boys!” He yells back.

399 Words.

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31 brand-new stories written and podcasted in 31 days.