Casualties at Dawn

My bicycle rolls under the street light that flickers off as I make my way. In the distance a man is throwing a Frisbee to his dog in the middle of the street. There is no traffic aside from several other people on bicycles making their way one way or the other across the island. Early morning walkers and runners dart this way and that. Occasionally I hear the sounds of a radio or television but for the most part it is quiet. I can hear the sound of myself breathing. The hotels are full and women wearing their nightgowns sip coffee on balconies staring at the ocean. Shirtless men with unbuttoned shorts sit beside them. A few have sleepy eyed children in their laps. Below in the offices, shift changes are taking place. The Breakfast Club is already full of activity as everyone continues making ready for the day. I stroll through the door marked Exit Only, around the counter to the coffee pot, pour myself a cup and then spread the newspaper in front of me. "Read my Horoscope," Chris demands. We are both Cancers and he's under the illusion that I care what our astrological forecast has in store. But I flip to the section and read it to him. Apparently we're in for a pretty good day. Ryan, who is almost my red headed step child, is suddenly standing in front of me. "Hey Chaplain of the Breakfast Club," he asks, "do you still love me?" "Hell no," I quickly say. "You're lying," he counters. "I am not. What do you want?" "Will you go to the store for me," he asks, knowing that I will. The place opens with a sigh and I leave. At Chu's there is a line of men in unbuttoned shorts with unbuttoned shirts and no shoes getting coffee to take back to their hotel rooms. My friend who works there asks who I'm buying for so I tell her and the cigarettes are hurled at me. Back on my bicycle I coast down Tybrissa Street and see the other casualties of dawn, sitting on benches smoking while staring into other universes. Some have just gotten up while others are contemplating sleep. The beach is busy with tents being set up for a Volley Ball Tournament. There is also something called White Crush taking place on the Pier so it's being blow dried and a stage is being set up. People have cameras set up on tripods taking pictures of the rising sun. Back at the Breakfast Club, it is crowded and everyone is busy. I wait for Ryan to finish serving a table and give him the cigarettes. He hugs me. I meander back home and am shocked to see that Sarah is up. She doesn't do dawn. On the other hand, I have introduced Cassidy, the five year old, to the cartoons I grew up on as a child. Bugs Bunny, Deputy Dawg and Woody Woodpecker. She became an instant fan and woke Sarah up to enjoy them with her. More casualties of dawn. Sarah makes a face as I give her a kiss. Cassidy is oblivious to it as she stares at the television. I make a pot of coffee and fix Sarah a cup. We've got a big day planned. The Carnival of Friends are involved ... there's a Volley Ball tournament and White Crush to enjoy. I am certain there will be more casualties. Hopefully, I'll see tomorrow's dawn. Whatever ... apparently I', in for a pretty good day.