The Chianti Chronicles
A series of short stories by Kevin J. Cullen
Ominous Anticipation.
Overview:
This story shows a day in the life of a grandfather, his grandson and his daughter-in-law, while Joseph (the son, husband and father) is serving in Vietnam.
Excerpt:
Jake shifted mental gears, laboriously parted ways with Beatrice, then turned the game off. He headed out to the backyard with Kirk and they immersed themselves into one of the most satisfying spiritual rituals known to mankind – playing catch.
Slow Dancing at the Clamdiggers Saloon
Overview:
A disadvantaged former high school star athlete pursues a beautiful young lady from an affluent family. After getting trouble, the judge offers the option of joining the military which he accepts and winds up in Vietnam.
Excerpt:
Derek grabbed Regina’s hand and kissed it gently as they again stared silently at the Bay. These soulmates were momentarily at peace. The DJ on the second floor announced the next song (Unchained Melody) via the Saloon’s speakers. A slightly tipsy Regina stood up, “May I have this dance, Sergeant Williamson?”
Staring Down from the Edge of Life
Overview:
Lukas, a “senior citizen hippie” is a man in his 70s. He met his wife Rachel at Woodstock 50 years ago shortly after returning from Vietnam. He is now contemplating suicide after an epically difficult year.
Excerpt:
As Christmas 2019 approached, Lukas Wagner was staring down from the edge of life. He glared at the handgun lying on the table to his left, next to a glass of Chianti and two thinly rolled joints. He lit one of the joints, then tasted his wine as Van Morrison tunes blanketed the room.
From the Frying Pan
Overview:
Gaeth is a “down on his luck” Vietnam Vet who frequents Jimmy B’s Italian Ristorante´ with his “crew.” He is hopelessly in love with the owner’s married daughter (Anna) – a woman he knows he can never have.
Excerpt:
He headed to his hotel room, removed his tuxedo jacket and tie, then opened his “emergency” bottle of Chianti. He sat alone sipping on his wine when he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door and there stood Anna, “Can I come in?” ​
An Uncomfortable Destiny
Overview:
Brian McNerney is a Vietnam Vet who served there as a tunnel rat. After a very bad start, he engages with one of the bar patrons named Katherine and tries to intervene in a deadly conflict she is experiencing.
Excerpt:
He was conspicuously small with flaming red hair and looked like a pissed off modern-day Leprechaun. He carefully scanned the bar and absorbed its essence. He looked like a man whose 56 years of life to this point prepared him for this evening of destiny. His demeanor said, “Bite me bitch.”
The Goddess of Prospect Park Loves Lilies
Overview:
The twin Fitzgerald sisters take on the task of clearing out their younger gay brother’s apartment in Brooklyn after he died from AIDS. When they get there, they discover a list which they commit to complete.
Excerpt:
Garrett walked over to check out Thomas’s wine collection in a wall hung oak cabinet, and he noticed a pile of empty Robitussin bottles in the trash can. They realized that Thomas must have struggled with intense lung congestion. Then Shannon spotted a list on the kitchen table.
No Cure for Hatred
Reggie Watkins (a 71-year-old African American gentleman) is the victim of a hate crime at a butcher shop. He dies at the hands of a deranged shooter and experiences the afterlife over cigars and Chianti with God.
Excerpt:
Reggie’s sleep was interrupted by a unique fragrance – it was the scent of a Punch Diablo cigar. He opened his eyes and saw an elderly brown-skinned man who had a shaved head and an unruly beard. He was wearing a white robe and was sipping on red wine and smoking a cigar.
The Magnificent Japanese Zamboni Driver
Overview:
Shigemi “Sam” Nakamura was born on Dec. 10, 1943 in a Japanese Internment camp in Wyoming called the Heart Mountain Relocation Center. He goes on to live a noble life, then retires....
Excerpt:
On that night, Sam completed the task and drove off the ice to the usual standing ovation from the enthusiast fans. As he drove off, a jacked up heavy-duty black pickup truck with conspicuously gaudy chrome rims ominously pulled into the dimly lit employee parking lot behind the arena.
Redemption of a Broken Man
Overview:
The Walsh Brothers attempt to do a strong-armed robbery at an illegal underground high stakes poker game to avenge their Mom and Uncle, and to pay off significant financial debt.
Excerpt:
Rory and his brothers were commonly referred to as the “The Walsh Brothers.” They earned a bit of a rough reputation in their late teens as they were known to get into altercations and were rumored to occasionally be involved in petty crimes. A neighbor once commented, “The Walsh Brothers never met a barroom brawl they didn’t like.”
The Final Exhibit
Overview:
An old friend attends the funeral of Dave Rucker, a Vietnam Vet who committed suicide. He learns some bizarre truths about his charismatic friend.
Excerpt:
I guess that’s why a lot of folks considered Dave to be a quitter, but you had to understand the guy. He viewed life as a museum and he wanted to see all the exhibits. In fact, Karl said he wouldn’t be surprised if Dave shot himself simply to experience death, to see what’s actually on the other side – the final exhibit.
