I'd hoped to find a 4th of July story to post here today—I'm sure I've got one somewhere—but no such luck. On the other hand, I did find a nice story about an American family, if not "The American Family," and that's kind of what this holiday is all about…isn't it? This story appeared in Issue 70 [May, 1999], and refers to a time when pretty much everyone smoked. It comes with a wonderful illustration by the late artist Sean—several readers have asked for more of those—who was always so scrupulous about getting every little detail right.
YOUNG MAN FALLS VICTIM TO THE PERILS OF LEATHER, TOBACCO AND MASTURBATION
My dad is a very
affectionate man. More than most I’d say. My favorite hugs as a young boy were
those I got after he’d been out for a Sunday afternoon ride on his bike with
“the guys.” He’d come in the door, scoop me up and ask, “How’s my little
buddy?” I’d hug him tight and bury my face in his shoulder. Looking back, I
remember the feel, sound and sweaty, smoky aroma of his leather jacket as it
was against my face. As a teenager, I realized my older brother’s jacket
aroused me much the same as dad’s jacket did back then.