The Last Cigar

The next day James was black and blue throughout his body and face. He could barely get out of bed and walk to eat breakfast. News traveled fast and many people came to his house to congratulate him, he didn't want anyone to see him in this condition so he had Maria tell them he was asleep. The only people he would see besides Maria was Joseph, Isabella and the person to award him the winnings. In fact James stayed in most of the week, he didn’t want to see his neighbor, Sullivan, and he probably didn’t want to see him either. On Saturday James went out to the back yard, he was on the mend; looking and feeling better. Sullivan saw him and walked to the property line, he said, “Hi James how you doing?” James replied, “Not bad and you?” Sullivan said, “Recovering, I was thinking maybe tomorrow we could get together and talk.” James said, “What was there to talk about, the talking was in the ring.” Sullivan said, “I mean as friends, I want to forget and apologize for what I’ve said and done, maybe we can have some of that wine you make?” James said, “Maybe, if I’m out in the yard tomorrow, we’ll see.” Sullivan said, “I want to be not only neighbors but friends.” James glared at him and walked away into the house. James thought overnight about meeting with Sullivan. He pondered that it took him two huge fights to make his point and gain respect. He figured he would meet him sometime later in the morning. It was about eleven in the morning; James went outside in the backyard carrying a bottle of his homemade red wine, glasses and the box of cigars. He made his way to the picnic table where he placed everything down and sat. He poured himself a glass knowing that his neighbor would see him and come out to meet. Sure enough Sullivan emerged. Sullivan ventured to the property line and said, “How you doing James, you goanna let me try that wine?” James replied, “Yea why not.” Sullivan made his way to the front of James' property where there was a three feet tall white picket fence; he slowly raised his leg over the fence and groaned as he was doing so. James heard him moan and said, “Still sore from the other day, huh,” James snickered. Sullivan replied, “Yea, you,” James said, “Not really, I could go a couple of rounds right now.” Sullivan chuckled. James made this comment as he didn’t want him to think he was in any way inferior. Sullivan sat at the table and James began pouring him a glass of red wine. While pouring he told Sullivan the wine he is about to drink is his own homemade, fresh grapes from the vineyard in his yard. He explained that after the stems and branches are taken from the grapes a wine press is used. The grapes are placed on the top of the hopper and by use of a crank are ground up, when the liquid is squeezed from the grapes it falls down into the large vat making juice. The acid in the juice is the background of a good wine, if there is not enough acid the wine will have an unpleasant after taste. He said that sugar is added to the juice and the longer the wine sits or ferments, the stronger the wine will be. James told him that his family from the “Old Country” owned a large amount of property for farming and they had a winery which produced a quality beverage that was sold primarily on the island of Sao Miguel, where he was from. James passed it to Sullivan; he drank it and mentioned that he was very impressed with its taste and quality. James took the box of cigars, opened and held it in front of him so he could choose one. Sullivan was surprised at being offered the cigar. The cigars were cut and lit; Sullivan again complimented him, this time of the quality of the cigar. James said, “My family has a tradition, when there is a special time or meeting of importance a cigar is offered to the persons present.” Sullivan replied, “Oh so this is an important meeting, huh.” James said, “Through smoking cigars people get to know each other and the conversation many times will center on the joy that a cigar adds to their life and its ability to create and build friendships. Many times through smoking a cigar they become instant friends with mutual respect and how it enhances the conversation. I've thought about us getting together and it has an important significance; not only for us to be friends and neighbors but to break the wall between our nationalities; one of mutual respect and dignity. It doesn't matter where people are from but we all have to treat each other fairly and with dignity. Does it have to take two brutal physical battles between two people to accomplish this, what does it have to take? If I have to I’ll keep fighting, if that's what it takes.” James took a deep draw on his cigar and exhaled, waiting for a reply from Sullivan. Sullivan paused, he was speechless and said, “James, you have made your point, I have been so stubborn and closed minded, I now realize that people from other countries and nationalities have many qualities and some are very good fighters.” They both laughed and shook hands. They finished their cigars, drank, laughed, and spoke of their different cultures and customs for about two and a half hours. They ended their conversation both with a better understanding and perspective of not only their nationalities but a mutual respect for each other. They shook hands again and promised to get together again soon. Sullivan walked home, this time he wasn’t stumbling from being sore but from the wine.