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Language:
English
Series:
Part 8 of Five Moments of Intimacy (POI) , Part 6 of POI Drabblefics , Part 2 of Bechdel-Wallace Pass
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Published:
2018-08-12
Completed:
2019-09-02
Words:
1,000
Chapters:
5/5
Comments:
17
Kudos:
19
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516

Five Moments in the Park

Chapter 5: Secret Sharing (Fusco)

Summary:

Over the years, Fusco has learned the value of open ears and a closed mouth. It's nice to use that trait to protect good people, for once.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The sun’s set to retire by the time that Bridgers is done giving testimony about Thursday’s shooting. He skillfully avoids mentioning Reese; maybe that’s why Fusco decided to give him a lift back downtown. Tough to get around when you don’t have a steady income, but the fair’s still up for another hour, so maybe he can still get a bus card or something.

Besides, Fusco was heading that way anyway. The captain had wanted some positive police involvement, and Carter volunteered; might as well see if she needs any help putting away the leftovers.

Halfway there, Bridgers sighs. “Ever get depressed that your life isn’t interesting enough to feed a myth?”

Fusco blinks. “Huh?”

“You and me, we’re not gonna be remembered. Too common. But there’s a legend goin’ round. Homeless guy after a bottle to drown in… found himself a suit instead, and now he fights crime.” He glances at Fusco. “Wades in where guys like you stand out.”

“Guy in a suit, huh?”

“Protector of the city. Shows up when something bad’s about to go down. Somehow he just knows. Lotta people alive because o’ him.”

“Well,” Fusco muses, “guess some guys just need a second chance.”

Notes:

I once read a tale, possibly an anecdote, of a missionary who visited some South American tribe regularly, and got to be good friends with the chief. And one day the chief told him that he was going to give him a gift:

From now on, all the incredible tales that had been told about the chief, would instead be told about the missionary.

I have always found that idea thrilling, the thought of deliberately changing tribal memory like that, of reshaping the past as an honor due to one who meant a lot to the people. And I mean, that's similar to what we've done with Saint Nicholas, right? As I explain him to kids, he's the guy who was so kind and generous to children in need that we honored him by creating the tale of Santa Claus, a tale that is taught to nearly every child in our country and many other countries as well as a symbol of generosity. It may not be precisely what happened, but it's a powerful symbol nonetheless.

Myth and legend are powerful forces, and should not be discounted.

This is part of why I take a great deal of pride in being one of the modern bards, spinning stories for others to help teach essential lessons -- and why it hits me so hard to hear a phrase like "But there are few bards now." Because storytellers matter, and the artful use of fiction and fantasy can shape entire worlds.